The Lil' Dude

Isaac's nickname has informally become "the lil' dude."
Grandma Merhar had a shirt made for him!
He was all dressed up to go to our childbirth class reunion.

All Smiles, Bath Time & Sounders

This gets us through those difficult ("character building") days:

Almost a smile...
wait for it...

ta-da!
These photos were taken on his bouncy chair. The chair vibrates softly and has toys that dangle in front of his face. It also plays music and makes animal noises. He especially likes the "growl" and the "meow!" Prior to this week, he wasn't interested in the chair much, but now he can make it bounce more, and all of a sudden the toys and sounds are stimulating to him. It is rewarding to see him change and develop each day.

We had a wonderfully sunny weekend, and on Saturday we sat out in the backyard and enjoyed the weather. Here is Isaac wearing his Sounders outfit. It must be a lucky outfit, because the Sounders won 1-0 versus NY Red Bulls!! yay!


And, lastly, who doesn't love a baby bath photo?
More smiles are on our May Picassa web album (click here).

Mothers Day 2010

Since joining the "moms-club," mother's day has added meaning. Not only do I get to celebrate my wonderful Mother, but I get to celebrate being a Mom. We went to a lovely dinner at my parent's house to celebrate.

Our new family (photo courtesy of Dad):
Me & Mom:

Isaac is starting to become more expressive in his facial expressions, which are pretty darn cute (of course, I am a little biased...)

Go Sounders Go...down the toliet

We took Isaac to his first Sounders game yesterday afternoon. It was absolutely gorgeous, not a cloud in the sky and probably about the mid-70's inside Qwest field. The beer was cold (and $8.50, ouch) and so were the Sounders, who were rocked by the LA Galaxy 4-0, arguably the best team in the MLS. Sorry, lil' dude, not the best first game experience. On the bright side, everything went great with Isaac, he spent the game in dad's baby bjorn snuggling up. He really enjoyed the cacophony of the stadium, to him it's a soothing white noise. We were approached by many friends and strangers who were thrilled we brought him, and even got 'special seating' on the concourse so we could come and go easily. With Isaac, it's always VIP. :) Here are some pics:

"Quiet Alert" & Tummy Time

Isaac is beginning to spend more time awake, and I really enjoy these "quiet alert" times (as the newborn books call it). In other words, he is awake and happy and calm (versus awake and crying/fussy).... these moments with him are really special as he starts to interact a little more while taking in the world around him!

We are also putting him on his tummy for "tummy time" and he has been getting stronger, holding his head up and trying to push up with his arms and legs.
And, if you haven't noticed, he is starting to really "fill out"! He is currently 9lbs 4oz and 22" long (he was 7lbs 4 oz and 20" at birth).

One Month Old

Isaac is one-month old today! We're amazed at watching him grow and change.

He is starting to track faces and objects with his eyes, coo & vocalize more and is able to hold his head up better. He loves his moby wrap (a wrap carrier that lets Mom 'hold' him tightly while having both hands free to do chores or work on the computer)... and he loves to be soothed and calmed by Dad. He is still sleeping a lot, but is becoming more alert and awake each day.

Here he is at one-month (4 weeks):