My son the fashion plate...

Noah has the unfortunate coincidence of being a) my first child and b) the recipient of many cute outfits. The end result is that this week we've had fun dressing him up in all the cute clothes people have gotten him and taking pictures of said outfits just about every day. The khaki gansta/surfer outfit is from his Uncle Kenny, the overalls outfit is from his Aunt Val, and the Hawaiin outfit is from his Aunt Meera and Uncle Jason. Yes, we refer to all our friends as aunts and uncles. How cute is this child?!

Worth a million bucks

Yep, that's right, he's starting to smile. Previously it was just gas or what have you that made him smile. But now, he is definitely smiling in response to our voices or faces we make, etc. It's so sweet! Good thing too, because that 12-3am scream session last night was enough to try anyone's patience!

The orange and blue travesty

Last week, Noah and I went for our first visit to the preschool where I work. Now some of the lovely gals I work with are diehard Illini fans. I, despite having been born and raised in this state, am a diehard Hawkeye fan. Each year we have a bet that runs through football and basketball seasons. It's simple, the school with the most combined basketball and football victories wins the bet. The loser then has to wear attire from the winner for a whole day at school. This year, they raised the stakes on me and demanded that Noah also become a victim of this terrible crime. So, thanks to RYANE BARTON, LYNN LISZKA, MEGHAN BARR, and JULIE BARELLO, my poor innocent baby and I had to wear this awful stuff for our first visit. I would post their home address for you all to send hate mail to, but I don't play that way. I'm a classy Hawkeye gal.

The stroller incident...

Yesterday, Noah got a visit with one of the Florida Aunts, Kathleen. Since it was such a lovely day here in the Chicago area, we decided to go out for a walk with Noah and Ellie. I had not taken the stroller out yet, and had to consult the directions to make sure I had everything where it was supposed to be. Kathleen grabbed Ellie's leash, I put Noah in (much to his protest) and we headed out. Just before leaving I said to Kathleen "do you think I should strap him in all the way?" We concurred it would probably be best and we made our way out of the apartment. Well, two educated women (with graduate degrees) nearly dumped Noah out several times as we jostled the stroller down the apartment stairs. Thank goodness he was secured in there! First of several parenting mistakes I'm sure. But the walk and the visit with Kathleen was lovely!

Hey cuz!

Noah has had quite the whirlwind first 3 weeks of life. He has met lots of cousin (first, second, first once removed, etc), aunts and uncles. He is so lucky to have such a wonderful and involved extended family. The latest visit was by his Plainfield cousins, Kate, Meredith, and CJ. Kate and Meredith were a big help, even assisting with poopy diapers. CJ (7 months) looks huge next to Noah. It's insane to think that eventually they will be in the same grade. Noah has also really taken to his cousin, Francesca (in the purple shirt). Chesca likes to kiss his face and points to his little ears and feet and giggles. So sweet!

Can he play yet?

This morning, while Noah was sleeping in his small bassinet and I was cleaning the kitchen, Ellie gently placed her tennis ball in with him. It's as if she's ready to play fetch with him already. I think he needs a few more months before he perfects his overhand toss!

Is your dog a republican?

So, we went to my parents house yesterday. As always, they had a new toy for Miss Ellie. It was a politcally motivated toy, an elephant that was red on one side. Now, I'm not sure if we should believe that Ellie is republican because she loved the toy so much or that she's democratic because she tried to kill it. Personally I was slightly disappointed she didn't have the thing disemboweled in 2 minutes, but oh well. Perhaps she's more conservative than I once thought. Hum, come to think of it she is a card carrying member of the NRA. It's all making sense now! Just kidding, of course. We have to lighten the political mood around here, it's much too serious. Have a great Monday!

My brown eyed boy...

Noah is 2 weeks old today! And his dad is 30 years old today! Hoorah! It appears as though Noah is going to be brown eyed. We only see his eyes for short periods when he is awake, but they seem brown. In other exciting news, Noah officially has a belly button now that his nasty beef jerky looking umbilical stump fell off. Whoopie! Such exciting milestones, I know. He is still a great kiddo, sleeping like a prince and eating like a truck driver. I'm guessing he's closing in on 9 lbs here pretty fast. And the hair, yes the hair still stands up on it's own. He's such a looker, watch out ladies!

A boy and his dog

Several people have asked how our furry child, Ellie, has been dealing with the arrival of the small stranger. I am happy to report she is doing very well. She seems to like Noah and looks for him when she returns from walks. She likes to sniff and sneak in kisses here and there. Overall we are pleased with how well she seems to be handling the changes. I think she's happy too that someone is home nearly 24/7 now. Today she took a nap with Noah and Grandpa on the couch. Now, if we could just train her to change diapers!

Noah's first playdate

Noah had his first official playdate today with his new BFF Fred. Fred is currently 7 weeks old, so he was showing Noah the ropes of how to spit binkies and how to burp like a man. It was great!

First Sponge Bath

Noah had his first sponge bath last night. He began the event by peeing all over the tub the instant we put him in. Then he screamed bloody murder while being bathed. But once he got in a warm towel and had a diaper back on, life was good. His hair became a bit more fuzzy and has yet to go back down!