Wearing Daddy's Hat

He's got a loooong way to go before it actually fits!

Flying

Here's Rowan on his way up above Grandpa's head. He loves to fly (my sore arm muscles prove it!).

Thirteen Weeks

We've hit week thirteen and Rowan is loads of fun. He and I have full conversations of Oooooohs, Aaaaaaahs, Eeeeeehs, Gooooos and -- my favorite -- Oooaaaagooooeeehs. He thinks it's hilarious to talk with his mama this way.

Lately, the only way I can calm him down for a nap is dancing with him to a classical piano CD my mom gave me for Christmas. He loves it and it settles him right down (and gives me a workout!). His new favorite activity is being lifted above our heads (see next post). He squeels and even laughs, but it's sooooo tiring (even though he's a little peanut!).

Twelve Weeks

Rowan can laugh! And he makes so many more noises now. He had some kind of leap in his socializing during the holidays. He's just sooooo fun now! But even with the fun it's nice to have a break, so wish us luck getting him to take a bottle!!!

Second Doctor's Visit

Rowan had his second checkup today! He weighed in at 12 pounds, 1.5 ounces. His length measured 24.5 inches and his head measured 16 inches. It's hard to believe how fast he's grown (makes me teary!). But he's becoming such a fun little person. He rolls over and laughs and squeels (though absolutely never when the video camera is running!).

The doctor said he looks great (she asked if we were sure he wasn't four months old based on all of the things she could see him doing!).

Second -- semi-successful -- bottle

Now I understand why you don't wait weeks and weeks after giving a successful bottle to give another one. Yesterday, we gave Rowan his second bottle only to encounter a scream-fest (after only an ounce or so, he feel into a deep sleep). He was a little stressed.

Today, we bought a different style bottle and it seemed to be a bit more successful. He still didn't seem to take a full feeding (as if I know how many ounces that is anyway, since he hasn't had a bottle in so long) but he seemed fairly content. We plan to keep trying once a day for awhile until we're sure it's going OK.

New Outfit!

Rowan was stylin' today in a new outfit from Ben, Molly and Sam.

You can tell by the look on his face that he knows he's cute!

Eleven Weeks

Rowan poses at eleven weeks in auntie Heidi's arms. So sweet!

Rowan’s Paternal Grandparent’s Christmas

Snuggling with Grandma Connie in his cute little overalls.

In an outfit sent by Connie's cousin.

Rowan’s Maternal Great Grandparent’s Christmas

The two youngest great grandchildren (Danielle and Rowan) snuggle on the couch.

With all of the overeating going on around him, Rowan catches a taste of Grandpa's shirt.

Rowan’s Maternal Great Grandparent’s Christmas

Great Grandma got a cute picture of little Rowan for Christmas (as did all of his other grandparents and great grandparents).

Santa visited Great Grandma's after dinner. Rowan slept like an angel through the whole thing!

First Family Christmas

We enjoyed our first Christmas with Rowan. Here we are on Christmas day at Kyle's mom and dad's house. Rowan was decked out like a little lumber Jack thanks to Auntie Heidi!

Ten Weeks

Rowan turned ten weeks on Wednesday, Dec. 21 (yes, it's been a long time since I've had an update). He's growing like crazy, but he seems to be getter longer and not much fatter. That makes it difficult for us to find pants that fit him well (he's just not going to be a butterball baby:). In this picture, he's just had a bath so his hair is all fuzzy and standing on end.

Sink Time!

We had been giving Rowan baths in the big tub with just a little water (we figured we'd get out of buying the bulky infant tub). But Rowan hated those baths. Then we put him in the bathroom sink and he loved it!! So, we'll have to get a little tub (he's already a little too big for the sink) to use until he can sit up.

Nine Weeks

Rowan hit the two-month mark on Monday, December 12 (nine weeks on Wednesday, December 14). We brought him into Heidi's work to weigh and measure him (his next doctor appointment isn't until January 4). He now weighs 10 pounds, 12.7 ounces. He's 23.5 inches long, and his head measures 15.5 inches (the same size Kyle's head was when he was born -- ouch!). He's discovering his hands, rolling over and having howling matches with mommy. We love every minute!

Eight Weeks

Rowan turned eight weeks old on November 7! He rolled over (from tummy to back) for the first time on Monday, November 5. He lifted his head so high that toppled and flipped right over. He looked quite surprised to suddenly be on his back!

He's also started to show more interest in the toys hanging from his bouncy chair and play gym. He smiles and coos at them and bats them with his hands. How it is to see the world through his eyes -- everything so new and exciting!

So Strong!

Rowan can lift himself up on his forearms now and

he's rolled over (from tummy to back) four times since

Monday evening.

Funny Faces

Seven Weeks!

Our little buddy is seven weeks old today. Taking care of him

is getting more and more fun every day as he rewards us with

smiles and sweet little noises. But he's also learned to make the

most heart-wrenching sad faces when he cries (breaks my heart!).

Good Morning!

Happy after a good night's sleep at home (after his big Thanksgiving outing), Rowan flashed a bright smile at Kyle this morning.

After Thanksgiving

Rowan was soooo ready to be home after his first Thanksgiving (needless to say, there were lots of people passing him around). He slept so soundly in my arms when we got back home!

Six Weeks

Rowan is now six weeks old! He's "waking up" from his newborn days and becoming an interactive little baby. He smiles and makes sweet little noises (only for a short time every day -- he still sleeps a lot!). He has such curiosity in his eyes now!

More Interactive Every Day

Rowan is becoming more interactive every day -- smiling and making cute little noises! So cute!!

Five Weeks - What a Change!

Look how much Rowan has grown in five short weeks!

The top photo was taken when Rowan was just two days old.

First Snow

We broke out Rowan's "Baby's First Snow" outfit today in
celebration of the first snow of the season! Maybe next year
he'll get to experience it first-hand!

Found his thumb...almost!

Rowan was crying in his bassinet earlier today, but by the time

I got to him he had found a way to calm himself. The thumb only

made it as far as the inside of his cheek, but I guess that was enough!

First Bottle

Kyle enjoyed giving Rowan his first bottle

today! Rowan was a little confused by it at

first, but he ate like a champ!

Posing in His Sleep

Rowan strikes a pose in his sleep.

Snuggly Little Bunny

Rowan loves to snuggle in his sling

-- a little reminder of life in the womb.

Baby Faces

Sleeping like an angel

Big yawn

So serious

All smiles

On End

Rowan's hair tends to stick straight up in the back after his baths. We like the messy look!

The "Special" Hold

Could our perfect little baby ever be fussy? YES! He's been very fussy for the past couple of days and this hold has been the best way to calm him. It helps his little gassy tummy. The sling has also been a lifesaver. He'll sleep in that while Angie does a few things around the house.

Four Weeks!

Cute and cuddly in his tiger jammies, Rowan is four weeks old today! I can't believe how much he's changed in such a short amount of time! We look back at his first pictures and marvel at how tiny he was...something we'll keep doing for months and years to come.

Too Cool in Polo

Rowan was way too cool to stay awake for pictures in his little Ralph Lauren sleeper (a present from Grandma Michelle, who had lots of fun at Marshall Field's Field Days).

Staring Contest

Rowan is starting to spend more time looking at our faces. Here, he and Kyle have a little staring contest before bed (well...before Kyle goes to bed...Rowan usually keeps Angie up when Kyle goes to bed).

Three Weeks!

Rowan is three weeks old today and boy is he changing! He's getting stronger every day (holding up his head more and pushing up with his arms). He's also staying awake for longer periods during the day (fun, but it's getting even harder for Angie to get anything -- shower, eat breakfast, etc. -- done!).