First Father's Day

The new Daddy's first Father's Day went very well. We went to church and then met Mark's parents and brother for lunch. Then we came home and Mark opened his Father's Day gifts. Mason had his first professional pictures taken for Daddy's Day- some cute bare baby ones, and then a few absolutely adorable ones with a "Terrible Towel". Daddy loved his little Steelers fan (the picture proofs are posted in the online album). In addition to the framed pictures, we also gave him the "Dangerous Book for Boys". It is filled with all the things boys should know and do as they grow up (but are often forgotten about in the video game generation)- things like how to build a fort or a treehouse, how to write a secret code, famous battles, the rules of rugby, etc...Mark really liked it and can't wait to read it with Mason and share all those special times together. After opening his cards and gifts we all enjoyed family naptime and then went on a sushi picnic and hike at the dog park (since Mark enjoyed that so much when we did it for Mother's Day). We finished off the day with Mark's favorite, Rita's Italian Ice. A good day!

Mason is doing just fine. He recently discovered his feet and toes, which has presented a whole new fascination for him. He is still on the hunt for his thumb- getting really close, but just can't seem to figure out how to keep it out of his fist long enough to suck on it. The little guy gets pretty frustrated but seems determined to figure it out! He still won't take a pacifier either, but loves to suck on our pinky fingers. He has started doing crunches- trying to bring himself up to a seated position. It shouldn't be long now until he can sit on his own. He is so vocal now, too. Constantly cooing and "talking" to us, squealing in delight. Lots of smiles as well- still pretty spontaneous, but getting better at responding to our smiles with his own. It is so incredible how much personality the little guy has already at just three months. It is such fun and a wonder to watch him grow and discover more every day- although it is a little sad to think about how quickly the time is passing and how fast he is growing up. But I suppose that is the bittersweet part of parenthood- so we are making sure to treasure every moment.

A few new albums of pictures are up: Father's Day, Mason's photo shoot, and Mason's new buddy Tripp. Just click on the link below. ENJOY!
http://picasaweb.google.com/fyockm

Better than a Baby Shower...

Well- we went down to Alexandria, VA for Adrienne's close friend Katie (Stahler) Hilderbrand's baby shower...however, when we arrived Friday night she was in labor and had her baby on Saturday afternoon (two weeks earlier than her due date :) Katie and her husband, Doug, are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy named Tripp- another Bucknell Baby. We were so happy to be a part of their amazing experience and honored to be the first to meet their little angel. Mason was excited to meet his new little buddy earlier than we had thought and you could tell the little guys were very excited about growing up together :) Much love and congratulations to the Hilderbrand/Stahler family!

Memorial Day

After returning from Houston, we went out to Lancaster, PA for Memorial Day weekend. Adrienne's Dad and Deb moved into a new house last Fall and had yet to try out their swimming pool, so we were all excited to break it in! And what a beautiful weekend to kick off summer- perfect pool weather. Much to Adrienne's delight, Mason thoroughly enjoyed his first swim- she was so proud of her little water baby. He had an adorable pair of swimming trunks and a matching hat- too cute! Mason also got to meet some more family- Adrienne's Uncle Rodney and cousin Colton came out for a visit- as well as some close family friends, the Zimmermans. And of course Mason loved getting to spend some more time with his Pappy and Gram. So all in all, Memorial Day was a big hit! (Please check out the adorable pictures- http://picasaweb.google.com/fyockm )

This weekend we are heading to D.C. for a friend's baby shower. Mason is certainly one well-traveled baby, but we are looking forward to several weekends at home after this trip.