Vaccinations and rice cereal

Ninety. Just remember that number. I'll get back to it in a minute.

Today Isaac had his four-month check-up with the doctor. We weren't looking forward to this at all. Four more shots. I wasn't able to go for his two-month check-up. But mommy told me the horror story. Five shots that time. In quick succession, but he still cried in a way she'd never heard before. And it was worse when the doc checked his ears.

So mommy was dreading today's visit. Daddy was optimistic, but still not really looking forward to it.

We got there and the first thing the nurse did was weigh and measure him. 17 pounds, six ounces. 26 1/4 inches.

BOTH in the 90th percentile!

At his two-month visit, he was in the 95th percentile in weight and 50th percentile in length. So at least he's balanced now. When the nurse was weighing him, the doc walked by and said, "Weren't we worried about his weight at one point?" Only for the first week. But he's been a healthy BIG boy ever since.

He also tried rice cereal for the first time tonight. First attempt did not go very well. I don't think he was impressed. But we'll try again soon. He'll learn.

So it was a long day for little Isaac. But he handled it all very well and his mommy and daddy could not be more proud of him. Way to go, Izzy!

Things we've learned

It's amazing all the different life lessons your child teaches you, even at an early age. Isaac is just over three months old, but here is a list of things he's already taught us:

-Sleep is over-rated.
-A little music and some blinking lights can be very entertaining.
-The things you want to get done really aren't that important afterall.
-It's better to eat a little bit every couple of hours throughout the day instead of one or two huge meals.
-Sometimes a good poo can really make your day better.
-A big toothless smile can brighten up anyone's day.
-Sleep is highly over-rated.
-Mother's Day should really be made into Mother's Month.
-Spitting up and peeing on someone is always funny. ALWAYS.
-Never turn your back on a naked baby.
-The digital camera was the best invention in the history of ever.
-Reading, studying and planning can be a very good thing ... but they don't always help. Sometimes you just gotta roll with it.
-Every once in a while you should stop and look around at all the beautiful and interesting things around you.
-Sometimes a little crying is a good thing.
-Breast milk is 50% alcohol. Just a few swallows can knock a baby out for half an hour.
-Some of the best conversations you can have are the ones with people you can't even understand.
-You're not nearly as funny or entertaining as you thought you were.
-Simple things, like a poke in the nose, can be hilarious 25, 50, even 100 times. But not necessarily in a row.
-Sleep is for suckers.
-It really is possible to love someone totally, completely and unconditionally.

Big night

Tonight we had the first night of the big "S" since before Isaac was born. And I've gotta tell you, it was even better than I remembered.

Mouth-watering. Earth-shaking. And totally satisfying. I mean it was GOOD. The best we've had in a long time.

That's right, for the first time in many MANY months ... we ate sushi.

It was a big night though. It was the first time we left Isaac at grandma and grandpa's and had a little date night. We met up with a couple of our friends (who have two little girls of their own) and went out for dinner. And while it felt weird not having our son with us for a short while, it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I think the incredible food and good friends helped a bit.

I'm already trying to figure out the next time we can do it again.

Typical guy ... give me a little taste and I only want more.

Best. Christmas. EVER.

The holidays are officially over. Everyone has gone home. I'm actually working a full work week. And life has returned to normal. (Well, as normal as it can be when you're sharing a room with a very short guy who poops a lot and cries when he's hungry.) And I'm finally able to post a quick update.

A belated-Merry Christmas to everyone. We hope your holidays were joyous and memorable. Ours certainly were. I hadn't looked forward to Christmas with that much excitement since the year I asked Santa for an official Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle. Wait ... that wasn't me.

Isaac got to meet his cousin Hailey (they've already bonded), Aunt Jamie and Uncle Cory for the first time. And his Grandma and Grandpa Neil. And his Uncle Nick. And his Great-Aunt Barbara. He charmed them all, of course. It was SO great to be able to spend some time all together like that.

Isaac and Hailey were both dedicated at my dad's church. That was a beautiful day for all of us.

We've also turned a very important corner. Isaac has been sleeping through the night the last several nights! Those of you with kids know how huge that is. One night he actually slept for 9 1/2 hours. Even Fletcher has been thankful to be able to sleep through the night again.

Our next goal: saying "daddy."