Happy Boy

Look who's learning how to smile!

Ridley Creek State Park

This last week we went for another little adventure to the Ridley Creek State Park (#26.)   There was a mansion surrounded by "gardens" and forest.  I don't think you really could call them gardens.  There were frogs and fish in the fountains.  There was lots of ivy covering everything, including the trees.   The pathways were covered in moss.  I felt like I was walking through a real life version of "The Secret Garden" since everything was overgrown.  In it's own way, it was kind of pretty.  We did enjoy walking through the forest and seeing the beautiful trees.  I can see us coming back in another year or two when Nathan is a little older. Ridley Creek was very mild and would be a fun place for a little boy to go splash about.  For now, Nathan enjoyed just being toted along in the baby carrier.

Morris Arboretum

Last week we went on a little adventure.  We packed a picnic lunch and headed to the Morris Arboretum (#96).  The arboretum is a part of the University of Pennsylvania and since we both have Penn ID cards we got in for free!  It was a really nice day to be out and we enjoyed wandering around the many gardens. They had one garden called Wisteria Walk, which being a Harry Potter fan made me giggle.  We also met a ground hog while we were in the gardens.  Nathan was perfect.  He slept almost the entire time in his stroller until near the end when he was making sure Mom knew he was hungry and it was time to go.  We didn't make it through all of the gardens so we'll be going back sometime for another adventure.

b is for. . .

balloons

blankets

books

bulldog

bears, bears, and more bears

blue

baby boy

This has become my favorite room in the house.  I think it's because of all the rooms in our house, this was a room I was actually able to plan out instead of slowly accumulating furniture and decorations over the years.  I knew I wanted to go with light blue and red as the main colors (I used the LOVE sign that I painted as inspiration) and keep the furniture neutral.  Honestly, I wasn't sure I could pull off such bold colors.  And after picking other elements (like quilt fabrics and the idea for the mobile) I was worried that there were too many colors.  Now seeing it all together I love it.  I love that I was able to make so many of the items in the room like the hot air balloon mobile, quilts, LOVE sign, hand and foot prints, and "nathan" embroidery.  It makes it so much more special.  I have a few more projects, but I couldn't wait to share.  What little boy wouldn't love this room?

One Month

This little buddy was one month old as of last Friday.  He's growing up too fast for me!  I'm so glad that Brad's home this summer so we can enjoy time as a family.  Nathan is such a sweet little baby.  Always happy as can be.  Here's a little bit about Nathan at one month.

• He's growing like a weed!  At our last pediatrician's visit (2 weeks ago) he weighted 9 lbs 4 oz.  He's been getting the chubbiest little cheeks which are all the better for mommy to kiss.
• He loves to look out the window when I'm rocking him in the nursery.
• Since he's the son of a future dentist we bought the orthodontic pacifiers.  He won't take them.  So, we tried the soothies (the ones they use in the hospital) and he's finally getting it.  It usually only last a few minutes though before he pops it out.
• Loves, loves, loves bath time.
• His eyes are the most beautiful blue.  We're still trying to figure out what his hair color is going to be.  Most of the time it looks blond, but every once in a while it looks red.  That would really be a shock since neither of us have redheads in our family.  I guess we'll see.

• He loves to sleep with his arms up.  Occasionally he will let me put him in the swaddle pod, but sometimes he just won't have it.  Too bad since he's so cute all swaddled up.
• When he is asleep he's out.  He goes about 4 or 5 hours at night which I love.  And he usually takes a great naps too.
• He's happiest in the morning and right after his afternoon nap.  We get a lot of great smiles and cute noises then.
• Our favorite noise is this grunt he makes (sounds like "ehh".)  We can't help but mimic him every time he does it.

Red, White, and Blue