February Update

So far February has been a fun and busy month!
Here's a quick survey of what we've done:

• Weekend trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan to visit our friend Dan
• Attended a lecture by none other than Reverend Jeremiah Wright
• Watched Paul learn to roll from stomach to back
• Went to the Auto Show
• Laughed a lot with Paul

While in Michigan we had some great food and conversation, toured the University of Michigan campus, drove through down-town Detroit and went to the Henry Ford Museum. Thanks Dan for a great trip.


(Paul in Dan's office)


(Ford Museum)


(First Presidential Limo)

Back home Paul loved the Auto Show!


Mom liked the Toyota minivan ... Dad liked the Nissan Maxima ... and Paul thinks he needs a Jaguar!






Because I just can't get enough of Paul, here are some of my favorite pictures of him.


(Yes, I let him fall asleep in a carseat with his cloth book.
It works, what more can I say.)







And in case you want to see Paul roll over, here's a video taken just after he figured out how. (Note how his belly has gotten so big that his overalls don't button all the way on the sides.)

Still Growing

Paul had his 4 month check-up and it's official, he's growing!

He weighed in at 18lbs 7.5oz and is 25.5in tall.
It is so fun to watch Paul grow. Here's a few things that he's learned this month and that we've learned about him.

1. Paul discovered that he can grab his feet!


2. I've confirmed that Paul does not like it when I eat dairy. So move over milk and cheese, there is a new boss in town.

3. In an effort to keep up with his ever changing sleep needs, I thought I'd try to consolidate two of his naps into one longer nap. But I couldn't quite keep him awake long enough to do so despite my efforts to keep him occupied.


4. Paul is a true Midwesterner. He hasn't complained about the cold, windy weather. In fact, I even ventured outside with him the other day and I think he enjoyed himself. Here are some pictures taken from our apartment (Can you spot our van?; Yes there really is a step down, not up, when you walk out onto the porch; and I'm not sure where the icicle is coming from but it looks beautiful out our bedroom window)



5. Finally, here's Paul's latest portrait.

Christmas Break

We had a wonderful time with family this Christmas break. Here are some highlights. Enjoy!

Paul's blessing day kicked off the break. All of Paul's Aunts, Uncles, and cousins were able to make it and we really appreciate their support. Here he is all dressed up and handsome in the same outfit his father was blessed in.

Paul has some great men in his life to look up to. Here he is with his dad and granddads.

With 21 cousins, we couldn't get a picture of Paul with everyone, but here he is with a few.

We're still trying to figure out where Paul gets his good looks. Lately we've been thinking he might look most like this great-grandpa.

Paul didn't quite get the whole Christmas day thing, but at least he was a good sport dressing up for us...and trying on his new snow hat.
And last but not least, here is Paul playing in his new favorite toy.

3 Month Mark

In honor of Paul's 3 month "Birthday" I've decided to post the following comparisons, mile stones, and firsts.

Growing Like A Weed
Paul is now 16lbs, wears 9month sized clothes, and is beginning to fill up his carseat. Here are the carseat pictures at 2weeks and at 3 months.


Vocal As Can Be
Paul can occupy himself for a good 20 minutes making noise. Sometimes I wonder who he is talking to. Look how far he's come since he first started "talking" at 3 weeks.


Reaching And Grabbing
It wasn't long after he discovered his hands that he discovered his toys.


Alert, Playful, and Happy
If Paul catches you smiling he'll smile right back. Laugh and he's right there with you.


Recognizing Family
While Paul will hold a "conversation" with just about anyone, it is becoming more and more apparent that he knows that there is something special about Mom and Dad (or at least that he sees them more than anyone else)


First time Flyer
You would have thought Paul had a first class ticket on his 4 hour flight to Grandma and Grandpa's for Thanksgiving. He made himself right at home and slept comfortably.


First Winter
There is something fun about bundling up Paul and getting him fitted for winter. Here he is in some of his new gear.

The Hair

For some reason, before Paul was born we really really wanted him to have hair, so when he was born with a lot of long hair the last thing we wanted to do was cut it. But after just a week, it was apparent that some of the hair would have to go. I was too nervous to cut his sideburns (he was so small and the scissors would have to come too close to his ears and eyes for comfort), but a quick fix to the mullet in the back didn't seem too difficult. So I snipped off a bit.

Then, as Paul met more people, I kept hearing the same story over and over again about how other babies lost their hair around 2-3 months. I'll admit, I think those stories made me a little protective of Paul's hair and I lost any desire I had previously had to cut his sideburns.

Well, Paul got to meet his extended family over Thanksgiving and I received enough requests to snip his "burns" that I finally gave in.

Here are the before and after shots:


Needless to say, I'm glad I took the advice. Isn't he handsome.

Family Pictures

We had family pictures taken for the first time last month. Here are some highlights...

Thanks Danielle for such great photos. Check out more of her photography at www.redpearlphotography.com

Happy 2 month Birthday Paul

We have had a wonderful time getting to know Paul over the last two months. Here are some highlights:



Some fun facts about Paul

1. He has lots of hair and loves to have it brushed with his special brush (a toothbrush).
2. He likes to imitate people's facial expressions and even some sounds.
3. He has a stubborn side. It is nearly impossible to wake him up if he doesn't want to or feed him if he is not ready. He definitely knows what he wants, when he wants it.
4. Sometimes I think he is a clock and thankfully he put himself on a schedule (I think we lucked out on that one).
5. He has his father's hair and toes.
6. He has his mother's joints that pop and shoulder blades/chicken wings.
7. He has his own good looks since we have yet to pinpoint whose facial features he has.
8. His cough sounds more like a yell, he always sneezes in pairs, and he doesn't like the hiccups.
9. He loves motion. Everything from his swing and bouncy chair, to a moving car relaxes him. But he especially likes being wrapped up close to Mom and taken for walks.
10. He loves his parents (or at least they love him).