Another Busy Weekend!

With the blessing of two large happy families, comes pre-filled weekend calendars. On Saturday we celebrated Aunt Cheryl's 60th birthday, Silsley style. That is, with as many kids a house can hold. Again, the day was filled with kids playing in every corner, and babies crawling or crying. I am beginning to think that rowdy family gatherings are not up Christopher's ally. The commotion is maybe too much for him, or maybe its the interruption of his routine. Either way, he tends to be moody in a large social situation. This bums me out, because I want everyone to see how much fun he can be. Oh well, hopefully his happy times will grow as his grouchiness ebbs.

Mother's Day was celebrated at our house. My first Mother's Day was great, Ryan made me a yummy breakfast, then we prepped for company. Christopher cooperated by taking two short naps. During each of Christopher's nursing sessions, I stowed away to his quiet room and savored every moment, reflecting on all the joys motherhood has brought me. It is true that motherhood can not be described fully until you experience it. I am even more grateful now for my terrific mom, for marrying a man with such a loving accepting mom and for the grandmothers who have truly added richness to my life.

Down Bayside...

Last Tuesday we spent in Bayside with my Mom.

Christopher loves being held by Grandma.

At Kevin and Sarah's house...

In Aunt Amy's arms.

This was supposed to be a picture of Leif giving Christopher a kiss, but I caught it too late.

Lat Tuesday was Kevin's birthday. Sarah took him out to dinner and had arranged for all of us to go to their house for a Surprise birthday cake celebration. He was surprised!

I can explain. When Kevin was little he loved Spiderman. He loved him so much he dressed up as Spidy for Halloween four years straight. Mom was cleaning out the attic and came across the costume. For fun, she included it in his birthday gift bag along with the Spiderman series on DVD.

Christopher hanging out with Uncle Jason and Aunt Lisa.

I know this is a terrible picture but it is the first time I noticed Christopher playing actively with the toys on his bouncy chair. He keeps it up for 20+ minutes. I am in awe at his development this week. Time for more toys.

Ryan still comes home to a fussy Christopher sometimes. Thank goodness he is good at comforting him.

Aunt Cheryl's Birthday Party...

These next pics are of Aunt Cheryl's Birthday party. This is Jennifer playing with her Grandpa.

Kim and Zachary
Aunt Donna playing with Grant.

Nothing like being sung "Happy Birthday" to by a room full of kiddies!

The youngest of Jeff and Lisa's kids, this is Jessica. Isn't she beautiful?

Big Boy Christopher!
Playing with his grandparents.

Mother's Day...

This picture is for Matt. Go Longhorns! Christopher's new hand positioning for sucking looks like he's rooting for the Texas Longhorns.
Smiling at Oma W.

Being entertained by Aunt Lisa.

Chilling with Aunt Kristi.

Lisa has the magic touch with Christopher.

This is Christopher's new toy from Lulu. He is really into it. It is a frog with lots of different textures and crinkle sounds. I am amazed at how fast his dexterity is developing.

Wow, what a handsome husband and adorable baby, it is truly a happy Mother's Day!

A Weekend at the Beach with Cousin Leif

This was the first time Leif was able to really run around and play at the beach. He had a ball. While running along the shore line, he tripped and did a face plant in the water. This didn't slow Leif down any, but we did cut the visit a little short, since the wet clothes made him chilly.

He really enjoyed his new sand toys.
Like his new Oriole hat? Laura, Jason and Amy took Leif to an Oriole game last week. He really enjoyed it, cheering and clapping for the O's.

Silly boy, eating cheerios Saturday morning. Hmmm, I see where Mr. Potato head left his glasses.
Riding a Pony on the Boardwalk.
Walking around Rehobeth.

Leif was so good with Christopher. Whenever he cried, he came to me saying "baby". He was very interested with the little guy. He helped start up his swing. (Leif loves buttons and switches)

Sammy boy loving life.

Mom and Dad working in their backyard. It looks marvelous.



Spreadin' sod.

I took this picture because this was the first time Christopher grabbed the ring by himself. Hurray Christopher!

Sorry for the lack of CRW pictures. This past weekend was such fun. Jason, Laura and Leif joined Mom, Dad, Christopher and me in Milford on Friday night. I read an entire book (Water for Elephants I highly recommend it). I played lots with Leif, he had been almost ignored by me since Christophers arrival. And I jump-started summer by going to the beach both Saturday and Sunday. It was great fun. We ate Grottos Pizza, Fishers Popcorn and yummy gelato. My diet starts today!

Ryan placed second in his fishing tournament; congrats!

Today was a really fun day! Lola and I had dentist appointments back to back, so we took Christopher in to show him off to all the girls in the office (and to Dr. Meek). Dr. Meek did a quick gum check for Christopher and told him he'll see him in a few years! Anyway, this wasn't the fun part I mentioned. Afterwards, we met up with Kristi and had lunch at Serpico, a local Italian restaurant. Christopher was on his best behavior. Later, we went to Rita's for some refreshing Italian Ice. And finally, we each got pedicures at a nearby salon. Lola and Kristi took turns watching Christopher at our house since the salon is only a minute away. I know to most people this doesn't sound like a particularly exciting day, but for me it was luxury. Tomorrow Christopher and I head to Milford, DE to visit my parents at their shore house. Ryan will be in VA for a 3 day fishing tournament. I am looking forward to spending time with my folks and showing Christopher the beach and ocean.

We have been trying to get Christopher to use his hands more, so we placed a ring in his clasped fist. He enjoyed watching the chain of toys swaying with each swat of his hand.

Ryan and I took advantage of Christopher's pleasant mood before bedtime by playing together.

"I love you Daddy"

"Super Baby!"

In our backyard with Aunt Kristi

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.