So Happy Together...: 04/01/2008

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Nap Time Boot Camp

I know its a little late, but happy Earth Day!

Kim, Aunt Linda, Zachary, and Uncle Scott hanging out at Kristi's housewarming.

I told Jonathan to "do something cute". I guess he thought picking his nose is cute.

The newest addition to the Silsley great-grandchildren, Christopher and Zachary.

McClain Trio.

Kristi and Matt.

Kehring family plus Grant.

Watching the NFL draft.

Leify Pants

"Show me your belly!"

Lisa and Marcos

Kevin, Lisa, Mom and Dad conversing in Kristi's Kitchen.

Hanging out on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Tummy time with Daddy.

So last week we made some great progress in the nap department. I stayed home all week except for a grocery run on Tuesday and Christopher's doctor appointment on Friday. By being home all day, I am able to keep a closer eye on Christopher's drowsy cues, and be ready to help soothe him to sleep in his crib. In the beginning of the week he cried for over an hour, despite my soothing efforts. By Friday, he was putting himself to sleep in roughly 15 minutes. It is a lot of work, both for him and me. However, before I instituted this boot camp, Christopher would not take a nap at all, except in the car or stroller, which is not quality sleep. Hopefully this week our success will continue and we can start venturing out more as a routine develops.

As I mentioned before, Christopher had his 2 month checkup on Friday. He now weighs 11 pounds 3 ounces and grew another inch for a total 23 inches! Of course he received his dreaded shots, which has made him a little uncomfortable this weekend. Otherwise, he is doing exceptionally well in all areas, like holding up his head and marathon smiles. His grouchiness lessens with each day. If I could put life on pause for a while, I would right now. I love him so much. We thank God for our blessings.

Saturday Kristi had her first of two house-warming parties. It was a great turn out, and the weather was delightful. It seems that with each family gathering, a new child is added. They were crawling, running, hollering and playing everywhere. What fun! The older kids (6-12 year-olds) were playing downstairs, and Ryan went down to use the bathroom. When he tried to leave, the little kiddies were blocking him in by sitting on the floor with all their feet pressed against the door. He honestly could not get out and they weren't letting him! (This was well deserved, since Ryan, like his father, loves to tease and play with the kids.) Ryan even called my cell for assistance! Anyway, a good time was had by all.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Waking up from a long nap

In Uncle Jason's arms

Practicing sitting up

Hangin' out with the family

After Tyler's baptism

Grandma Ru enjoying a brandy slushy

Dreaming of angels.

Dozing after a long walk.

"Hot diggidity-dog, I love my bath!"

"Don't miss that spot Dad"

Scrub-a-dub-dub

Enjoying a cool spring day on a blanket in the back yard.

" Wuz up?"

Flowers from Christopher's baptism.

Ryan soothing Christopher before bedtime.

Spring has sprung! We have been taking advantage of the warm weather this past week. Ryan washed and waxed his boat and readied it for the upcoming fishing season. Saturday he had his first tournament and placed fourth, not bad. Christopher and I spend as much time outside as we can. We stroll around the yard, and I point out flowers, squirrels and birds. Sometimes we just lay on a blanket under the big blue sky. Christopher stares skyward, fascinated. I can't help but think how small he is, and how the sky exaggerates his smallness. This past week, he has been such a delight. Showing off his social skills, he coos, shrieks, smiles and babbles. Even when he is alone in his room, I can hear a one-sided conversation between him and his toys. He has now learned to kick the arches on his playmat, making his dangling toys overhead sway. I think he realizes the cause and effect going on. His crabbiness lessens everyday. I still blame most of it on over tiredness. We have really been struggling getting him to nap. But today, I am seeing some improvement. My secret weapon: the swaddle. I guess since he is wrapped all night, he expects it during the day as well. This week I am trying hard to stay home to establish better naps.

This past Sunday we attended Tyler's Baptism. It was so nice to see the Schmale family, and to introduce Christopher. Tyler is a cutie, I can't believe how big he is! I wished Mark and Elme lived closer so the boys could grow-up together. The visit was short but nice.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Happy Tax Day!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Christening Christopher

What a delightful day we had for Christopher's Baptism! A day of family. A day to realize our blessings; each other. It was such a joy to share Christopher, and to experience the love others have for him. We had an intimate ceremony at St. Stephen's in Bradshaw. There, Christopher was baptized with four other babes. He really stood out in his hand-made christening gown, made with love by his paternal grandmother, Lola. Our son was such a good boy, staying quiet the entire time. Thank goodness for a well-timed nap! The words shared by the priest were touching, he closed the ceremony singing A capella, "Jesus is not of this world, go forth as his hands and feet". It was such a sweet ceremony, my heart felt to burst from start to finish. Kevin and Lisa did wonderfully standing in as Godparents. I could tell how much this day meant to them as well.

Our Parish, St. Stephen of Bradshaw