Dave was in D.C. this week and last for some exciting opportunities, including his first Congressional testimony (House Financial Services Committee). Go Dad! We were fortunate that he was able to come home last weekend to see Teddy, and we're excited for his return today. Teddy can’t wait to show off his new cloth diapers, hair growth, and skills. He rolled over a couple of times this week!
The e.e. cummings poem, i carry your heart with me, is a Stoever family favorite, so much so that when I gave my parents a Valentine’s Day card featuring the first two phrases, they first asked if I made it and then asked if I had it commissioned. I had to credit Paper Source for the card, but my sister, Teddy’s Auntie Anneliese, did have this outfit made for Teddy before his birth.
i carry your heart
i carry it in my heart
My little boy is inextricably part of my heart and soul. I so love his sweet smile, how when we make eye contact, he holds the gaze so long, how he often ends his smile to others by shyly turning, the way he moves his lips in a sucking motion as he sleeps, his laughter, his sounds, his trust in us. It is amazing to watch his daily discoveries. The days and months are flying by and I want to slow down time. I remind myself to savor him as a cuddly baby.
The e.e. cummings poem:
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling) i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
I have never been to Vegas, but I imagine this bouncy toy is like Vegas for Teddy. With all the lights, sounds, and gadgets, it’s surely total sensory overload. He’s having a blast.
Stay tuned for video footage to fully appreciate Teddy's Vegas.
In the below video, Daddy is teaching Teddy: 1) calisthenics (it's hard with those chunky thighs); 2) how to wash his hair (it's a lot of work with that gigantic head); and 3) how to brush his teeth (not hard since he doesn't have any!).
It is a Korean tradition to celebrate a baby’s first 100 days of life. Historically, there were high infant mortality rates during the first 100 days, and reaching the 100-day mark was an important milestone. Happy 100 days, Teddy! We celebrate you today and every day!
We are also celebrating my mom’s 68th birthday. Happy birthday, Mutti/Grandma Jane!
Dave’s Mom was with us over the weekend to celebrate Dave’s birthday and to hold, play with, sing to, and shower love on Teddy. Thanks, Halmeoni, for being with us! Teddy especially loved your songs and had fun dancing with you. (Stay tuned for more photos from Dave's phone, too.) While Dave is speaking at a conference in Austria this week, my mom is keeping Teddy and me company. We’re happy for this week of grandmas!
Haven't posted in a while, so thought I'd upload some photos and give a quick update. Teddy is now just over 3 months (he reaches 100 days on Wednesday 3/9), and he's started to learn to scream when he's happy (as opposed to previously, when he'd only scream when he was throwing a complete fit). Yes, we're renting. No, we don't really know our neighbors too well. Yes, we are those neighbors.
He's sleeping a little more these days, although he probably still takes home the coveted prize of "keeps his parents up at night most" (0-1 year old category; Charlie Sheen still takes home the all ages award). And he's really really happy! He's been giggling and laughing and babbling up a happy storm.
He's also starting to grab (toys, his mom's hair, ribbons, strings), punch and kick (mostly his dad during a diaper change), and put things in his mouth (his hands and pretty much anything else; I think it's to mop off the gallons of drool he's emitting each day). He's also starting to follow along as we read him books!
He's still plugging along at the 85+ percentile for weight and height. He pretty much eats all the time, which is necessary to maintain his chubby chubby chubby chubby cheeks and his milk belly and his chunky thighs (which now barely fit into some of his "6 month" sized pants). Good low center of gravity means that he'll be able to fend off defensive tackles or opposing sumo wrestlers.
His large frame also makes the cow suit that he received from his uncle Atman and his aunt Sarika less ironic and simply more appetizing. Good thing we don't eat red meat!
Happy birthday, Dave! I can’t imagine a more wonderful husband or a better father to our son. It’s my great fortune to co-parent with you. Here's to another amazing year!
Teddy seems to be getting better from his sickness each day. His twice daily medicine makes him really uncomfortable, but he is otherwise in good spirits.
I have never been to Vegas, but I imagine this bouncy toy is like Vegas for Teddy. With all the lights, sounds, and gadgets, it’s surely total sensory overload. He’s having a blast.
Stylin' in his BART onesie.
Our little leprechaun will surely get lots of kisses (and no pinches) today!
We are also celebrating my mom’s 68th birthday. Happy birthday, Mutti/Grandma Jane!
While Dave is speaking at a conference in Austria this week, my mom is keeping Teddy and me company. We’re happy for this week of grandmas!
How now, brown cow?
Happy birthday, Dave! I can’t imagine a more wonderful husband or a better father to our son. It’s my great fortune to co-parent with you. Here's to another amazing year!
Teddy seems to be getting better from his sickness each day. His twice daily medicine makes him really uncomfortable, but he is otherwise in good spirits.
