Happy 3 Months Fisher!

When I was 9 months pregnant a good friend with an older child mentioned, "the first three months are not my favorite".  He said it casually not intending to cause me mental harm, but he kind of did.  I did the math (not my strong suit) and thought . . . I need to make it to the end of January.  I knew that between then and now there would be labor, delivery, resigning of my job, an interstate move, a new job for Nick, finding and setting up a new house, holiday mayhem and the general care of a newborn.  This seemed was a lot and well it wasn't always fun.  But here we are, the end of January.  We made it.  Moved, settled and growing (Fisher, thankfully I am still shrinking). I thought we should celebrate.

Nick's friend Ben gave us a "You are Special" plate at Fisher's sip and see.  He included a cute note about how his Mom had a similar plate for his family growing up.  When a child had a milestone to celebrate, big or small, they had the privilege of eating off the "Special" plate for the day.  I loved this and thought it was a great time to start this tradition with our family.

The plate from Ben

We sung "For He's a Jolly Good Fella" instead of the traditional Happy Birthday, because well he is only three months and I couldn't think of what else to sing.  We really needed the Lardettes for back up and I promise from here on out we will only celebrate annual age progression.  My favorite part of the below video is Nick's snaps at the end instead of applause. . .sorority style.

Earlier in the day we enjoyed unseasonably warm weather and took a long walk down the river to the lake.  I LOVE living close to water again.  It makes me happy. 

All bundled up for our walk

We love you Fishy! You are super special even if the last three months weren't my favorite.

Snow Baby

Twins

Is it just me or are they sort of twins?

Yes, Lola sleeps on the top of the back of the couch.  She may actually be a cat.

Crib Torture

Fisher sleeps nightly from 10:00PM to 6:30AM in his crib swing.  He really, really, really hates his crib.  It must be too fancy and cute for him because he's happy anywhere but there.  Six hours in a car seat?  No problem.  On the floor with Lola licking his face.  Even better.  But put this kid anywhere near his designated sleeping spot and you better have ear plugs. Basically I bought a giant sculpture for the corner of his room.  I should have listened to my friend Missy when she said my selected crib looked like a jail.  Fisher clearly thinks so too, although I guess I'm happy he's looking to avoid incarceration.

The Restoration Hardware torture chamber

Exerting his preference for cuddly lambs over iron bars- taken 5 minutes ago

Properly Groomed

Before

After (same dog!)

32 Years of Nicholas

Happy 32nd Birthday Nicholas!

Nick isn't big on birthdays.  On his 21st birthday he didn't tell a soul.  He marked the occasion at the Wharton library because he knew his friends wouldn't find him there.  He couldn't risk spilling the beans about the big 2-1 over a pitcher of casual beers in fear of what that might do to his liver without his consent.  Nick likes to (always) be in control.

The birthday boy likes to also tell the story of when he forgot his birthday.  If this were anyone else I would think they were lying, but I trust this story is true.  He was working 90+ hour weeks at Blackstone as a first year analyst when his mom called.  In the haze of pulling all nighters crunching numbers, Nick had no idea what the date was.  His mom let him know that in fact mid Excel model making he turned one year older.  Needless to say I don't think he had a party that year either.

What Nick lacks in birthday enthusiasm, I more than make up for.  This year we will have a party of four.  Nick, me, Fishy, and Lola.  Only 2 of the 4 guests can talk.  No problem.  We will feast on Chicken Enchiladas and Banana Cream Pie, Nick's favorite meal and dessert and toast a year worth celebrating.  May his 32nd year be just as fabulous as 31, although fulfilling a life long entrepreneurial dream and becoming a father might be hard to top. 

Us circa 2006, Nick age 27, Jane age 24- I love this guy.

I even purchased a couple of gifts.  Don't worry Nick they are all practical and were on clearance at Meijer.  Seriously.

Livin' on a Prayer . . . pump fist

I mean I really thought he would outgrow this pose. . . apparently its here to stay.  In his mini polo shirt, Fisher looks more like he's training for the Sigma Chi dance floor than the Occupy movement.  I think this is (much) better.

Thankful

This past weekend found me in Chicago for a wedding shower and a college reunion of sorts.  Over champagne and cheese (killer combo) a friend asked- whats the hardest part of being a new mom?

I thought for a moment and replied "its easy".  Well this was clearly a lie.  Nothing about being a mom is easy.  I should have replied, "It's easier than I thought it would be".

I am thankful for many honest friends who shared with me the difficulties of parenting and the struggles with all the little stuff- feeding, sleeping and time management prior to Fisher's birth.  My expectations were realistic thanks to them and my problems and frustrations not unique.  This helps keep things in perspective at 3am when I am tempted to check into a hotel and hire a night nurse. 

What these moms couldn't have possibly shared is the pure joy of seeing your little man smile, laugh or shake authentic Mexican rattles on the changing table.  It is these moments that make me (almost) forget the blow-out diaper that just ruined a cute Ralph onesie.  They keep me going another hour, another day.

So when you tell your friend parenthood is easy consider it only a partial fib and you can always blame a fib on champagne.

 

 

End of the Year Rewind

DECEMBER BY THE NUMBERS

2 

Trips to Chicago

Fisher enjoying sometime with his Grandad

6 

Key players met (not pictured Julianne and Marisa)

Katie G and little Fish

The Suberlaks, Paul doesn't like infants.  I told him not to worry I don't like them either.

Alexis always had a way with the boys

Laura in training- she is due with a boy come June!  I am already planning an arranged friendship between Fisher and her unborn child.

2 

Trips to Bloomfield Hills

Horacio showcasing his signature hold

Jann holding Fisher in Nick's childhood stocking

1 

Trip to Columbus

Granny babysat for Fisher and read him books

The original Jack Fisher (pictured in frame) always wore a driving cap, pictured with cousin Kelly

2009 

Miles traveled via car

Okay so it didn't snow like this until the drive home on New Year's Day . . .thankfully.

310 

diapers used . . . didn't think we needed a picture of this.

1 

Beautiful memorial for Elena 

Fisher sports his Argentina jersey in Elena's honor

50 

People come to Sip N See

My camera was MIA for the party, photo thanks to Marisa

1 

Sister in Law visits Grand Haven 

Books are better when your aunt reads them

Bath time is definitely better with Erica

50+ 

Presents under the tree 

Glad I got to take home that red wiggly present

12 

Relatives staying under one roof  (and 2 dogs too!)

My three favorite love objects

Fisher is lucky (spoiled) to have such devoted aunts.

And . . .

1 

Very Happy New Year!

May 2012 bring joy, excitement, friends, family, travel, love and a little less change.

Christmas Card 2011

I know I am so over anything Christmas too, but I am also way behind on my blogging. 

Alas here is our 2011 Christmas Card/birth announcement in 2012.  I am so disorganized right now I don't even know where the extra cards are.  You are stuck with the photo and the inside proof.

I knew exactly what I wanted for these cards and thought it might be fun to have them custom made by my friend Allison and her paper company.  The original plan called for letterpress and a deckled edge.  However, my more fiscally responsible husband nixed the letterpress.  Thankfully he doesn't know what a deckled edge is or I am sure that would have been on the chopping block too.  Overall I love how they turned out.  Here is to more compromise in 2012!

Fisher at 6.5 weeks old- I am old school and still attach a photo to the actual card

This didn't convert to a jpeg very well, the real printing was much softer- use your imagination