Baby Elodie

Wait you say, that doesn't look like a Hatzis baby. And yep, you're right. That little bundle of gorgeousness is Baby Elodie. And she is sweeter than summer strawberries. I was lucky enough to have Elodie's mom Katie as my pregnant friend this go-round and the two of us spent many a minutes, hours, and days discussing cloth diapers, baby slings, and possibilities for baby names as we awaited the arrival of our bundles. And even though she was just about the cutest pregnant woman you've ever seen, I won't hold that against her. The sad but true part of this story is that while I loved getting to take Elodie's picture today, I also got the sads because I had to say goodbye to Katie. Katie's husband Mike just finished up med school and they are moving to the land of horses (aka- Lexington, Kentucky) where Mike will begin a surgery residency. I know that Katie and Mike are about to begin a wonderful new chapter in their lives and the two of them are going to be outstanding parents. Kentucky is lucky to have this family and I know that they leave behind a whole slew of people who will miss them. And Elodie, just a warning, you better be prepared to bring home only the most upstanding gentlemen because I have a feeling your daddy is going to be very, very protective of you! But, I also think you've already got him wrapped around your finger.

Mommy and Daddy in the making

Conner and Elizabeth have started to take more interest in caring for their baby dolls. I think both have got what it takes to keep a toy doll alive. They feed their doll every five days or so and once in a while they change it's diaper. Conner has named his doll Donka Donker and Elizabeth named her's Lolly of France. Seems like someone drew the short end of the baby doll naming stick. And this conversation was overheard today as Elizabeth changed Lolly of France's diaper:
Elizabeth: Oh my gosh Lolly! That is stinky. You need to poop in the potty, not your diaper. You're a big girl. Only babies poop in their diaper.

Gah, their minds really are like sponges! Obsorbing everything you say (of course to be repeated outside of the home) even when you swear they aren't listening.

Update: I just noticed Elizabeth is pulling a little Britney Spears in this picture. But at least she had the sense to wear some underwear so her naughty bits aren't showing. Ever the lady Miss Elizabeth.

Heartbreaker

Pretty sure I'm not going to be the only lady who melts at the sight of these dimples.

2 months

A quick update on the ever-growing, ever-cute Nolan. He turned 2 months old on Tuesday and of course we had to get some pictures of the handsome guy. He must have loved all the silly duck noises I was making while taking his picture because he was more than willing to give me some smiles. And after going to the doctor today, his stats for the month are 12 lbs 9 oz (50-75%) and 23 1/4" long (50-75%). So he's growing and thriving and smiling. Can't ask for much more than that. Other than loving up on Nolan, we haven't been up to much around here. We did make a trip out to Fort Collins and found a house to rent and a school for the kids. So overall a successful trip. With the move coming up so soon (officially leaving June 20th), I'm starting to get a major case of the sads. A few months ago I was itching to leave the South (those months were the summer months during which there was such oppressive heat), but now, I'm feeling a bit sentimental for this place. My life changed drastically here. I met my husband and had three kids here. I learned how convenient the term y'all is when sending an email to a big group of people here. I made some great friends with whom I hope to stay in touch with (and will always keep an open room for when y'all want to visit). And, I grew up a lot here- transitioning to a full-fledged adult (I think I achieved that). So its time to make the most of our last few weeks here and enjoy all the sweet tea and grits that we can!

1 month

Yesterday we celebrated Nolan's first month out of the womb. And yep, still no baby book so I'll have to chronicle his first month online (but I did look for a baby book at Target- they were all out of boy books). So far, Nolan doesn't do a whole lot (which I think is normal for newborns). He sleeps, eats, and cries. And speaking of crying, the boy likes to cry- especially when he's not being held. He was lucky enough to be spoiled by all of his grandparents and auntie during their recent visits and now the boy insists on being held every minute of the waking day. But, he makes up for it at night. He is turning into a champion sleeper at night. For about the last week he has been going to be around 11 pm and then only waking up once around 3:30 am for a feeding. And, he's been sleeping in his bassinet (not cradled in my arms as he was during previous weeks)!!!! So there has been progress and both Chris and I are feeling much better after a few nights of good sleep.

And there you have it, a quick synopsis of Nolan's first month. The next month should bring about some exciting new adventures. First up we are going to begin cloth diapering since little man can now fit into his BumGenius diapers! And next week Nolan is going to begin his jet setting ways and join Chris and I on our house hunting adventure in Colorado. Finally I'm hoping to see a smile on his face soon because right now I think the only thing that makes him happy is gas. And those gassy smiles have given us a sneak peak as to what his smile will look like and it looks like he might have dimples on both cheeks! And you thought he couldn't get any cuter.

My sister pointed out that Nolan is holding up one finger- yep, counting already. 

Week 2 with Nolan

Okay, so I'm not going to chronicle each week of Nolan's life but I'm taking advantage of modern technology to write down some of the highlights of what has been going on since Nolan left the womb. *Read- I don't have a baby book yet for Nolan so I've got to blog about things lest he grows up and realizes that his parents totally sucked at recording the important details of his life.

Week 2:

Of course I think that Nolan is awesomesauce and is blessed with super special genes, but this week there was proof. Superstar Nolan rolled over- not once but twice! Yep, at two weeks this little guy rolled over from his stomach to his back. He pretty much hates tummy time so much that he rolls over onto his back to avoid it. Other than rolling over, the big guy ate a lot, slept a decent amount, and was spoiled rotten by his Grandma. On the agenda for next week- finally cutting and losing the cord from his mother,  long walks through the park, and lunch with some ladies.

Nolan's first week in pictures

Elizabeth meeting her brother at the hospital

Conner meeting his brother

Checking out their new brother

Big sister love

Our first picture as a family

Pajama party with big sister and brother

Our first photo shoot

Lovin' up on Auntie Mae Mae

He has some seriously long toes!

Elizabeth is a great big sister!