Well....for our anniversary (a day early) I surprised Bob with some Colts tickets (I think I benefited a little from this deal). I can't believe I didn't spill the beans--and I waited til the last second to give them to him. We had a great time at the game (even if they didn't win). We had a great view of the field (even though we were way up there)....and a gorgeous view out the window of downtown Indy.

Jack spent the day with our GREAT friend Lindsey. We can't thank her enough for spending the day with him, and letting us get out together--sans baby. That evening, though, he had his first fever (barely)--despite acting just fine--and it just as magically disappeared later that night. A normal person would have moved on, but as the neurotic NICU nurse mother--I keep taking his temperature several times a day (even though he doesn't even feel hot) and waiting for a mysterious illness to rear its head. Little crazy.

Our major milestone of the day is a successful nap in the crib (its been over an hour--30 minutes would have been an accomplishment). This makes twice in one week (for those that don't know, he's a great sleeper at night, but not so much during the day). I peeked on him....and he's all snuggled on one side of the crib on his belly (which I have to remind myself, that since he did it himself, its okay).

Sounds like Bob just got home....so I will post some more pictures of Jack later. Hope everyone's enjoying the first week of fall (if only it wasn't 86 degrees outside).

Just a quick update before heading to bed (I'm trying to update in a more timely fashion)...

This past Saturday was the NICU Reunion. Its something that I truly look forward to each September--since I get to see some of my favorite kiddos from over the years. Seeing them healthy, growing up, walking, talking, etc. is definitely what keeps me going. (If you were there and took pictures--don't forget to email them to me at laura23rn@yahoo.com). Anyway, it was wonderful to get to spend a couple hours visiting with old friends and, of course, introduce them to the 2 boys that are so important to me (Bob was gracious enough to attend as well). Jack was shockingly well-behaved (even took a nap without any fussing despite the distractions).

We're looking forward to going to a friend's wedding this Saturday and then we'll be celebrating our 2nd anniversary...(thanks in advance to Lindsey for helping us out). I'll update again soon with some new pictures.

I'm clearly a failure at blogging--2 entire months without a single post. Let's see if I can sum it up:

July-We had a wonderful visit (short, but nice) with Bob's sister and her family. And we especially loved our brief visit to Bob's aunt's house on the lake. We did make a visit to the Children's Museum here in Indianapolis--but OUR child wasn't as thrilled as we hoped (we'll try again later).

August-We made a trip to the State Fair with our friends Nick and Staci (who I think learned that parenting certainly complicates even the easiest of adventures). We also had a chance to tour the new stadium downtown--even Jack was happy to attend.

Those were probably the highlights of our summer (as you can see we don't exactly get out so much anymore). I'm impatiently awaiting the arrival of fall--can't beat sweater weather, leaves changing color, and the Covered Bridge Festival. This upcoming weekend is the NICU Reunion--can't wait to see some of my favorite little kids from over the years.

Jack is still growing like a weed (he's up around 16.5 lbs now) and turned 5 months old this week-its amazing how quickly time flies. He's a ball of fun--and he's constantly picking up new things. He's very grabby. LOVES eating real people food (or at least the pureed version of it)--he might even try to steal yours. His current hobbies include rolling around on the floor, eating his toes, blowing raspberries, drooling, his new Rainforest Jumperoo, and saying ba-ba-ba-ba. Hopefully, he'll be changing those b's to m's pretty soon. :) He's rotten, squirrely, and goofy--and I have no idea how we ever lived without him. He is most certainly the highlight of our days.

New things every day....

Mickey Blue Eyes

This past week Jack has nearly perfected a new pasttime. He's been gnawing on his hands for weeks--but he can now get to his thumb. However, this has created a dilemma for his little mind...at bedtime, when he has the pacifier, he wants his thumb--but when he pulls the pacifier out to get his thumb, he cries for the pacifier. Ahhh....eventually he'll self-soothe.

He's also decided that maybe people are more interesting than the ceiling fan (well some of the time). He's becoming quite social--and is starting to smile for more than just mommy and daddy. And then we have the pout. Even in the throws of an all out meltdown, it totally cracks us up.

We've gotten into our new routine now that we're both working again....and thankfully, it hasn't been a rough transition. We're very much looking forward to seeing Bob's sister, brother-in-law and our niece and nephews next week. And we're sure Jake will jump at the chance to go for a swim in the lake again. Can't wait....

Please feel free to leave us a comment or send us an email--we love hearing from everyone!!!

Just seeing what I can do....

Just practicing with videos and such. This was taken about 2 months ago when Jack was almost 2 weeks old. Crazy little boy...

Back to Reality

We all survived my first day back to work just fine. Mommy had a few tears. Daddy realized it was harder to leave him with a stranger than mommy. And Jack.....well, Jack thought it was pretty cool to hang out with the big kids apparently.

We're leaving Jack with a wonderful grandmother and two of her grown daughters who run an in-home daycare. Its a trek out to her house (its in the country, the wrong direction from downtown).....but we think Jack is going to LOVE it there. He got a great report--and we all came through the day with flying colors after the hardships of the morning.

The next hurdle is Bob's--managing an entire weekend (all day anyway), home ALONE with the boy. I'm certain he'll do WONDERFUL because he's great with him....but I imagine it'll be an eye opening experience (since he's only been by himself with him for an hour here and there). He's not a big napper and wants to be entertained a lot of the time. He's also a feisty one if you're not giving him what he wants (before he wants it). Should be fun times in the Smith house this weekend!!!!