A new season...

One of my favorite things about Pittsburgh is that there's always a really crappy winter, and just when you think you can't take it anymore..spring comes! My mom's neighbor gave us her old jogging stroller, and Laurel and I have been all around the neighborhood. Today I went down into the ravine in the park, which of course means, I had to then push the stroller up out of the ravine (that's a workout!). I got my first pang of she's-growing-up-so-fast when I felt the telltale bump on her lower gum...before I know it her adorable toothless grin will be gone.

Waking up to her smiling face is the best alarm clock in the world. She is curious about everything, especially food, and she loves to bring a glass to her lips with a little help, although all she does is lick it. Bath time is an adventure now that she kicks and splashes so much.

And, oh yeah, the laughing. We made her laugh one time a few weeks ago. Then she wouldn't do it again. My friend Sarah was watching her a few weeks ago and made her laugh. I was feeling a little insecure about that, especially after I tried doing exactly what Sarah does and it didn't work. Finally, M and I figured out that everybody has their own special sound/move to make babies laugh. When we did Sarah's thing, Laurel would just kind of look at us like we were crazy. M discovered that his special sound is "wheeeee" (yes, I know that just made you smile thinking about M going "wheeee"). And I pretend to eat her toes while tickling her ribs. There's a lot of laughing going on by all of us, these days.

Laurel at 20 Weeks 1 Day

That seems so old. She has changed so much in the last 20 weeks. You may be noticing the tiny tuft of hair I managed to pull into a barrette, for example. At this time last year we were just spreading the news to those who hadn't guessed yet.

Messy Fun

Laurel really digs rice cereal. She was cool with sweet potatoes, but not that into avocado or bananas. But man, does she like rice cereal.

Sunday Dinner

I never made it out to my mom and dad's on Saturday as planned, on account of the whole emergency room excitement, but the three of us went today instead. My dad cooked a vegetarian feast of grilled veggie sandwiches (complete with his famous garlic paste!). Of course there was cake for desert. Or should I say two cakes. Laurel got to meet some more of the neighbors.

And here's a picture of her looking pretty darn cute, as per usual.

Update on M

We had a little mishap at our house yesterday while M was moving a washing machine into our basement. Basically his hand got caught under the machine and was sort of crushed/scraped against the ground.

We were reminded of how truly blessed we are to have friends and family around. Grandparents flocked from all corners of the city to watch Laurel. Stan and Laura dropped what they were doing and came over to finish moving the washing machine into the basement. Matt and Loren took M to the emergency department and stayed with him until I was able to get there. We are really, really grateful for the help.

The injury, while gruesome-looking (sorry for that Facebook photo, folks), is not terribly serious and M should recover full function of his hand. A plastic surgeon stitched him up, and we'll go back to have it looked at next week. In the meantime, he's going to have to take it a little easy. I'm sure he won't have any trouble giving up changing diapers, but his sourdough bread obsession may have to be put on hold for a couple of weeks until he can mix and knead again.

Fridays

I love Fridays. It is so very cool to watch these guys change and grow. For the first time, the babies started looking at each other with interest. Kai is the best at laughing. Laurel is the best at wiggling. Niam is the best at making cute baby noises.

More Grandmas and Grandpas

Laurel and I went to have lunch with my grandparents last week. Uncle Tom came over, as did the Mayor of Rices Landing, my cousin, Ryan. We had a great time visiting, Laurel was quite the charming baby. Here are a few photos from that visit.

Laurel Meets the Maryland Relatives

Shout Out to Habitual Hiker! And other business....

Hello Habitual Hiker! My Aunt Mary saw you at your wildflower talk. Greetings from hikers never fail to warm my heart, and infect me with the slightest touch of Springer Fever. First Wife sent a brief, but much needed message the other day. And rumor has it that Flick may be passing through Pennsylvania some time this month on his return trip from the most insane bicycle tour ever. Seriously. He and his new wife biked 5,000 miles through sub-Saharan Africa. It is really making me want to go to Trail Days this year.

Hopeful thru-hikers are leaving from Springer Mountain, GA right about now, and not that any of them are asking me for advice, but I will give it. Hike your own hike. Do not fret about your gear. And just keep walking. And enjoy it...even aching feet and days without showers will be fondly remembered some day.

Funny, the advice for new parents is pretty much the same. Follow your own parenting style. Don't worry about the crap Babies-R-Us says you need. And just take it day by day. And enjoy it...even sleepless nights and poop-splosions will be fondly remembered some day.

In other business...I know some of you are anxious to get some new pictures of Laurel. And we have some great ones! I am busy writing my comprehensive exams this week (I hope to graduate in April), but I will post some new stuff soon!

Sleep Habits

Why is it that Laurel naps so marvelously when my mom is here to watch her?