Browns Lake

We took a trip up to Brown's Lake in Burlington, WI on Sunday. It was James' first trip to a lake, first time on a beach (he was in sandbox heaven) and first trip on a row row (what he calls a boat, from the nursery rhyme, Row, Row, Row Your Boat). The heat and humidity finally dropped, so it was a beautiful day and James was able to heat-regulate well. Gma Chele, Uncle John, Dan and Matt and Tara (whom James loves to play with) all joined us for the day.
Above :: James cheeeesing at the picnic table with Brown's Lake in the background
Below :: Safety first! James in the life jacket we borrowed from the Campbell's -- THANKS!

The life jacket made it easy for Daddy to direct James on the walk to the "row row" (Jim wasn't pulling up, the life jacket just gave him that much of a wedgie -- good thing he had a thick diaper on)!

James and Mommy trying to stay in the boat as Uncle John drives really fast

Taking a break to hang with Daddy and Gma Chele

But Moooom, I'm big enough to tube, I promise!

The beach was a big hit -- good thing Gma Chele got him a bucket the night before because I cannot find ours anywhere!

Sifting sand and brushing it off his belly

He really enjoyed the water too -- it was like bath water, even I got in without a problem!

All wet from splashing in the waves

Video #1 :: splashing in the water

Video #2 :: First Boat Ride!

First Chicago Steel Hockey Game

Friday night we decided at the very last minute (seriously, I mean at 8:15pm for a 7:30 game) to go see Uncle John work and watch some Chicago Steel Hockey.
James did awesome! Once we took him out of the bundleme from the car seat, we threw on a fleece and his puppy hat to keep him warm and he sat on my lap just entranced with the game. We both thought he was trying to legitimately watch the game -- he was definitely following all the players around on the ice (he's been really liking things that are bright white and then watching the contrasting colors on it -- ie the new Gap holiday commercial -- he stops dead in his tracks to watch it -- a sucker for marketing ploys already).

We are dreading the day that James gets stranger anxiety. So far he's only played shy a few times, especially right after waking up but he normally dive-bombs for the person standing next to whomever is holding him. He kept wanting to go to John and Bailey and her mom to play with them. I guess the game was "put my hand in your mouth" as he kept trying over and over again -- maybe he's jealous of the teeth they have and he doesn't (yet, but soon, right)! :-)

Hospital Stay

To update the rest of James' hospital story:

We stayed in the hospital until Saturday since our insurance covers 96 hours...what a great decision! I highly recommend it for anyone with the chance. James and I were having some issues with feedings and his biliruben numbers were up and his weight was down to the 10% mark, so it was good to have the extra help during the day and for one more night. Saturday he checked out much better with the pediatrician and we both got our discharge to go home and start life in the real world :-) My recovery was a bit tougher than expected -- I guess major abdominal surgery will do that to ya though -- I am only allowed to do the stairs once a day, so that means A LOT of the responsibilities have fallen on Jimmy...he has been an absolute wonder! I love my husband so much, he is a fantastic daddy :-)

My doc let Jim take still pictures during the delivery, so I'm sorry if you have a weak stomach, but these pics were just sooo cool and pretty amazing and I've only included one.

James had lots of visitors. My mom and dad drove up when they found out I was going to be induced on Monday. Mom and Michele stayed at the hospital overnight (even though we told them to go home) and Dad went to hang with the dogs at our hizzouse. The next day everyone was ready to welcome Peanut to the world. Uncle John, Jen, Dominic and Amanda all came to visit James the day he was born -- it was great to get to see them all and share our lil' joy with them (he was groggy then and nice and quiet -- they missed James' great impression of a howler monkey the next few nights).

Below, Pops gives James "a kiss for both of his grandpa's"...so cute, I love my dad!

James and Gma Chele get acquainted (is that a tear we see Gramma? I think she likes him)!

James getting some lovin' from G.G.

Uncle John looking oh-so-comfortable holding a newborn ;-)