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.

Aunt Cynda - I can always count on her to hold Ian for a good solid 2 hours every time she comes over.

Uncle Jesse and Aunt Kristen- naturals!

Uncle James: helped Tim celebrate the birth of his son with scotch and cigars.

Uncle Cody- came straight from a kickball game to visit Ian in the hospital which is why he has the diaper pad on his chest- to cover the sweat. Cody and Jesse sang Ian his first lullaby, which was actually a rap turned lullaby- "summer,summer,summertime."

Typical Guy

Ian is a total bed hog...



And knows it....

Do I really have a baby...or is that just a doll in the cradle?

I continue to have the easiest baby and recovery I could ever imagine. Tim and I keep asking each other when we think this "honeymoon" phase is going to end. Is this just the calm before the storm? Everyone assures us that at the two week mark the baby really starts to wake up and becomes more demanding. Well bring it on Ian. I am ready for some real baby.

Right now Ian is as easy as could be. He only cries for 10 seconds when we change his diaper, but as soon as the dirty diaper is pulled away he stops. His cry is a mellow cry as well- not sharp but muted. Also, he sleeps for 6 hours straight in the middle of the night, with a two hour stretch on the front end. Tim and I are alert and well rested in the mornings. Again, do we have a baby or just a doll? This goes against everything I have read. People keep telling me to get my rest and to sleep when the baby is sleeping. I am not tired in the least however. Tim and I are implementing tanning/happy hour on our back deck from 3-5pm daily because we have so much time on our hands. I think I have called my parents/grandparents so often that I am starting to bug them. But no joke, I was kinda bored the first couple of days at home. I did four loads of laundry yesterday just to fill up my day. My friend Cynda told me I should take up a hobby. Suggestions?

So, here is our amazing schedule. I'll check back in with you all in a week or so to see if things have stayed the same.

10:15am: Wake up call
10:15-11:00am: Nurse
11:00am-1:00pm: Ian sleeps, Tim and Liz enjoy a nice cup of coffee, check emails, pay bills, blog, read, shower, etc.
1:15pm-2:00pm: Nurse
2:00pm-3:00pm: Play with Ian, stare at him, take pictures, Tim takes videos
3:00pm-4:00pm: Tim, Liz, Ian, and Pippin enjoy time on the back porch. Ian is placed in indirect sunlight of course. Tim starts to burn at around the 15 minute mark in the sun- moves to the shade. Liz's hormones make her sweat so bad that she stays in the shade the entire time and learns to live with the fact that her skin is the whitest it has ever been during the summer.
4:15pm-5:00pm: Liz leaves to nurse Ian. Tim stays on back porch to read and sip an ice cold beer or Arnold Palmer (iced tea mixed with lemonade)
5:00pm-8:00pm: Tim takes Pippin for a walk. Liz prepares dinner while also trying to figure out what to do with all of her free time.
8:15pm-9:00pm: Nurse, Tim plays video games
9:00pm-10:30pm: Read, watch tv, stare at Ian some more
10:30pm: Retire to the bedroom- read, watch tv, scratch Pippin's stomach, place Ian in bassinet
12:00am: Tim moves to the guest room, Liz feeds Ian
1:00am-4:00am: Liz changes Ian's diaper twice, swaddles him, watches closely as he sleeps in the bassinet next to her, and then slowly drifts off to sleep. (If Ian does happen to wake up during this time it is usually because he needs his diaper changed. Liz changes the diaper, puts on Enya and Ian immediately falls back to sleep)
4:00am: Nurse
4:00am-10:00am: Sleep

Seriously, I feel like I am on vacation. This schedule is soo manageable.

In other news, Tim went off to work this morning. I am getting a little taste of what it would be like to be a stay at home mom. Things are very quiet around here, even more quiet than before. Kinda scary.

I'll leave you with a picture taken from our first walk with Ian. We only went two blocks, but it was great to get out of the house.

More Ian pics

Click here for pics.

Life is Grand

For the past two days since we have been home from the hospital this is where I have been spending my mornings. Tim will brew a pot of coffee and then I will just sit on the porch with Ian and Pippin catching up on emails, reading, and phone calls. Life could not get much better.

Ian on the bed

Second morning home...

Hanging out

Pippin Preparing For the Year Ahead

Ian on Tim's lap

Looking a little annoyed with Dad...

Ian after a new diaper

He is always most active and aware right after the traumatic experience of a diaper change.

Ian in the morning

After the first night in the home...he did great! Kind of cranky from 3:00 am to 6:00 am, but great otherwise. We all slept from 6:00 till 10:00 this morning.

Ian in the big leather chair

Pippin meets Ian

Ian at hospital

Ian Whitman Chapman

From Tim's Tuesday morning email: "Ian Whitman Chapman was born very early this morning at 1:13 am. He weighed in at 6 lbs 3 ounces and is 19 inches long! All he and mom want to do is sleep! And boy do they both deserve it after nearly a 22 hour labor!"

A couple of weeks ago my mom and sisters threw me an amazing baby shower. It was just perfect in every way. They put so much time and effort into making every detail flawless. It was also wonderful to see all of my Pennsylvania family and friends. Tim's mom and sister Hannah made the trip all the way from Pittsburgh and his Aunt Monika came from New Jersey! My friend Krista whom I hadn't seen in 6 years came with her daughter Hannah. I was just once again overwhelmed by everyone's generosity, words of wisdom, incredible thoughtful gifts, and love.

The menu card and decorations

My sisters Emily, Rebecca, and Abigail who did all the work and preparation for the shower.

My older sister Sally and her son Will

The soon to be grandmothers!

Tim's sister Hannah, and my friend Krista and her daughter Hannah

The Finished Project!!!!