First Father's Day!!!

We just had the honor of celebrating Matt's very first Father's Day as a father! And, you'll have to let me brag a little bit here) he's a great dad who loves his little boy. They have great fun together singing, dancing, making faces, and, of course, napping.




At the end of last month, we were able to go down to Matt Sr.'s graduation from St. Mary's Law School in San Antonio--the culmination of three long years of dedicated study. Way to go!!! The whole family was there to celebrate, and we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon visiting.









Michael is incredibly camera-shy. He has a beautiful, bright, big smile, but he goes stoic as soon as he sees a camera. So, I haven't been able to get any good pictures of a big smile, but here's a half-smile I was able to get.




Right now, he's in the process of learning to roll over. He can get from his back onto his side with his hips facing the ground, but he hasn't quite learned how to get his shoulders over yet. He's a little more tolerant of tummy-time now and we're expecting he'll be scooting from one end of the living room to the other before long. He's also learned to suck on his lower lip if his binki is unavailable.

My First (real) Mother's Day!!!

Sunday was my first Mother's Day as a mother! Matt and Michael made me feel very special and loved by presenting me with what every woman wants --chocolate and flowers!

I have to say I love being a mom! I love being able to stay home with Michael and see him learn and grow day by day. And for the most part, he makes my job pretty easy by being such a sweet baby!



It's the amazing Burrito Boy! --Michael still loves being swaddled every night before bedtime. He is also vey attached to his pacifier.






With binki . . .



Without binki . . .

April Flowers!

I have to say my husband is the absolute best! Last Friday he brought home these beautiful tulips --just because. He's great with Michael, helps around the house, and doesn't even complain about changing poopy diapers. Who could ask for more?!



Michael continues to grow and learn at an amazing pace! Right now, he's learning the difference between his right and left side as he bats around toys on his play gym. He continues to practice his smiles and is enjoying his voice lessons immensely!





Look ma!


After a hard day's work . . .


Soooo happy!


You talkin' ta me?


Excuse me ...would you happen to have any Grey Poupon?

That's our Boy!

Michael recieved his name and blessing on March 30th. We are grateful that so many members of our family were able to celebrate this special moment with us! And Michael apparently enjoyed being the center of attention for a few minutes because he gave his dad a big smile on the way up to the front of the chapel and was perfectly awake and happy throughout the blessing. --Maybe it he just enjoyed showing off his new duds from Grandma.





How Handsom!



A walk in the park



Hanging out with Dad




All Smiles

A Month of Michael!

It's been quite a month. Michael has been very patient with us as we've tried to figure out this parenthood thing.

Michael really is a superb baby. --And I maintain that I am not being biased in saying so! It's simply self-evident based on the following facts about this amazing child:
1) He rarely cries, though he does like to grunt! (We finally figured out that he doesn't do well on soy milk, so now I'm off dairy and soy. I'm doing my best to adjusting to life without breakfast cereals.)
2) He knows the difference between day and night, with his "nights" running from midnight to about 10 a.m. He wakes up to eat and then goes right back to sleep.



3) He's sticking to a three-hour schedule during the day, and is transitioning to about a four-hour schedule at night.
4) He can already hold his head steady when upright and can lift it up and turn it side to side when on his tummy.
5) He loves to look at his Momma and Daddy!
6) He can track Momma with his eyes and turn his head to follow her.
7) He loves to being rocked, sung to, swaddled, and is already deeply attached to his binki.



When Micheal was just two weeks old, Aunt Sarah came up to visit and babysit while Matt and I had a night out, which consisted of going out for ice cream and a quick trip to Target. Thanks Sarah!







Last week, we spent some time with Cole and Kylie, my nephew and neice, who were visiting Nana for Spring Break. Among other things, we went on a nature walk at Nana's and went to a tea party at the library where they each got to help one of the entertainers play her violin.





The Saturday before Easter, my parents held their annual Family Easter Party and Michael got to participte in his very first Easter Egg Hunt! (Of course, Mom and Dad will have to finish off that Easter candy for him.) We loved getting to see everyone, even though I was a bit under the weather, and look forward to next year when Michael might actually be awake for the big event. Easter Sunday we started a new tradition by having an "Easter program" at home. We read scriptures, sang hymns, and bore testimony of our Savior. Even Michael "participated" by staying awake during the whole thing.

First Anniversary

As of March 17th, Matt and I have now been married one full year! And what a year it has been! A few of the highlights have been: 1) adjusting to life as a married couple 2) dealing with morning sickness and other aspects of pregnancy 3) taking our trip to California 4) moving to Georgetown 5) Matt starting a new job 6) Matt taking the LSAT and applying to law school 7) becoming parents!!! 8) Jennie quitting her job to stay home full-time.


We spent the whole weekend celebrating. Matt's parents babysat for us while we did sealings at the San Antonio temple and later went out to lunch at the Olive Garden. Monday night, our official anniversay, we enjoyed a romantic candle-lit BBQ dinner. I bought a CD of big band music, so after dinner we had a private swing party in the living room. (Michael was kind enough to sleep through the whole evening!)

Michael's One-Week Birthday!

I can't believe it's already been a week. At times, Matt and I still find it hard to believe we're actually parents now, and at other times it's as if little Michael has always been part of the family. In any case, he seems to be adjusting to "life on the outside" quite nicely.

Closeups






Dad and son



Michael meeting his cousin Cole