The New Normal

I know I am partial, but dang, if MP2 isn't a cute baby! At 10 weeks old, he's becoming so animated...at least considering to what we have to compare. It's crazy to think that he just gets to be more and more fun. In a nod to my coming of age in the decade of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and the like, here's MP2 ready for his first Lalapalooza concert. Okay, just kidding - it would be waaay too loud.

With MP immersed in the first semester of 2L year, we are trying to make every second count. Oftentimes, this means combining tasks - such as taking the dogs on a hike at Hinkston Creek. It tires them out for the rest of the day, and it's a nice hourlong walk for MP, MP2 and I to get some QT in on a study break.

It's really beautiful there. A large portion of the park, and series of trails, offer off-leash wooded areas where the dogs can play in the water and run and chase little woodland creatures (or each other).

Well, while MP is at law school, MP2 and I are trying to take advantage of the time that I am off from work, spending lots of time hanging out. In between naps and feedings, we have been spending some time outside on a blanket. MP2 seems to really like the fresh air and sounds of the neighborhood. The doglets like this too, as it's another chance for us to do double duty - they get some outside time and can run and play while I am also entertaining baby.

In, what I consider to be, some of the most exciting news of late...the swing is serving a new purpose in our lives most of the time. MP2 is liking just hanging out and swinging in there. It doesn't automatically put him to sleep. In fact, he is seeming to enjoy getting really good naps (and good overnight sleeping) done in his crib! I would like to claim responsibility for this...but really one day I put him there to nap, and he actually slept well...so I have just kept it up. Next up? Hopefully skipping just one nighttime feeding!?!? A girl can dream.

Tipper still pretty much pretends MP2 isn't there (maybe thinking she can wish him away?), but Riley, on the other hand, is getting more curious. She likes to sniff at his feet when we're holding him in our lap, and lately, when he's playing in the baby gym, she'll hang out nearby. Does this mean a friendship is in the cards? Only time will tell.

Here's a typical weekend morning activity for us these days - MP loves spending time reading to MP2. I think that it's great, because as tough as this is to admit...reading to a completely uninterested party isn't my cup of tea, but I know it's so important to start this early. When MP2 has a fantastic vocabulary and is reading above his grade level, we'll all know who to thank!

Road Warrior

MP, MP2 and I had another big first over the Labor Day weekend...a road trip!!! We headed to Nashville for the long weekend. We had lots on the agenda between spending time with family and friends. MP2 did really well in the car. We had one nice long stop where we visited Forest Park in St. Louis, and then one kind of WT stop where I nursed him in the car at a gas station. NICE.

Reunited, and it feels so good!

Nana had not seen MP2 since he was just shy of 2 weeks old, and he's changed so so much in that time. You can see they were happy to be together again.

Papa hadn't seen MP2 since he was only 3 days old, and let me tell you, we could hardly pry that baby from his arms to go to bed! MP2 definitely missed them. We'll be planning much more frequent visits now for sure. (How can we get more frequent than every six weeks, you wonder? Just wait and see. I think it can be done)

We also had some fun visiting with my uncle, aunt, and cousin. As you can see, he also enjoyed spending time with each of them. I enjoyed the brunch prepared by my mom :)

In between all this family time, we were able to meet up with Emily for lunch at the Silly Goose. It makes me so happy to see all the fun stuff going on in East Nashville, but also makes me miss my old 'hood. Glad I can look forward to our return :)

MP2 sacked out before lunch was over, allowing Emily and I to indulge in one of our favorite things...dessert. This was maybe the best homemade ice cream I had ever had...and the flavors were really innovative - Orange Goat Cheese, Sweet Basil, for example.

Then we had a Sip N See for many of our Nashville friends to again spend part of their Labor Day weekend celebrating a milestone in our lives with us. We're definitely lucky to have friends who enjoy a party!

MP2 LOVES his uncle Gary. I cannot believe it took us this long to introduce them. I will say, for the record, that no one asked Glenn to do any babysitting.

Murbes was looking radiant as ever. In fact, I think MP2 may have his first crush.

Amy got her lovin' in, and MP2 was happy to see her smiling face again.

MP2 had some more face time with Emily

Wait, why is Papa holding MP2? He'll get to see him later, pass him along!!

Fiona risks ruining her outfit for a night out on the town holding MP2 right after a meal.

All in all, it was a fantastic time. MP2 wishes it was just about one hour closer, that final portion of the car ride got a little rough going in both directions, but we all thought it was worth the effort. We can't wait to go back again.

MP2 has just passed his two month birthday...what better to celebrate than sitting in the Bumbo??

"Man, there's a whole new world from this perspective!"


He really seems to enjoy it, and gets another new way to practice his neck strength and head control. Of course then mommy gets greedy, and adds on the rattle hold to the sitting in the Bumbo. This may be a little much for our munchkin as noted with a flop of the head.

As the weather is cooling off and becoming so pleasant, we are finding time to spend outside. MP2 will just lay on a blanket and kick his arms and legs while the dogs wander around the yard. I think they may even be beginning to like the MP2??? Okay, like may be too strong a word, but they are no longer despondent. I think once he starts eating solids (and therefore sharing with them), he will become the star of the Pulle Palace.

See how happy the fresh air makes a baby?!?!

Here is MP's mini-me.

At two months, to me he already is looking ready to head off to college! Growing up so fast.