Tuesday, July 14, 2009
That moment
I absolutely love that moment when I can get Jack to lock in eye contact with me as I talk to him animatedly. I watch enthralled as the look of recognition dawns and his face lights up completely. The biggest, goofiest smile spreads across his face and his eyes sparkle. It's so beautiful to see that it brings a tear to my eye. Every time.

No kidding.
The last day
Today was the last day of maternity leave. I think I spent it well. Jack and I were up at 6:30 a.m. for a feeding and then back in bed by 8:00 a.m. We laid in bed until 10:15 a.m., him sleeping next to me while I relaxed. Then we got up and I watched the last two episodes of True Blood. Now I'm caught up and have to wait like everyone else. I managed to get a shower, do some laundry, and clean up the house a bit. Emma spent the morning at vacation bible school and the afternoon playing at a friend's house. It was just me and the baby. Tomorrow I start back to work and we start working on establishing our routine. I'm glad I took ten weeks of leave because until the last two weeks it was very, very hard. Then Jack changed and since then it's been a pleasure to be at home. It was just getting good. Dang.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Jack's baptism
Jack was perfect during the baptism and all through church. He never cried, never complained. He slept a good bit, even during the actual baptism. I think he woke up for the water, but he didn't complain about that either. Man, my son has changed dramatically from two weeks ago.


Here's a shot of the baptism in progress.


The outfit that Jack wore was last worn by Uncle B when he was baptised. It's a cute little onesie with an embroidered vest. It needed some rehabilitation but Noni did some laundry magic on it and it looked brand new.


The happy family.


The cousins came down from Maryland to be with us.


Hanging around with Uncle B.


Noni and Popi with their whole collection of grandchildren.


The cousins plus one.


Uncle B and Aunt K.


The boy's team.

Surprise party
It was serendipity that my sister-in-law was planning a surprise birthday covered dish meal after the church service this Sunday for my mother-in-law's 75th birthday. We didn't plan to coordinate both events, but it was the one weekend my brother's family was available. It made for a big family event. The cool thing was that everyone in the church managed to keep it a surprise. Grandma was pleased.


Here she's looking at her new "Jack book." Each year a Christmas the grandma's have gotten a year-in-review book for Emma. I wanted to give Noni something to thank her for all she's done for us since Jack came (and before) and I figured a book about Jack's first days might fit the bill. I always order the books in threes ;)