One Month Old!

Richard is one month old today! He enjoyed watching his mom put together her and Ted's gift to themselves to mark the occasion - an automated swing which alternately fascinates him into silence and lulls him to sleep. A gift that keeps on giving. Happy one-month birthday!

Some Candid Shots

Richard is getting bigger and more alert. Here are some candid shots I took today. He even smiles on occasion now, and I think he has some pretty cute dimples. Hope this satisfies Grandma :)

Grandma has spoken...

I got this e-mail a few days ago. Sorry I've been somewhat delinquent in posting pictures.

This Sunday

Chris and Karen came over to meet Richard and also to test drive the new wii fit. Richard seemed more interested in sleeping than trying out the wii.

First Bath!

Richard had his first real bath today. I think it was a little traumatic for him, but after he was all clean and dried off, he felt much better. That's what I tell myself, anyways :) Afterwards, we went for a long walk around the lake in Centennial Park.

Visit from Γιαγιά

Richard's Γιαγιά (grand- mother) and her husband were here this weekend. A good time was had by all. She brought him a traditional greek costume that was Ted's when he was little. It's similar to this, but more authentic.

Aunty Kristen

... is in town. Being a reading specialist, she brought him some great books and also a contribution to his college account. Thank-you Aunt Kristen!

And More Gadgets to Figure Out

Today Grandma helped me figure out how to adjust the baby bjorn she got us. We put him in it, but it seemed like the arm holes were too high, and he was getting pinched. I imagine we'll have to experiment with it a bit.

Supper Time

Richard loves being held and fed by Grandpa. Grandma is still refusing to be photo -graphed.

One We Won't Use...

Yesterday we took photos for Richard's birth announce- ments. Although he's usually quite alert, he would not open his eyes for the camera. Here's a shot we won't be using - but it's cute all the same, I think. Grandma (who refused to be photographed, by the way) and I kept trying to wake him up, but he was having none of it. By the way, shutterfly has the cheapest photo announcements I could find, (if you happen to be in the market for them) and the coupon code VS09-VISA gives you 15% off any order. Another useful coupon code is tenoff which will give you 10% off any photostamp order.

Richard's First Book

Katie sent us this great book and Richard seems to like looking at it - you can see his eyes moving around the page. It seems newborns are only able to focus on things that are between 8 and 15 inches away, and they are most interested in stark contrasts, like the ones in this book.

Trolley Trail #9

Today we went for a nice walk down Trolley Trail # 9. Richard loved being pushed in his stroller by Grandpa Sheppard.

A Big Day

Yesterday was quite a big day - Richard had his first pediatrician's visit and he is 100%. He has gained back up to his birthweight plus 2oz, and has grown 3/4 of an inch in just one week! Then, we went to the airport to pick up Grandma and Grandpa Sheppard. Grandparent picture goodness to follow shortly, but here's a picture of us all at graduation - Richard is hiding under my robes.

Actually, It Does Take a Rocket Scientist

... to figure out how to attach the car seat to the stroller using its special ganciomatic system. Richard had his first visitor, Ken, over to the house, and we all went for a walk. Ted was especially pleased with the stroller's high handles and excellent cornering ability.

First Night Out

Last night we all went to a cookout at Mary Helen and Steve's. Boy did we have a lot to learn about mobilizing the three of us - We got there unfashionably late and Ted had to drive back to the house because we'd forgotten the diaper bag. Afterwards, though, we had a great dinner at Outback, which was empty since everyone was out watching fireworks. After dinner, Ted, in keeping with his 4th of July custom of presenting me with jewelry, gave me a beautiful pair of diamond earrings. Call me a material girl, but nothing says "thank-you" like a couple of diamonds!

Time With Daddy

Ted is such a natural at this! Now if we could just figure out how to change his diaper without getting peed on...

Tummy Time

On Thursday, we tried some tummy time - and he didn't seem to mind it at all.

Demure Richard...

Today was a long march of bottles and diapers. Later in the evening, though, we listened to some Mozart together. He drifted off to sleep, no doubt dreaming of the day he can start piano lessons.

Pensive Richard...

Welcome Home!

Richard looks tiny in his crib, but he seems to be adapting to his new and spacious accommodations.

The Ringbearer

Richard is really looking forward to being the ring bearer at Sarah and Matt's upcoming wedding.

We Are Three...

It's Cold Out Here!

One Day Old

Richard is one day old today. I was fainting yesterday and couldn't really get out of bed, so I missed out on a lot his first day, but luckily Dad was there to take over for me. Today after a good night's sleep I'm feeling a million times better. So far, Richard seems to be a very peaceful baby, though that probably won't last! Even though he seems to like being swaddled, he doesn't seem to like anything that involves his hands or feet being held down, like for diaper changes. The consensus yesterday was that he looks more like me, except for his coloring - On closer inspection though, I think he looks like my father. I could look at him all day and not get bored. He has such a hold on me already :)