Happy Easter, Lazy Monday

We were sad to see Tressa go. But we didn't get a chance to stop and be sad because we already had new company before Tressa had flown away! Grandpa and Grandma G came to see us for Easter. Des sat with Grandma while Marc and I sang in the choir. We had a fantastic ham dinner and fun trying to get a family picture with Des looking at the camera *and* smiling. We had small success. Then we said goodbye to grandma and grandpa and spent a leisurely evening.

Marc had Monday off for a school break so we slept in, had pancakes and then all took a nap. When I say all I mean all - Marc, me, Des, Tana and Monte all squished in on our bed - kind of an accident but a Hallmark moment all the same. Marc is back at work and Des and I are back in sleep boot camp. All the company and traveling has brought us back to square one as far as sleeping goes. *Sigh* I am hopeful that with some hard work and consistency on my part Des will learn to appreciate a good nap just as much as his father does. =)

We are continuing to go to playgroup and meet some new folks. We are also working hard at rolling over both front to back and *almost* back to front. He loves to narrate our life around the house but when we get in public he is silently observant. I see more and more of a personality coming out that reminds me of Marc some days and me others. Either way he is definitely turning into a little boy. I see myself saying that a multitude of times in the years to come until I change the tune to "he is turning into such a young man".

Easter smiles in special Easter outfit.

Dad and son in Easter best.

Using bribes to intice Des to roll over.

Just like the old days...

We are having a grand week with Tressa here! Des can't figure out why this cute girl keeps following him but he likes her! Just like the old days we are chatting and hangin' the only difference is that Des narrates for us. =) We have taken a drive to show Tressa the scenery, we've eaten many baked goods, we've gone to a museum, lugged Des around and as I speak, we are drinking coffee and watching Elf - true to Tressa and Jill form. We also took Des to playgroup again this week and the activity was swimming so Des got his first visit to a large body of water. =) It was kind of funny - he loves his baths so I thought the pool would elicit a similar response- but he just kinda stared around not sure what to do with himself.

I am sad to say that Tressa is only here till Saturday but we've loved having her here and I am very grateful to have had 'girl time.' =) Marc took his jazz band to the Northwest Jazz Festival this last week and they did well, a little nervous with "judges" listening but it was a good experience. Tressa, Des and I went to watch. Marc had Tressa shadow him at school for an afternoon so Tressa could renew her aspirations toward a band career.

I used to be afraid to take Des out to eat but I discovered his secret this last week - he will sleep in a booth! So we went out to eat 3 times last week (I was spending some time in Montana) and he did very well each time because he laid in the booth next to me and rested his eyes a little. =) We also got to have a little pizza party with Grandma because Grandpa was busy at work. We are making progress - going out in public, playgroups, visitors, this kid is ready for the big time! =) (Mom, too)

First swim!

Babysitting *pro* during choir practice.

Pizza party with Grandma.

All smiles

He likes to *play* with his pacifier, and he thinks he pretty funny when he does.

Branching Out.

We are approaching 5 months old (this Saturday). Des continues to practice rolling over every chance he gets. He has been trying to go from back to front as well - but has a way to go yet. Today we branched out in our daily activities. We went to the local community center for a play group. Des obviously didn't "play" with any of the kids but I thought it was about time to start exposing him to playmates other than the kitties. It was a lot of stimulation for him at first but then he settled down and started narrating for the other kiddos. There was only 3 other mommies and then the rec director (who is a daddy) but it was better than our usual tummy time! I'm hopeful that it will be good for him.

Marc had his Highschool Band/Choir concert and his Middle School band concert within the last week. Next week he is taking his Jazz Band to Northwest Jazz Festival. I think there are a couple more events this month - but I can only keep track of the coming week! We've been taking it easy on the weekends just to help keep his sanity.

We have been exposing Des to choir. We joined the church choir for Easter and have been taking Des with us to rehearsals. There is only one babysitter and two babies and since Des is kind 'high-maintenance' and does fairly well in group settings I just hold or wear him and he enjoys the music and people.

We are expecting an Iowa visitor next week which I am very excited about! I'm very anxious for some girl time! Hope you are all well, keep your respective blogs up - I love reading about your lives!

Milestone Success!

Well the little man has decided that rolling over from front to back is quite fun and therefore - starting just yesterday - has decided to do it every time he is placed on his tummy. This makes for very short durations of tummy time but he thinks it fun. I think its funny when he pushes himself to roll over and his body doesn't quite make it but his head swivels as though it did and then he gets this "where am I" look on his face - quite comical. Before yesterday he had only done it the one time OR had done it with Marc "spring loading" him (putting his arm under his body so when he flexed it naturally just flipped him). So I'm quite proud of the guy and it was our first "look what your son can do" moment after work - I'm looking forward to many more of those. =) Enjoy the video.

**Also wanted to say - another milestone - Des officially out weighed the cats at his 4 month appointment last week! He's the big dog now....