Grandma "F"

Baby "L" is the 23rd grandbaby for Grandma "F," so we were excited to have her come for a visit to meet her youngest little guy!!  Grandma "F" is the best cuddler and rocker.  I know because, Baby "L" told me so.  Little "K" will have none of that rocking and cuddling stuff though.  He seems to think there are too many other things to see and do!

Thankfully, Grandma "F" was able to come and hold Baby "L" as he peacefully slept.  We look forward to seeing Grandma again soon, so she can stay in the rocking practice =)  Here is a picture of Baby "L" as he meets Grandma "F."  I think they will get along quite well!

Mom & Baby "L"

Who would have known that this summer would be one of the hottest, record setting type of summers? I have decided, that it might be better to be pregnant when it is just a bit cooler.  I honestly lost track of the number of 100 degree days that we have had.  Then it become way too hot to take little "K" on our nightly stroller walks.  But, back to the baby details!

We headed for the hospital around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24.  Baby "L" arrived at 3:19 p.m.  He was a little shy in wanting to make his debut, but once his aquatic environment was burst, he seemed to think that maybe he would check out the world on the outside.

This picture was taken the next day.  Mr. Fixit had a chance to retrieve our camera, and snapped some hospital photos.  In this photo, Baby "L" and I are chilling and waiting until the next feeding, and, of course, anticipating the start of the summer Olympics!

Temporary Ride

Since about the beginning of July, we have experienced electrical difficulties with our car. The electronic locks stopped working one day, and doors could not be locked or unlocked with the key remote nor on the inside of the doors.  The hatch could not be unlocked at all.  The back window was also stuck in the locked position.

At first we thought maybe the batteries or a fuse needed replaced.  Not the case.  After two evaluation appointments, it was decided that a computer mechanism was the culprit.  Great - let's get a new one!  So we did.  The car went back for the third day, and the dealership discovered that the wrong part was ordered.  So, I requested they unlock the doors, because I was tired of hauling a toddler into his car seat through the window.

A new part was ordered, and we decided to wait until Baby "L" arrived.  Who knew when we would be headed to the hospital, and it is more helpful to have a car for this task.  The car went in shortly after the birth for repair.  Three weeks later, the locks stopped again.  So the car returned for another repair.  Two days later, same story = no working locks.  *Sigh*

The car is now back at the dealership for the fifth time.  We have a rental, pictured above, as they try to determine what is going on.  I received a phone call from the service technician yesterday, they are still working on it, but the car had a "boo boo."  Apparently another employee backed another customer's vehicle into the driver's side car door of our vehicle.  The report was that the door was rather banged up.  So, the car went to the body shop to receive a new driver's side door.

Our car is certainly not new - eight years old - but, we do like our car, and it is paid for.  However, I am beginning to wonder if this is a sign that we should start car shopping soon???

Zebra

I honestly never thought that this little toy - a Zebra - would become the most valuable toy in our collection.  Let me assure you though, it most certainly is!  Mr. Fixit has even become tuned into the significance of this toy, as he asked me on our way to church one morning, "Did you bring the zebra?" Yes, honey, of course I remembered the Zebra!

Anyway, we acquired this little guy in a box of clothing from my librarian friend.   This is the toy that "K" must have for sleeping.  He has a love for tags.  So, he holds the Zebra in his right hand, and rubs the tags between his thumb and first finger.  While this is occurring, he sucks his left thumb.  And, I tell you, all - is - right - with - the - world!  If the Zebra happens to fall out of bed or he can not locate it in the night, well, we become alerted to the situation right directly!

On another note, I have to sneak it into the washing machine, each week, for a bath.  Timing is everything, folks.  My goal is to have it clean by naptime!

One Month

Baby "L" officially turned the calendar to a new month on the 24th of August!  He had his one month doctor visit that day, and really took everything in stride.  Here is a peek at the stats from his first month of life:

*Weight - 9 pounds 10 ounces: Baby "L" has gained 3 pounds and is in the 50 percentile!
*Length - 22 inches: Baby "L" grew 2 1/2 inches and is in the 75 percentile!
*Head - 16 inches: Baby "L" is in the 50 percentile for head circumference!

Other happenings include: more awake time during the days, a very good eater, still a night owl and he smiled for the first time in response to us talking to him!  The other smiles were attributed most likely to air bubbles in his tummy.  We are excited to see what month two brings!  I have one more month until I return to the work world, so keep your fingers crossed that Baby "L" gets the hang of sleeping at night by then!

Baptism

Sunday was a big day!  Baby "L" was baptized into the Catholic faith!  He really was quite laid back about the whole occasion.  He was awake, and every now and then, made a little squeak.  He did not even cry when water was poured over his head. =)

In honor of this special sacrament, he wore a baptismal gown that Mr. Fixit wore and his brothers and sisters.  The gown actually goes back three generations in Mr. Fixit's family.  We were proud that he was able to receive his sacrament in this gown too!

Pictured with Baby "L" are his Godparents and Fr. W.  Welcome to the Catholic church!

Romper Man

My good friend, EM, sent us some new-to-us clothing.  Several items are for the new little guy, soon to arrive, but there were several rompers, that were perfect for "K."  So, I could not resist snapping a photo of him in one.  What do you think?

Sweet "J," our daycare gal, thinks I should get photos of "K" taken in this outfit.  I am trying to summon the strength, courage and ambition to get this accomplished.  I agree, this would be cute photo material, and I have not done any "official" one-year-old photos, so perhaps.  I am hoping that this does not put me on the parent fail list, because I really do anticipate getting his photo taken, some day.  However, in the meantime, enjoy this home snapshot!