Decorating

We FINALLY got around to decorating the tree and the house tonight, despite the fact that Christmas is a week away. Last weekend we brought up all the boxes from the basement, thinking we would get it done that night. But, with a newborn, take any task and multiply it by about 5 and that's how long it will take you. Drew chose to nap while decorating his first tree. Then mom fed him while telling Dad where to hang the ornaments. Samson and Eileen were on hand to help, too.

Aunt Liz

Grant's sister, Liz, came by for a visit today. She has been subbing at Peterson, which is not far from our house. Today she was Mrs. Jops! Aunt Liz discovered that Drew is ticklish! He smiles and points his legs toward the ceiling. But, she learned her lesson real fast about letting Drew "hang out" without his diaper on! It's amazing how active and FUN he's becoming. He's actually doing more than just eating, sleeping, and pooping (although he does do that quite well).

Our Saving Grace

Drew has not been the best sleeper. I hear all these stories about how some babies sleep so well from the minute they're born. Well, not with Drew. In the past it has been quite challenging to get him to sleep. We just about tried everything, from sleeping in our arms (never again), to sleeping in the bouncy seat, to sleeping in the swing. After talking with experienced moms, I learned a thing or two about babies and sleeping. Life, especially bedtime, has become much more enjoyable for us all. One thing that I LOVE, is called a Kiddopotomus. It's a special little blanket type thing that swaddles the baby. It uses velcro to keep the baby from moving. Believe me, we tried swaddling with blankets from the start, but due to our child's incredible strength and determination, he would break out of every swaddle we tried. Since he flails his arms relentlessly, he would constantly startle and wake himself up and then, of course, cry. However, this product does not come undone, and therefore, I am able to get some sleep. Amen! However, the poor little guy does look like he's in a straight jacket...

Mean Mommy

Sometimes I get carried away and have to remind myself that Drew is not a doll. I like to dress him up in his clothes and try on his many outfits. As you can see by the expression on his face, he is not too fond of my hobby. I sometimes hope his diaper explodes so I have a good reason to change him. He has a whole closet full of adorable things just waiting to be worn, and if he doesn't wear them soon, they won't fit! This outfit in particular was given to him by his Great Grandma Anderson. He has two Great Grandma Andersons, but this was from Grant's grandma. She bought it for a the holiday dinner she hosts every year. Let's just hope it still fits by next week!

Same Child???

These pictures were all taken at the same time, some with flash, some without. However, Drew looks so different in all of them! I prefer not to use the flash b/c it distorts everything and completely washes out things, especially faces. That's why some of the pictures are a little blurry at times--not enough light.

Mackenzie

On Tuesday we went shopping with Mackenzie and Melissa! We had a great day together and everyone was so well behaved!

Our Friend Eileen

Last August we adopted Eileen, our three legged black lab mix, to everyone's dismay. Grant and I were talking today about how much joy, laughter and sanity she's brought to our lives. She's really helped with the Samson issue. Who knows, if it weren't for her, Samson might be living on some farm somewhere...
We love our little Eileen!

A Visit with Elsa and Jakob

Today we went over to Elsa's house to play! Jakob was there, too. We had a nice lunch and then played until nap time. Elsa and Jakob played so well together! They both liked the purse, though. Thanks for lunch, Ali!

Santa's Little Helper

Ummm...

Samson still thinks he's the baby. Although this is a chair-and-a-half, a 95# dog and an adult don't make for a comfortable experience.

Bathtime!

Drew enjoys his bath!

Drew is Six Weeks and...

Smiling!

This morning I got up after an almost 6 hour stint of sleeping! What a milestone for Drew. We fed him at about 1, and he slept until almost 7. So, we let Daddy sleep in and I took Drew downstairs. After I fed him I was talking and playing with him and he smiled. There is nothing like seeing your child smile at you. I tried to capture his smile and got a couple good shots. Here they are!

Brrrrr! It' s Cold in Chicago!

After Much Anticipation, Kira Noelle has Arrived!

Yesterday, our friends Jay and Erin had their baby girl! Her name is Kira Noelle and she weighed 6# 13oz and has a full head of hair! She is such a little peanut! She is a cutie pie--Drew has dibs already. Here is the princess!

Tummy Time for Drew

Today Drew went to the doctor. At 5.5 weeks, he weighs exactly 10 #, is 22 inches long and has a head circumference of 15 inches. He falls in the 50th percentile for weight and head circ., but about the 65th percentile for height. That doesn't surprise me--there are some tall people in both our families! Maybe he will be tall like his Uncle David--6'5"! The doc also said to give Drew more tummy time. Let's just say he didn't like it too much. The pics say everything!

Some Other Fun Ones...