We're On Our Own! - - & Bris Recap

Well, my parents just left and Mike and I are now officially on our own with Dayton. It has been wonderful having the support of my parents but we're excited to begin riding this wave on our own. Wow...we're really parents. This kid is ours....

Dayton's Bris was held last night (for more information on a bris see: http://www.torahview.com/bris/html/the_bris.html).

Dayton was surrounded by his Texas family for this Jewish rite of passage. While the evening started with some nervous anxiety, it was a wonderful ceremony performed by mohel, Dr. Max Mintz. Dayton could not have been in better hands as Dr. Mintz has done 1000s of circumcisions and is a retired pediatrician. My Dad acted as the Sandak who holds the baby during the circumcision. As a result, Dayton was literally in the hands of two pediatricians for his circumcision...the best possible scenario. It was a beautiful ceremony - - - Mike and I are very proud of our son.

As everyone let out a sigh of relief after the circumcision was completed...the wine and food quickly began to flow. Dayton went down for a long nap while his Mom enjoyed her first beer post pregnancy. For those of you who may be concerned about Dayton's condition today - - - he is doing absolutely fine and is sleeping in his bouncy seat as I write this.

The pictures today are from the Bris. We are glad it's over but it truly was an evening we will never forget....on the other hand, it's one that we hope Dayton will NOT remember (hehe...).

Newborn Pics and First Restaurant Outing!

Another exciting day for Dayton. Our good friend, Shaniece (and professional photographer - - - http://www.shaniecephotographer.com/) came over in the morning to take newborn pics of our little boy. Poor guy - - he had signed up for a nap and instead we kept poking and prodding him for various cute poses. I don't think he was entertained by the idea. The couple of pictures you see here from the shoot are taken by my Dad while he looked on.

Dayton and family walked to our favorite neighborhood Italian joint, Raia's, last night for dinner. He did great! He stayed awake for about 30 minutes in the restaurant looking around and then decided to sleep thru the event. In the picture, Dayton in the stroller behind the white mosquito net...he's in there, promise.

Dayton really has his night schedule down - - - down at 10 PM, up at 1:45 AM for a feeding and then sleeps to between 6 and 7 AM. WE ARE SO LUCKY!

Today is Dayton's last day with his foreskin. Tonight is the Bris...Ah veh!

BeeBop's Arrival!

BeeBop arrived yesterday! Dayton was mesmerized by his BeeBop immediately...he even gave his Grandpa some smiles! You can see the look on Dayton's face staring up at his BeeBop as my Dad talked to him in his melodic low voice. I think I'm going to need to record my Dad's voice to play to Dayton when he is not here...particularly in desperate moments. It works like a charm!

We even put Dayton in his stroller for the first time and went for our first family walk yesterday evening. Dayton was napping so I'm not sure if he realized where he was going but we all had a good time. We were just thankful to get outside after the 100 degree weather during the day!

Dayton is enjoying his Grandparent's visit...we all are. They are spoiling us with wonderful dinners and endless support as we adjust to this new addition to our family. Once again, Dayton is making it easy for us...knock on wood!

Sleep and Slings

Another fun day yesterday. We stayed close to home and kept the adventures limited to our own four walls. Amanda came over to teach Mom and Dad to use the Bjorn and a sling. Dayton was so good while we put him in and out in and out and in and out again of the sling. By the time we were ready to practice with the Bjorn, it was meal time so Mr. Lamb was called in to stand-in for Dayton while he took his snack break.

BeeBop (Jill's Dad), is coming in today and we're so excited for him to meet Dayton. We'll post pictures of Beebop's first meeting with his Grandson soon.

One Week Old Today!

Wow! How surreal that Dayton is one-week old today. Mike and I can barely grasp that this baby has not always been in our lives. We are so thankful for him. He continues to require one middle of the night feeding but otherwise sleeps thru the night. He is also happy entertaining himself in his boppy on the play mat. This can last up to 30 minutes without any interaction from others. Amazing.

Dayton has had several visitors since coming into the world. Ginger came to visit in the hospital on July 4th when Dayton was one-day old. It was also Ginger's birthday. Mary Ann and Laura came to visit yesterday. Dayton warmed up to both of them immediately. Thanks to Mary Ann for babysitting Dayton for 15 minutes while Mom and Dad went for a walk around the block with the dogs. It was Jill's first outing in the 'hood and it was nice to see the neighbors.

As you can see, our animal tribe is completely comfortable and gentle with Dayton. It continues to astound me how peaceful they are with him. It's like they were expecting him. In this picture, Tiger shared time on Mike's lap with Dayton.

One week old....time is already flying by.

Dayton & His Girls

We took a roadtrip yesterday to visit our friend Denise and her identical twin girls, Sophia and Brianna. The picture you see was taken after a morning of hard partying by these 7lbs and change kiddos. They may be small but they really know how to throw a party! Personally, I think someone spiked the breastmilk. Things got so crazy they eventually needed to be restrained...as you can tell by these hard swaddles.

Dayton had a wonderful night last night. He only got up at 2 AM for a night feeding and then continued to sleep until 6:15 AM. Geez louise, I feel so lucky. Let's see what today has in store! Dayton is now 6 days old.

Morning Adventures

Dayton had several adventures this morning. He is amazingly independent. He has been hanging in his boppy on the play mat now for about 15 minutes just looking around and completely content. Is this kid really 5 days old?

Also, check out the 'I have arrived' t-shirt that Dayton is wearing in the picture next to Mr. Lamb. Mom and Dad used Mr. Lamb to practice diapering and the car seat prior to Dayton's arrival.