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!

Mr. Adorable

We learned that Truman has a whole other identity in Dallas. It seems he's known there as Mr. Adorable, according to Paul's mom, aka Grandmommy. Hmmm. Obviously his North Texas fans have yet to see him in the late afternoon without a nap, when he's Mr. Not So Adorable.

Anyway, Truman enjoyed a nice afternoon with Grandmommy while Alison and Paul caught a matinee. Thanks, Joyce!

Baby's Best Friend?

Truman has been especially interested in Luther lately. Luther seems a little cautious around him—those unpredictable hands! that screetchy voice!—but he's willing to offer a lick now and then.

Today they hung out while watching the Democratic National Convention.

Catching Up

We've all been sidelined with colds since last week, but relief is definitely in sight. Truman is almost completely recovered, so he decided to resume his aggressive workout regime. He seems intent on meeting all developmental milestones, like sitting up. Note the attempted sit-ups (or "crunches"), above.


He can sit up unassisted for about five seconds at a time. Here, he's enjoying The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Upside down. (Hey, he can't master everything at once.)


A view from the back.


More tummy time. It's still not a favorite, but ever since he started daycare, he seems very motivated by his older peers who are all rollling, sitting up, crawling, etc.



He's also becoming a champion self-soother.



And finally, reluctantly modeling a hat I made him for his late fall trip up north. (All he needs is a union card and a job down at the docks unloading fish.)