Welcome Baby Shower

Last Sunday, Jake's Great Aunt Mary threw a baby shower to welcome him into the family. Many of Jake's female relatives on the Hartman side were there, and showered him with gifts. He was a perfect gentleman the whole time and charmed all the ladies.

Settling in Just Fine

Jake and Luke have been in St. Louis for over a week now. Matt and I got in only 4 days ago. In that time, we've seen about 10 houses, put a bid in on one, and found a day care for Luke. While Matt and I can't let ourselves slow down, here are some pics of a guy who lives in the moment and just takes it one day at a time.

Hey Girl, I'm just sitting in this pink bathtub, waiting for you.

Little Buddha Belly

A frequent scene -- Jake asleep on his Grandma Bed.

Putting some meat on those little bones

St Louis Boys

The boys left for St. Louis yesterday, on a plane with Grandma and Grandpa. Here is a pic from the plane. We miss these guys so much. We will see them early next week after we pack up the house and make our half-country drive.

Jake settling in to his crib at Grandma's house.

Love those cheeks!!

Luke & Jake

 It's been interesting to watch Luke's interest in his brother evolve. There was a honeymoon period, which quickly faded into an anxious, insecure period where Luke insisted that we loved Baby Jake more and claimed that it was unfair that Jake got a blanket in the car and he didn't. In the last few days, Luke's attitude toward his brother has changed again. Last night he asked to hold him for the first time and this morning, he wanted to feed him his bottle. Since then, he has been very "helpful" in taking care of Jake.

Jake was lying on the couch and Luke asked if he could lay next to him.

Luke holding Jake on his lap for the first time

Excited Big Brother; Unsure Little Brother

"Lady Madonna, baby at your breast. Wonder how you manage to feed the rest."

Luke & Lilly

 Luke has a friend named Lilly. They met when they were three months old, in the Infant Room at day care. Since the day they met, they have loved each other. In the last couple of months, we have tried to go on more playdates with Lilly before we move to St. Louis. Here are some pics from the playdates.

At a park in Lake Oswego.

Even at 4, Luke is such a stud.

On the slide

On a different day at Jamison Square.

No lips touched. This is not a kiss. Just being silly.

Luke can be sweet

I Like To Ride

 Last week I took Jake on his first stroller ride. We went to the farmers market and grocery store. He was alert the whole time and fell asleep in the last 15 minutes. He really enjoyed his ride!

What a handsome boy!

At Krugers Farmers Market

Family of Four

 I'm playing catch-up with some photos. Here are some that Grandma Siorek took on Jake's first morning at home, so about two weeks ago.

It's been interesting being a family of four. Of course it's more work for Mom and Dad, requiring a lot more teamwork. But we have more confidence this time and feel like old pros. Jake fits right in. It  feels like he is supposed to be here.

Happy One Week Birthday!

 Jake turned one week old today! He is doing great, continuing to eat and sleep and poop and pee pretty regularly. He even stays awake for an hour or two at a time, just sitting quietly and looking around.

Here are some close-up portraits of the little man.