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.

Happy Tax Day!

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

Lola spent many hours making this heirloom piece to be used for generations to come. It is beautifully done.

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."

Christopher with his parents and Godparents...

... Grandma Millie and Grandma Ru...


...Gran & Pop Silsley...



...the Wintersteins...

...and more Wintersteins...

...Grandmom and Granddad...


...and the rest of the McClain gang...




Savoring our greatest blessing.




Chowin' down!

Kevin and Sarah

Amy and Marnell. Oh yeah, and baby Sophia!

Grandma Ru and Christopher meet for the first time. You think they like each other?

He is "Heaven Sent"

Grandmother fixin' the fussies!

"Gee Grandmother Lulu, I don't know how to thank you for all you did for my big day"

Loving life in Papa's arms.

This "Heaven Sent" angel finally crashes after a big day of festivities. Note the angel wings above his shoulders.

"You Got to Know When To Hold 'Em, Know When To Fold 'Em" (in a blanket)...

Christopher's fussiness has seemed to peak this week. You never know what will satisfy him, hold, swaddle, suckle, bounce, jiggle, loud music, soft music and when all else fails, set him down. We go through the whole bag of tricks till we find what works for him at that particular moment. Last Friday he was having a bad crying fit for 45 minutes, finally Ryan sat him in his swing for a break. He thought music might help the little guy. So he turned our ipod on shuffle and cranked the volume. Like a switch, Christopher stopped crying at the beginning of Alice in Chains "No Excuses"! Ryan and I enjoyed dinner without a screaming baby or one of us holding him while the other ate. Of course we had our conversation over loud rock-n-roll. The good news is, something almost always works, and we can get him to stop crying. It's just keeping him content that is the trick. With the exception of two nights, Christopher still sleeps long 6-8 hour stretches at night. Gas bubbles are to blame if his sleep is interrupted. So I find myself having a great aerobic workout in the middle of the night, trying to work those bubbles out. We recently started giving him Gripe Water, its an herbal supplement that soothes babies bellies. We'll see how it works. Fortunately, he balances his fussiness with pleasant alert times and restorative naps. He is such a joy to have. Life is good.

Family announcements:

-Welcome Zachary Thomas Latimer, born April 2. Congratulations Matt, Kim, Noah and Jonathan!

-Marnell and Amy found out they are having a girl. Finally a girl!

-Mom and Dad McClain have sold their house in Delaware, after a long long wait! We are so happy for you.

-And finally, God Bless Grant Scott Thompson! He was baptized Sunday, April 6. Matt and Kim stood in as godparents.

Enjoy the Pictures!

Having lunch with his Grandmothers at Panera Bread.

A weekend visit at the Grandparents

Bonding with Daddy

First introduction to a bottle. I think he liked being fed by Daddy for a change. He kept looking at me as if to say "if you're over there, then what am I sucking on?"

Reading his teddy bear book (he's advanced for his age).

Trying out my yoga bolster.

I can't resist the sleeping shots!

Happy Boy!

"Aren't I cute?"

"I'm slipping!"

Hold On!

Ryan worked on the stairs last weekend. He is almost finished installing all the wrought iron spindles. It is so much work, he has to make very accurate measurements.

We celebrated Grant's Baptism last Sunday. Grant was so cute in his outfit Kim bought for him. Doesn't Kim look great, after giving birth to Zachary only three days earlier? Wow!

Enjoying Grant's reception.

Aunt Linda comforting Christopher.

When all else fails fussy Christopher, it's time for the sling!