Bad Boy Jackie

Jack has stooped to new lows in order to communicate his dissatisfaction at his place in the new pecking order. Today he unpacked the box of Gavin's formula and tried to open it with his teeth! Luckily, Jesse nearly burned the chicken on the bbq and caught the dog's nefarious deed before he got too far. Here is the evidence:

Hello Deutschland

This week we've had a wonderful visit with Beth, my roommate from Bread Loaf. Last year at this time, she came to visit and we went to Disneyland, traipsing all over town. This year, we've introduced her to the wonders of the dining room and the joys of the nursery - both excellent places to pace and bounce the boy when he's fussy. I'm afraid that all house guests are now quickly co-opted into babysitters, but let's hope that's why they've come: to get a few moments with this beautiful boy. And while Beth's visit has been wonderful, we both send a hearty "hello, and we love you!" to our roommate Nadja, who lives so far away. She promises to become rich and successful soon so as to bankroll frequent visits to Germany. Don't let us down, Noodle!

Little Couch Potato

This kid has an overabundance of personality, don't you think? We bought him a "Bumbo" seat and were immediately entertained by how grown up he looked, hanging out in his little seat. Of course, he immediately wanted control of the remote.

Twelve Pounder

Just a little update: We took Gavin for his 8 week appointment at the pediatrician (you know, the one where he gets his first shots!). This little tubby weighed in at twelve pounds, so we know he's thriving on his new, hypoallergenic formula. Although he's still only sleeping for forty minutes at a time even at night, we're getting a lot more smiles. Here's one snapped by Jesse's grandfather last week.

A Few Memories from this Week

This last week we (and I mean all four of us) crowded into the Saturn with all of Gavin's necessities - you know, a swing, a pack'n'play, a stroller, a suitcase, a bathtub! - and travelled down to San Diego. Andrea was a glorious hostess and let us take over her gorgeous beach bungalo. Poor Kobe Cat was sequestered to the back bedroom as my giant yellow dog prowled about, looking for a chance to make a new friend. Jesse enjoyed a wonderful pastor's conference and I had the chance to see some good friends.

Well, they're not really friends - they're more like family. Andrea is truly the closest thing I have to a sister. Someone who's put up with me since my pre-puberty days. Someone who knows that I don't mean it when I show up on her doorstep with a howling baby, a wild dog, a tired husband, and I have to shout, "I hate my life!" :) She knows that what I really mean is, "Help, take my unruly companions, feed me, and send me to take a bath!" Family.

We also had a chance to spend time with the "Pags" - Don and Pam Paganini, who have been my "other parents" since I was in the fourth grade. We commiserated on how hard it is to be away from family when a new baby enters the picture - with my parents up near Seattle and Aaron and his family out East near Washington D.C. Luckily, the internet brings us closer, and we were all able to hop online and chat with my parents that evening. Spending time at Don and Pam's is the closest I know to coming home.

Finally, here's a quick video of Gavin as we coach from him a smile or two. Enjoy.