Thumper

Thump ... thump ... thump ... Daniel has a new amusement. When he's happy, when he's sad, and during those quiet, relaxing moments when he first wakes up, Daniel raises both legs high and thwaps them down with force. Sometimes it's on his mattress, other times the changing table. And we've also caught him thumping under the birds and butterflies of his jungle play mat.

It's amusing to JJ and I when we wake up in the morning to the sounds of our little thumper. We chuckle each time we hear it. And we are grateful that this sweet sound now usually takes the place of morning cries for milk and attention.

Here's a short video showing one of Daniel's "thumps"


We love you, Thumper.

Daniel in the Midst of Ministry

Daniel,

You found a sweet seat on a motorcycle during Prodigal's Annual Bikes and BBQ event that your mama organized last weekend with the Christian Motorcycle Association. And you seemed right at home - scary. Don't go off and be a dare-devil too soon, huh?

The kids adore you. And so do we! Thanks for being such a wonderful little boy.

Mama & Papa

Little, Wonderfully Made You

Sweet boy,

I tip-toed over to your room tonight and peaked in through the crack in the door to see sleeping, precious, little you. I can't explain the sensation that came with all the love that welled up in my heart. Your little toes. Your little hands. Your little facial expressions. Your little world. Your little set of needs. The big role you play in mommy and daddy's world.

I love you, my sweet boy.

Mommy

Daniel's First Camping Trip

You did great, Daniel! You slept seven hours in the night, and the lover of trees that you are, you were never bored. Can't wait for your first fourteen-er!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

Daniel,

Each day you seem to enjoy your life outside the womb more and more. At ten weeks old these are a few of your favorite things:

1) Sucking on your fingers
2) Being outside
3) Being naked
4) Your cabbage patch doll
5) Pretty ladies smiling at you
6) Being carried in your front pack
7) Being sung to, especially by your daddy
8) Grabbing onto pieces of cloth
9) Milk, anytime, any temperature

And of course, there are a few things you don't like yet:

It is finished ...

The trinity is complete! Mason Lanier was born July 5th, making the Triple J Brotherhood (JJ, John and Jake), not only a bond of friendship, but also daddy-hood.

JJ, John and Jake have been friends since high school, were roommates in college and groom's men at each others' weddings. Now they are also partners in fatherhood. These guys have shared many things together: housing, video games, fraternity pledging and "beer-egg-amon." (Ask JJ about that one.) And now they will share time with, and tales of, their children: McKenna, almost 1 year old, Daniel, 9 1/2 weeks, and Mason, 2 days old.

Like, I said. The trinity is complete!

Daniel's New Friend

Daniel enjoys playing with "baby Angie," the cabbage patch doll a lot. He likes her so much that he can entertain himself while dad takes a little siesta.

Another Successful Doctor's Visit

Daniel had his two-month check-up this week. He did very well, considering he was given numerous painful immunizations, including Hep B, Polio and several others. Both mom and grandma were on hand to console the little bugger after the nurse did her job and then quickly left the room.

Daniel currently sits in the 70th percentile for height, weight and head circumference. Yes. We are talking rolls, a double chin and a beautifully rounded head. JJ and I can't figure out where he is getting the height from. The doctor said - and I agree - that these proportional numbers contribute to his high cute-ness level. (See photo below)

Here are Daniel's stats as of July 1st:
WEIGHT: 12 lbs 5 oz.
HEIGHT: 23 3/4 inches
HEAD: 41 cm
MANNER: Totally Happy and Full of Smiles

Daniel Laughing and Smiling

Daniel has entered a new phase of baby-dome. He now smiles all the time, and gives us an occasional laugh. He shares his new-found talents with us the most during "naked time", which is any time we take off his clothes for diaper changes or showers. The boy loves going without clothes (Mom and Dad are both hoping this is only a passing phase or we might get lots of calls from the principal's office when he starts school).

Here is one smiling session Daniel had while wrapped in his towel after a shower.



More big smiles ...