Dallas, Part II

After the Sip 'n See, we had time to hang out with everyone in Dallas. It was Truman's first visit AND his first trip anywhere. He did okay in the car—he's NOT a fan of the car seat—but we were most impressed with how easygoing he was after meeting so many people, being in a new place, etc.

Here he's meeting his "cousin," Emma, Harvey and Linda's bulldog. She's a sweetie, and she and Truman formed a mutual admiration society.


Truman and his Uncle Harvey.


We started Truman on rice cereal a couple of days ago. He wasn't too interested at first, but now he's very enthusiastic. Watch the progression in these next few photos:

Here he's definitely a willing customer.....



But by this point, he's grabbing Joyce's hand and shoving the spoon in his mouth.



I'd like to think he's using good manners and wiping off his mouth, but in reality he's probably trying to lick off the remains from his bib.



A nice morning moment with Granddad.




And another with Grandmommy.

Sip 'N See

We just got back from Dallas, where Truman had a big weekend. He was the guest of honor at a Sip 'n See given by Joyce's friend, Carol Poston. Many ladies stopped by Friday afternoon to oooh and aaah over the Mitchells' first grandchild. Love the napkins! (We took the leftovers and figured we could save them for his wedding—just pencil in the lucky lady's name....)



A group shot: Alison, Joyce, Truman, and Carol.



Love this photo! Truman and "aunt" Leslie Rose finally get to meet. Leslie left a big 'ol red lipstick mark on Truman's cheek, which made him look very rakish.



Here he's trying out the rocking horse in the sunroom. He also loved the koi pond, outside, but unfortunately we didn't get any photos.

Thank you, Carol, for a fun party!

Yoga Babies, Part II

Before: (l to r) Alena, Gavin, Emmalina, Truman (hanging on a little too tight), Callum, Jack, Shane



And after....

Yoga Babies

During my pregnancy I switched from my usual weekly yoga class to a prenatal class. A group of us became friendly, and we've managed to stay in touch for monthly playdates. Most of our babies were born within a month of one another, and some (Truman and Callum) are only a week apart. Interestingly, most of us had boys.

This month I hosted the get-together. Here's Truman hanging out with Gavin, who looks super-hip (hop) in his Juicy Couture sweatsuit. Gavin started crawling very early (he's now about seven months and nearly walking, I think), so he inspires Truman!


Truman had a bit of the "only child" syndrome at first as the other babies played with his toys, but eventually he calmed down. Here he's king of the office, but he did let Jack (background) and Shane touch a few things.


A group portrait: (L to r on couch) Jeannette and Gavin, Hannah and Emmelina, Juliana and Alena, Alison, April and Jack; (on floor) Johanna and Shane, Laila and Truman (Laila's son, Callum, was cut out of the photo—oops!).



We took a shot of the babies alone, but somehow I didn't get one. Someone may send it to me, and I'll post. All I remember is that Truman was very interested in touching Emmalina's hair and face, and we had to pull him off of her. Nice.

Next month, Johanna hosts the Halloween playdate. Truman's costume will be a nod to his Padre beach vacation, which is only two and a half weeks away. Yeah!

I, Truman

Truman's latest discovery at "the office": the mirror! I forget the exact age when, according to Sigmund Freud, children begin to recognize themselves as separate beings. But as they say in those State Farm TV ads, Truman's "there."

Game On!

Today we initiated Truman into the time-honored tradition of spending fall Saturdays watching Notre Dame football. Here he is modeling his ND jersey, courtesy of Cathy, Margo, Sue and Michelle (Alison's ND roommates). He'll be five months old tomorrow, and you can tell how eager he is to stand on his own. We're not ready for that yet. But he is.




Too much tailgating. (Just kidding.)




The game was a nailbiter for a while. As in, through all four quarters.




Hanging out with Dad during half-time.




Multitasking at his "office" while watching the game. He took out a lot of his game anxiety on that poor "associate," the dragon (cowering to Truman's left). That guy can't catch a break.



Trying out the booster seat and wondering, "Hey, where are the Cheerios?!"




Couldn't resist another smile. (And note the new monogrammed diaper bag in the background. We upgraded in anticipation of all of our upcoming trips.)



Next week, ND plays Michigan. It'll be tough. Go Irish!