Newest little Illini fan...

Of course Alex already has an ILLINI outfit. We've already been practicing the claps and "cheers" that he'll need to know when he goes to his first game, which will hopefully be this fall. He'll be ready! It is sad that he will never get to see the Chief do the dance at halftime.

GO ILLINI GO!!!

A Possible Breakthrough

Before Alex arrived, I had started to read the first part of a book that was recommended to me by my sister. After he came however, I forgot everything that I read in it. Well, in my search for the "magic cure" of Alex not wanting to take naps in his crib, I came across this book again. Apparently a lot of people online highly recommend it as well. I decided to review what I had previously read and we decided to try his recommendations. We started to look for cues that he was getting tired (before he started to fuss and cry), swaddle him, lie him in his crib, and give him his pacifier. We were going to follow the "let cry," meaning that we would let him cry himself to sleep. Thankfully, we haven't had to even let him cry becuase he has fallen asleep by himself after only a fuss period of 5 minutes maximum. So far this is our third day on the program and it is working magically!! I'm not saying that we have found the answer, but it seems like we are on to something here. Hopefully this will continue to work because I am able to get SO much more done throughout the day if I'm not having to hold a napping baby. I'm not on edge wondering if he is going to wake up and scream either. So, Thank you Dr. Weissbluth!!!

Recommended reading for all new parents:


How Alex takes his naps now:


Alex's New boy clothes from Italy:

Memorial Day

Alex had a visitor today. Erin came from the north side of Chicago to see him and of course hang out for a little while. We were able to go and enjoy a nice lunch (without Alex) and then came back to play with him for a little bit. It is so great that we have such close friends from college and childhood in the area.

Picture for the day.

White Sox Game

Last night we got to go to the White Sox game. Alex was on his best behavior!! He slept the whole train ride there, woke up to eat, and then was happy and alert until we left, when he fell asleep for the ride home! We couldn't have asked for a better baby. Kent's boss had rented a Diamond Suite box, so it was a lot of fun. We were spoiled by having a buffet of food as well as the lovely dessert cart stop by our suite. Definately not your typical baseball game.

A family portrait



Our view from the box

Growing so big

It is amazing to see how much a human being can change in such a short period of time. In only 6 weeks, Alex has changed so much. He is definately starting to be more responsive to us as well as his toys. He is tracking things that we move in front of him. We still don't think we've seen a real smile from him yet, but it seems like it is getting closer and closer. He did kind of sleep through the night a few nights ago. He was put in his crib around 11 and didn't get up until 6am. We were impressed! Unfortunately, that hasn't happened again since then. Oh well! Maybe one of these days I'll get more than 3 hours of sleep at a time. I can't complain too much though, because he is for the most part pretty consistant with his schedule. Enjoy the pictures!

My first pair of shoes



Like my hat?



I am getting to be such a big boy!!

Mother's Day

This weekend we went to my parent's house for the weekend. On Saturday before we headed home we went and got professional pictures of Alex. This was actually a gift we received from one of my showers and I'm so thankful that we did! The pictures turned out great! Alex had a rough start to the morning, but his pictures turned out okay.

After his pictures we headed home and spent the weekend with my parents as well as Chris, Shannon, and Claire! It was good to see them. Claire changes so much everytime we see her, and it is so fun to see what she is doing. Claire is now crawling all over the place and pulling up on everything! She's a cutie.

Mother's day was good as we all went to church together and then spent the afternoon together as well. Grandma came over for lunch and spent the afternoon watching the great grandkids. Well, mainly watching Claire as she was playing hard, but she also spent time holding Alex.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Friday Alex and I went downtown and met Kendra at the Grand Lux Cafe. He did a great job on the train and in the restaurant. He slept the entire time! What a good boy!



Claire and Alex playing on the floor



Four generation picture



Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids



After we got home from the weekend we gave Alex a bath and put him in his little bathrobe.

Pictures from the last few days

Here are a few new pictures from the last few days. It seems like Alex has decided that just when we think we have things figured out, that he changes everything. Apparently he thinks it is funny, but mom and dad are wishing he'd keep things the same. :) I thought I finally had his schedule figured out, then this morning he decided to wake up at 6am, not because he was ready to eat, but because he just wanted to "talk." Although he is adorable, we didn't think it was too cute at the time. Anyway, enjoy the pictures.


I'm starting to respond more to "orange & blue"




I love my little lady bug.




Lifting my head to look at Dad

My 1 month picture

Update: We went for Alex's 1 month check today (5/7) and he was 10lbs 8ozs and was 22 inches long. The doctor gave him a clean bill of health and said he's doing great!!

Well, tomorrow (5/5) he's one month, but I don't think he'll change too much in the next 24 hours.

4 weeks old

Wow, it has already been four weeks since Alex was born! That's pretty amazing to think about it. He has changed so much in these last four weeks, but one thing is for sure, he is a strong little man. In the hospital he was already holding his head up at times on his own, but now we don't even really have to worry about his head. We have his one month appointment this coming Monday, so we'll let you know then how much he has gained and how long he is now, but I'm thinking he is probably around 10 pounds. We'll see. For now, here are some pictures for your enjoyment.

In my carseat ready for church



Great Grandma (from Arizona) came to visit this week



I do have eyes (people kept saying that he never has his eyes open)



The beautiful blues again



I have just started looking at my baby einstein star, and I love it!!



Enjoying tummy time



Holding my head up

New Pics for the week.

Ready for my first Sunday at Church




What a face




After my first Sunday at church



Little Feet



I'm happiest in the mornings



In my pjs ready for bed

Bath time and more...

This last week has gone very well. I think Kent and I are finally adjusting to Alex's schedule. Yes, he is the smallest person in the house, but he definately has control for now! The last few nights have gone wonderful (knock on wood) as Alex has slept through the night and only been awake for feedings. We'll see if this continues, but for now I'm at least enjoying getting 2-3 hour blocks of sleep. He is starting to become more alert and watch us more, which is fun. I'm sure we'll only continue to see many changes in him in the coming weeks and months.

This week his cord finally fell off, so last night we gave him his first real bath. To our surprise, he didn't hate it! He kind of fussed at first, but then realized the water was warm and it wasn't all that bad. I'm including some pictures and a short video of his bath for your enjoyment.

We also had to make another trip to the doctor this week for an eye infection. :( Luckily, the drops have worked quickly and it is no longer bothering him. He was up to 9lbs at his appointment though, so he is back above his birth weight, which is wonderful!

The other day I laid him on his tummy on the couch and the next thing I knew, he had flung himself over onto his back! Craziness!! He did it twice, but I'm thinking the slight incline of the couch helped him as he's only done it once since then. He is a strong little boy though.

Continue to stay posted. I'm sure we'll have more to come soon...

I Don't think I like bathtime



I guess this isn't too bad



Hanging out in the bathtub



My hooded towel



All done



And a video for your enjoyment...

More Pictures....


Cousin Claire looking on



Alex loves his bouncy seat



Sleeping with dad



Alex's eyes



A "smile" while sleeping



After our first outing. I think I tuckered him out.


I'll try to give an update, besides pictures, later, but for now it is time for another feeding.

Our first week....

This week has been full of ups and downs. It started out a little rough on Saturday and Sunday as we found out that Alex was not getting enough to eat. Thankfully by Sunday evening all was better in that department and it seemed like someone brought us a brand new baby. The tears had stopped and he began sleeping and eating. We've had my mom here all week to help out during the nights and thankfully feed us in the evenings as well. Kent went back to work on Wednesday, so he is spending time with Alex in the evenings when he gets home. On Thursday, Alex had his first doctor's appointment and decided to perform for both the nurse and doctor by soaking the exam room. From the wall to the floor to the table, everything was wet. oops! Then on Friday, he had visits from Great Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Shannon, and cousin Claire. He decided to stay awake for most of their visit so they got to see his eyes. We'll see what the weekend brings, but it seems like he is adjusting well to life outside the womb. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment.

Future Clarinet player...


His first bath...


First doctor's appointment


Grandma, Grandpa, Claire, & Alex


Alex & Grandpa


Great Grandma & Alex


First boy clothes!!