The Way Back Machine - Part 1

Sorely over due. I apologize for the gap in activity here about the ongoing adventures. For the purpose of the next couple posting, I will take you in way back machine to early March....

you may feel yourself drifting now...you may feel sleepy or dizzy. The machine can have this effect. Do not seek help of a physician or stop taking your Lunesta.

Ah, here we are March 13th.

I've just arrived back from twelve days of east coasting. It's amazing what can happen in the span of 12 days. Especially, in the infant time. Alston made a jump in some of his motor and social skills. Here are the highlights:

1. Increased smiling accompanied by a new giggle (quite delightful and clearly in direct response to spending time with his east coast family)
2. Rubbing his eyes when he's tired
3. Increased steadiness and directed movement of hands - He likes to watch his hands move
   
4. Mimicking facial expressions of others
5. Playing with his hair when tired or nursing
   

It is an awesome privilege to watch someone develop a basic motor skill for the first time. The wonderment of seeing someone rub their eyes for the first time seems so monumental. Its so universal. We've all done it a million times without thinking twice about it. Watching Alston's tiny fingers brush sloppily over his brow to reveal glassy half closed eyes was deeply meaningful in way I never would have anticipated.

Beyond all of Alston's milestones, we had a great time visiting with lots of family. Thanks again to everyone for shuttling us around MD, DE and PA!! Here are some photo highlights:

This clearly should have been the theme for the trip


Alston sportin' his Steelers bib with Aunt Kathy.

Two very smiley guys! Alston and his Uncle Jamie!

Grandypa, Gracie and I built this snowman in the 9 inch snowfall that hit Delaware while we were there. Patrick's parents humored me and braved the icy winds for this great photo.
Here's Gracie girl with a big cup of hot cocoa following snow time. The mug says "Friends always find time..." and I like that.

Here is Carter practicing at the Tae Kwon Do studio, where he had his birthday party.
Carter, Mason and the proud mom, Susan pose with the super cool martial arts dragon cake for Carter's 8th birthday party.
The birthday boy with his 2nd cake of the day at the evening family celebration. Yes, that is confetti cake with birthday cake flavored ice cream!! WOW!

Grammy snuggles her bathing beauty!

Alston plays copy cat with my Aunt Sue. We had a great visit with Aunt Sue and Jamie. Jamie had Alston rolling with laughter. It was endlessly fun to watch.

Lastly, a shot of Alston with some of his cousins! Too cute! (from the left: Alston, Carter and Mason)