Growing like a weed.

Watching Colby grow and develop is such a treat. I am so thankful that I’ve been able to stay home with him and watch him discover the world and try new things. He’s developing his motor skills and strength. Colby has also had good strength, being able to stand and hold up his body weight (albeit with a little help) since about 3 weeks, and he has been able to hold his head up just as long.

Push-ups are a new favorite of his, doing reps in his crib after waking up and entertaining himself. Natalie and I watch him from afar with pride as he pushes himself up and grins at his new found ability. He is able to entertain himself much more now. He can see greater distances and LOVES to watch television. Natalie and I hate ourselves for that—we’ve talked at length about not using the T.V. as a babysitter—but he is mesmerized by the changing images from anywhere in the room that he can catch a glimpse. I’m not sure how much he can distinguish from it, but it entrances him nonetheless.

He sleeps well through the night, now—going down around ten P.M. and waking around seven A.M. He began this wonderful pattern while visiting my mom in Fresno a few weeks ago. We both didn’t get much sleep the first night because we kept waking up to check on him because he wasn’t making any noise. He usually woke every four hours to eat during the night.

This last wednesday morning, around three, Natalie and I heard him stirring and making some noise. We didn’t think much of it and hoped he would go back to sleep. After about twenty minutes, the noises he was making were unusual so I went to check on him. I found him squirming like a tortoise on his back—he’s a belly sleeper and managed to roll himself over for the third time in three weeks. The first two times were a couple weeks ago during his first week alone with Daddy, but he hasn’t done it since; and he has never done it for anyone to see. So, there he lies, on his back, arms and legs flailing with eyes shut tightly. I went to tell Natalie; but, un-amused, she said, “Roll him back over on his belly.” I did, and he went right back to sleep.

He can almost sit up on his own. He will grasp on to your fingers and pull himself up to a sitting position, but he can’t stay there without something to hold on. We often sit him on the couch between us and talk to him. He’ll stare at us and smile, talking back in his coos and squeals. Whenever one of us is gone for the day, we’ll usually return to a happy baby with a days worth of adventures to tell us.

He has his moments of fussiness, but we can usually account that to being tired, hungry, or teething. That’s right, he’s teething already! I can only hope those toofers pop through quickly, because he’s gonna gum our fingers off in the process if it takes to long. He doesn’t quite have the coordination to hold a teething ring in his mouth, yet; so we resort to our own digits when his won’t suffice.

I don’t have any new pictures, but keep checking back and I’ll try to post new ones whenever I can.

Good morning!

How your computer works.

If you've ever wondered how your computer works... HERE is a good diagram of what is going on inside your machine.

Surprise!

This past weekend was a most interesting one. Several months ago, my dad asked Natalie and me if we would be able to join them in celebrating his and his girlfriend (Judy’s) birthdays—they both turn 60 this year and wanted to have a birthday party for the two of them. Since their birthdays are a mere couple months apart, they split the difference and had their party last Saturday, June 10th. They were also taking this opportunity to have their house blessed after completely remodeling the inside and new paint on the outside. Our having his fourth grandchild—third this year—it was important that we make it so the whole family would be together to celebrate this auspicious occasion. We, of course, were delighted and promised to attend.

We received our invitation…
…and Natalie thought the wording suspicious. I thought nothing of it.

Since my dad lives about a five-hour drive from us, we don’t get to see him often—once or twice a year—so we were very much looking forward to this trip. We arrived late Friday night to a warm welcome and a wonderfully remodeled home—new carpeting, hard wood flooring with area rugs, new paint, Corian countertops, etc. The house never looked so great!

We visited for about an hour, than turned in for the night. The next morning, my sister Kristen and her fiancé, Wil, arrived and we all helped prepare for the party and decorate to the Hawaiian Luau theme. While I was sweeping off the back deck, I came across what could only be described as an alter. It was then that I realized I was going to lose a bet with my wife. Either there was going to be a sacrifice to the Hawaiian gods that night, or someone was getting married.

The guests began to arrive around two o’clock, and everyone participated in the luau theme. It was beginning to look like a Don Ho concert.

At about three or so, everyone was gathered out on the deck for the formal dedication of the house and blessing, my dad’s friend, Reverend Jay presiding. Jay did his best to not spill the beans, but he himmed-and-hawwed throughout his speech so much, if you didn’t suspect anything before, you were beginning to now. After several minutes of this, he turned the floor over to my dad who began a pouring of affection toward his girlfriend. He then turned to her, got on one knee, and popped the question. It was at this point, I’m sure, everyone was curious as to how far this would go.

Judy said, “Yes,” and we all cheered.
Suddenly, a guest yells, “do it now!”
Jay responds, “I’ve come prepared…”

The next thing you know, the dedication turns into a wedding. This was, of course, planned ahead of time, but surprising the guests was a blast anyway. Those who suspected were not surprised, and those who didn’t have a clue were picking their chins up off the ground.

The ceremony was beautiful, and the party a huge success. Everyone had something to talk about; and my brother, sister, and I were questioned by all whether we knew or not.

I took a lot of pictures and video. My dad was thrilled to see me recording video of the whole thing. He has the video, so I can’t share that with you, but I’ve uploaded the pictures for all to see. Go HERE for the fun!

Nintendo Boot Camp

At the request of a dear friend whom only has the best interest of my child in mind--I am starting Colby on a daily regiment of Mario Kart and coffee in the morning, followed by a swedish hand massage, and finishing the day with Mario Kart and tequilla before bed.

Center of the Universe

As all new parents experience, your first born becomes the center of your universe. I can’t speak for the second born—and so on—but Colby has definitely taken our full attention from everything else in our lives. We’re not obsessed or anything, but a newborn does consume your everyday lives—between the feedings, cryings, nappings, changings, and diaperings—you don’t really have much time for anything else. I am, or course, speaking for Natalie because I’ve been working most of the time; but everything else we do revolves around him.

Natalie will be returning to work on the 12th of this month, passing the torch to me in becoming the primary care giver. This should be interesting. For her first return to work, she is traveling to the corporate office in Spartanburg, SC, for a departmental conference. There seems to be some restructuring in her department that she needs to be a part of, so she is jumping back in with both feet. She will be gone all week. I’m a little scared, having not cared for him by myself for more than an hour yet, but I am confident that this will only strengthen our father-son bond.

For Mother’s Day, Natalie’s mom gave her a baby photo-shoot. It was pretty cool. The photographer was really patient—she would have to be, specializing in baby and child photos—and really has an eye for great shots. Click HERE to see what she has done. Make sure your volume is turned up, it adds a lot of effect.

UPDATE: The above link to Colby's pictures is broken. The slideshow is down for some reason, but the pictures can be found HERE and are available to order through the end of June--so choose your prints fast!