For 12 weeks I have been reading baby books...until now.

As of today I am swearing off all baby books. All they do is drive me crazy.

It all started reading about how Ian should be advancing each week. "By eight weeks your child should be able to lock eyes with you", and "by 10 weeks your child should be able to grasp an object dangled in front of him." I about died when Ian couldn't do either by week 11. What is wrong with our baby? Was it the tuna I ate while I was pregnant? It was the tuna wasn't it? Too much mercury.

I started to lose it. Just ask Tim.

At one point Ian couldn't follow a moving object in front of him so Tim put him on the fridge as punishment.


Ian didn't get the severity of his lack of visual advancement.

Trying to put Ian on a nighttime schedule was even worse. Every book I read told be that by eight weeks my baby should be sleeping 8 hours through the night and that he should be putting himself to sleep. Well Ian doesn't fall asleep until close to 11pm and only after being fed frequently for two hours and then rocked and ricked to sleep. This just wasn't working for our schedule. So, I did what these books said. I tried putting him in his crib every two hours; did the whole eat, activity, sleep thing; walked; cajoled; nursed; tried several days of bath, bottle, book, bed...until now. Seriously, if I don't burn these books I may lose it.

And so I put away the books, purposely left a coffee ring on one of them, and did a mental pro/con list.

And I'll tell you what I found, Ian IS a great baby. He just doesn't thrive on routine. He is totally go with the flow. He will nap just about anywhere. He has a beautiful smile. He is so even-keeled (unlike his mother) and good-natured. He will lay on his back and play by himself so I can drink my coffee and blog.

And he IS advancing, just not exactly as the books say. He can lift his head while on his stomach and hold his head steady when sitting up. His legs are strong and he can lift himself up when someone is holding his hands. He loves walks and getting licked by Pippin. He has a great mullet and his back hair finally fell out (thank the Lord because I was getting ready to schedule him a waxing). He likes the church nursery and barely ever cries unless he is tired.




So, the dark side is behind me. I have turned over a new leaf. No more books.

Going

Going

Gone

"Dear God, Please let the Browns win so my son can have a happy fulfilling life"

Ian is destined to have a long sad life: He is now officially a Browns fan.

Uncle Pete sent Ian a Brown's onesie and he has now watched his first Brown's game. Judging from experience he will start becoming depressed in a few weeks and said depression will last until February with a quick feeling of ecstasy around draft time, hope of a better team and season lifting his spirits for the summer months, and then a slow and steady decline into depression around this time next year. It is an awful way to go through life. The prayers have already started.

Like Father Like Son

Ian has inherited Tim's furrowed brow. I have yet to determine exactly what Ian is thinking when he makes this face. Is he worried? Skeptical? Annoyed? Or is he is still coming to grips with having to live with me for the rest of his life? We are talking about Ian here, not Tim.

Two momentous things happened today. Ian smiled (I mean really smiled) and I took a shower.

The later one first. I showered today. I feel like a new woman. I won't tell you how long it has been, you'll cease being my friend. Granted Ian woke up just as I was starting to shave my left leg so I am a bit off balanced, but I am clean. Ian has been much more demanding lately and the schedule I posted a month and a half ago has gone to the wind. Ian has no schedule and every day is different. Just when I think we are getting on a schedule Ian decides to switch things up a bit and instead of feeding every three hours is hungry every two and a half hours or instead of being awake during the day and asleep at night is now incredibly difficult to keep up during the day, doses off and on for hours, and then is up at 4:00am (more on that later).

Ian is much more alert now, can hold his head up on his own, and loves to look around (the football hold is great for this). When he is asleep I end up emailing, catching up on phone calls, and attempting to keep the house clean and orderly instead of showering. His favorite position is still over the shoulder so much of my day looks like this:

Now on to the smiling. Ian has been waking up several times a night this week just to hang out. He is not hungry and doesn't really want to be held he just wants to look around and drum roll...smile!

This morning at 4am Ian smiled at me. He really smiled. And then he made the most adorable noise that I wish I caught on video. It was just so darn cute I could not be mad at him for waking me up. I let him watch the latest Project Runway episode which I had tivo'd as a reward. He was very excited that Blaynelicious finally got kicked off and smiled some more.

We just returned from a wonderful mini vacation with friends in Corolla, North Carolina. Ian took full advantage of the beach by getting his feet wet and taking numerous naps on the sand.

Just the three of us...

Tim started his new job today after a long time off. These last six weeks (has it really been 6 weeks?) have been wild. Our lives have changed so much and Ian has changed even more. He is much more alert and stares right into my eyes. I love that!

I also know his preferences and how he likes to be held demonstrated by my sister Becky when she was in DC visiting.

Some other things I have learned in the last several weeks:

*what gives Ian gas, what I should not eat, and that the gas relief medicine is a lifesaver when I forget

*Pippin is extremely protective of Ian and me. He will attempt to attack you and your dog if you come closer than 10 feet to the two of us.

* I can blog, check my email, and purchase things online while nursing and holding Ian.

* It is really quiet in our neighborhood during the day. Tim says it is so quiet if you sit on our back porch and only stare at our white decking you can pretend you are in the Outer Banks.

* Being a parent of a six week old totally screws with your memory. I swear I had more things that I have learned but now I can't think of anything.



My friend Danielle asked that she not be featured on the blog but this picture is just too good not to share. Danielle is amazing with kids. She talked to Ian and taught him many things the entire time she was holding him. She has totally inspired me to be much more vocal with Ian.

good morning world

Just a little something to enjoy with your morning cup of coffee and paper (or if you are like us computer) ...

Photo Shoot

My sister Sally bought matching outfits for Ian, her son Will (aka Mr. Clean), and daughter Cate. So, when we recently visited my family in Pennsylvania we thought it was only fitting to spend a morning doing a photo shoot of our precious babies.

We ran into a few roadblocks though: Ian can't quite sit up on his own yet although you would expect a one month old to be able to perform when asked, Cate insisted on wearing the green hat and gold chain despite pleadings from Sally and me that the wardrobe department didn't think they "fit in" with the overall concept for the photo-shoot, and it is really difficult to catch three smiles all at once especially when one of the participants only smiles when passing gas.

My dad did make a cameo appearance which turned out to render some spectacular pictures of Poppy with his three grandchildren.

Sorry for all the pictures but they were just too cute. We recently bought a new camera and you can take pictures in black and white, sepia, and vivid. This was my first time trying out the new functions. Also, not sure if you can tell or not but Ian is getting to be quite the chunk!

Back to Running

Reaching the one month mark of Ian's birth I celebrated by going on a run. I am so out of shape but it feels great to be out on the streets again.

My good friend Jill is training for the Marine Corps Marathon and I am so proud of her! She is running to support Jill's House, a Christian organization dedicated to providing care and support to children with special needs and their families through overnight respite and therapy programs. She is trying to raise $1200 for Jill's House. If you would like to donate to Jill's House here's how:

You can donate online JillsHouse.org at (specify "Marathon-Stoltzfoos" in the dedication line) or mail to:
Jill's House
c/0 Laura Slingerland. Marine Corps Marathon Coordinator
PO Box 9300 McLean VA 22108
Memo line: "Marathon-Stoltzfoos"

Jill also started a blog to track her running. Check it out at www.jillruns26.blogspot.com.

Ian's First Road Trip

I am embarrassed that it has taken me this long to post about our trip to Ohio and Pennsylvania to visit Tim's family. We had such a wonderful time and it is hard to sum up the trip in one little post. The weather was gorgeous- no humidity- so we spent all of our time outside: eating, watching the guys play tennis, enjoying Tim's grandparents beautiful property, wine and cigars in Tim's parents backyard, and even yoga outside on their porch. I don't think Tim and I held Ian once all weekend except for when I was feeding him. He was loved and loved and passed from uncle to aunt to grandparent to great grandparent to second cousin. It was a great trip as Ian spent his first night in Aurora, Ohio: a place that is very special to both Tim and me.

Meeting the Chapman great grandparents for the first time

Tim's grandmother made Ian this amazing quilt.

Four generations

Hanging out with Aunt Cate and Uncle Pete

Aunt Hannah and Uncle Brock (Brock is a little scared of babies)

Ian's first morning in Aurora- does life get better than this?


Pooped after a such a busy weekend

From DC to Georgia with Love

Congratulations Ben on hitting the four week mark!

I really can't believe four weeks have already gone by. Ian was born 13 hours after Benjamin Philip and although they don't know it yet their friendship is already strong. Ian is very excited to meet Benjamin. Especially since Ben is going to be a linebacker. Coming in at a whopping 6 pounds 3 ounces, Ian is going to need a strong, intimidating friend. And we know Benjamin is tough since he already beat that Billy Ruben thing in the butt (pun intended).

Ben's mother Stephanie was one week ahead of me on the pregnancy thing - basically that means that she got to deal with whatever symptons we experienced first, pass the knowledge she gained on to me, and then made my pregnancy that much easier. I am just so happy that Steph's delivery and recovery went so well, and that we can now email and chat about raising our sons than about how to deal with nausea. I am also so glad that Steph and Kris are settling in so well in Georgia. I have always wanted to visit Savannah so I am thinking I may need to take a vaca down to visit sometime soon.

My dog ate my saving grace

So Tim and I headed off to church this morning. We woke up in just enough time to feed Ian, change, and leave. What we forgot to do was walk Pippin. So what does he do to get us back? He eats my entire tube of Lansinoh. Yep, he ate the ENTIRE tube. Well he actually left the plastic tubing but sucked down the entire contents.

You mothers understand what a miracle this stuff is. If my house were burning and I could grab only three things I would take Ian, my tube of Lansinoh, and my coupons for more Lansinoh. Without divulging too much information, Lansinoh has helped me through the first three weeks of feeding Ian, and I am banking on it getting me through the next couple of months. It has been a loyal friend.

I am begining to think Pippin is smarter than I thought.

Also, I am leaving you with an updated picture of Ian and Pippin. Ian is really growing these days. I am curious to see how much he weighs. His face has filled out and his stomach and thighs are starting to get a little chubby.

Thanks MOM!!!

I can't go to bed tonight without posting about my mom. My mom (or mom-mom as Ian will call her) left tonight after staying with us for a few days. She was so incredibly helpful and the house seems empty now without her. My mom completely cleaned our entire house. Everything is sparkling. I am staring at our living room right now and it is completely rid of Pippin hair. Amazing!

My favorite part of her visit was just sitting across from each other at the kitchen table sipping coffee, checking email, and chatting.

I don't have pictures downloaded yet, but my mom did a fair amount of holding Ian. She even watched Ian while Tim and I attended a reception: our first time out of the house without him.

Updated***Pictures have been downloaded***

My mom hanging out with Ian

Ian, my mom, and me

Zucchini bread

They call these hot humid days the dog days of summer. Well around the Chapman house lately Pippin has turned into a second class citizen. We still walk him, feed him, and pet his belly but I fear he is becoming depressed. Tim tells me dogs don't get depressed. As shown in these pictures though they can get bored.

Pippin waiting for a friend to call inviting him to come over to play.

And since Ian is still sleeping really well and seems to be completely content laying in his cradle staring at the ceiling during the day I have taken up baking to fill my time. My parent's garden has yielded some gigantic zucchini this year and every time someone comes to visit they bring me one or two zucchinis. I have started making weekly batches of zucchini bread for friends and family. It is so delicious and you can eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Just warm and add a smidgen of butter. Deliciouso!

Zucchini Bread

3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups grated zucchini
3 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. baking powder
3 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Beat eggs; add sugar, oil, zucchini, and vanilla. Beat well. Add dry ingredients, nuts, and raisins. Put batter in greased 9 x 5 loafpans. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves.

Watching Baseball with Uncle Gregs

Uncle Gregs trying his hardest to turn Ian into a baseball fan while Tim is at work. Tim is threatening to buy Ian a lacrosse stick next month and start daily practices.

Ribbit Ribbit

And the WINNER IS...

Aunt Emily and Aunt Susannah!!!!

Not that there was a contest or anything but Aunt Emily and Aunt Susannah totally win for first aunt/uncle to visit Ian. Emily visited when Ian was only 4 days old. He still was sleeping all day and barely opened his eyes. Emily is such a natural with babies and children. She has been so helpful every step of my pregnancy. She basically registered for me, organized my baby shower, and has been so supportive.

Aunt Susannah gets total props for driving 8 plus hours to visit Ian for a day when he was a week old. There is no denying that Ian totally looks like Tim, and like a Chapman baby for that matter, but I think he may also have Susannah's eyes. One night after feeding Ian he opened his eyes and I saw Susannah. On second thought, maybe it is the cheeks. I don't know what it is but there is something about Ian that reminds me of Susannah.

Below are pictures of Ian meeting Aunt Emily and Aunt Susannah for the first time.

Ian had his first pediatrician appointment last Thursday. Everything checked out fine. Ian is still weighing in at 5 lbs 15 ounces but has grown to 21 inches long. It was a rather uneventful trip except for a little car seat fiasco. My sister Abby and I could not figure out for the life of us how to get the car seat out of the car. So there we were on M Street in our too short dresses bending into the back seat of the car (flashing everyone I am sure) trying to get the car seat out of the car. After about 10 minutes of trying I finally caved and called Tim. After following Tim's instructions Ian was safely out of the car. I am so glad that Abby was there with me at Ian's first appointment. She was such a huge help, and it was so great to hang out with her as well.

Week of Visitors

Today is my due date, or I should say was my due date. Instead Ian is two weeks old tomorrow, and what an incredible past two weeks it has been. We are still adjusting really well to life with a baby and are still experiencing that "baby high."

One of the best parts about having a baby is that friends and family come to visit. The past two weeks we have had tons of friends and family constantly coming to check out Ian, bring us food, and hang out. I have posted some pictures below.

My mom, Nanny, and Bam in the delivery room right after Ian was born. It was so wonderful having them there. Can you believe my grandparents were there at 2am in the morning? They are such troopers.

My dad trying to get Ian to open his eyes and wake up right after he was born. I started yelling at my dad, "Let him sleep!"

My parents in the hospital with Tim, Ian, and me a few hours after Ian was born.

Nanny, Bam, Tim, Ian and me at the hospital.

Tim's parents, Geoff and Becca; Tim, Ian, and me in the hospital hours after Ian was born.