6 weeks old

Baby Jude joined our family six weeks ago at 5:04 pm. I've been writing in a journal my mom gave us. Here are snippets from Jude's first six weeks:

June 2, 2008 "I am on day 5 (Monday). Greg went back to work today and my mom is here. We have never eaten so well....
...Jude screamed, slept and fought for an hour not to feed. It is such a pain to learn this process when he can't talk and I'm an amateur.
At first pediatrician appointment I could barely talk I was so tired. I said "Jude has his c-section yesterday". Doctor and Greg looked at each other. Took me a moment to realize I meant circumcision. Ha Ha"

June 5, 2008 "Dealt with his first 'diaper rash' yesterday and gave him first real sponge bath. George (the dog) tried to help by bringing a toy. Jude love the foam bath pad but he pooped on it too.
Dad & Todd visited Jude. Uncle Todd held his nephew."

June 8, 2008 "Saturdays are awesome--Greg is here"

June 9, 2008 "Today(Monday) was my first day alone with Jude without Greg or my mom. Lord equip me to be a good mother-- to help his brain develop and help him to know you and love us. Help me remember all the things I should do to care for him."

June 14, 2008 "Baby Jude looks larger to me. I want him to stay small and cute forever"

June 16, 2008 "One of the many hospital bills arrived (insurance will cover) but its for $13,297.05 and that's just part of my expenses. Jude's alone were $2300."

June 19, 2008 "Just when I think Jude is looking at me and aware, he proves me wrong by trying to nurse the pillow instead of facing me."

June 20, 2008 "Jude is a little snorer when he sleeps. Its so cute."

June 29, 2008 "Today we are having a day of rest so mommy cries less. We are still learning how to balance each other's needs for rest and time together on the weekend now that baby is here."

July 2, 2008 "He's discovered his fist and loves to chew it, even more than the pacifier sometimes. He makes cute smiles, a few 'coos' and lots of noise. "

July 7, 2008 "Somehow he grew eyelashes and I missed it. They are adorable and blond--like his wisps of hair. He has hair all over his head but has a concentrated mop on the very top. Its like that one curl of hair they always draw on cartoon babies."

Happy July 4th

Happy 4th of July everyone. Baby Jude took in the spectacular Oak Park-River Forest fireworks show right in the stadium with the huge crowd. But he slept through the entire thing thanks to Evelyn and Byron's wonderful hearing protection headphones in baby size!
A police officer stopped us to say 'That's the smartest thing I've ever seen."
Grandma Carole came along for the show. And Evelyn brought ice cream to share. Yummy.
Earlier in the day we visited the zoo with Jude. I'll post those pictures soon.

July 4th fireworks with Jude

(7/22) Here are the added photos I promised from the zoo:

Jude at Bear Garden

Jude's patriotic bib

Jude's wardrobe & July 3rd

One of the biggest surprises to us was how many baby clothes we have received for Jude. The child size wardrobe we have in his room is now packed with adorable outfits. He even got a July 4th bib from someone.

Jude's wardrobe The other day it got chilly so I pulled out his nautical cardigan and docksiders. They are still a bit large. But it made a cute photo before he started screaming.

preppy baby

Greg got off work a bit early today in advance of July 4th. He gave Jude a bottle while I made brownies. I came upstairs to find the holiday started early for both dad and baby.

Dad & Jude nap

Notice the blog has no photos of Mommy sleeping with the baby :-)

Jude's attire doesn't stop at just clothes. Greg's acoustic colleagues gave Jude hearing protection headphones at his baby shower. We tried them on for size in preparation for July 4th. We're expecting to watch the fireworks while Jude chills in his Baby Bjorn wearing the headphones. I'm sure it will be a funny sight! Thanks to Lora, Nesita, and NBC friends for giving us the Baby Bjorn.

Jude tries his headphones

It was amazing to see how Jude calmed down immediately when we put the headphones on. I guess the sound of silence or muffled sound was enjoyable for him.

enjoying peace & quiet

aunts at a picnic

Kara's relatives, the Kline family, recently held a "Meet Baby Jude" Party in Hoffman Estates at the home of Aunt Jan. Even though lots of Klines live in the Chicago area (they were a founding family in Evanston) it is difficult to coordinate schedules and get together. Kara felt honored by all who attended to meet the baby. Jude felt sleepy.

Kara, Aunt Jan & Jude, Aunt Karen

Relaxing on the deck. Thanks Dio for holding Jude!

Kara's Great Uncle Don & Aunt Pat made the trip from Evanston

Jude continues to build an impressive wardrobe