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.