Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Getting Bigger!




Alex has grown out of most of the preemie clothes he was wearing because he was such a peanut. Some of the first things he was able to wear are on loan from Cousin Charlie - such a generous guy.













Like many babies, Alex is a champion sleeper - just not all night. He gets his love of sleep from Mommy. He gets his inability to sleep straight through the night from his Daddy.

And in case you're wondering what Alex is like when he's awake . . . here's an exciting 30 seconds in the life of Alexander Christian Zervas:

Rolling Putts and Visiting the Office



The string of beautiful days continued and we took advantage of it by having lunch at Saxon Woods golf course. After Mommy and Daddy ate lunch, Alex did too- his first outdoor meal. Daddy spent the time rolling some putts.
























Since we were so close to the high school where Daddy works, we stopped by to introduce Alex to a few of the teachers there. Mommy got jealous and wanted to show Alex off at her office too. So we made a surprise visit to Morgan Stanley and while not everyone we wanted to see was there, there were plenty of people who were excited to meet the little man. Alex was a huge hit in both offices.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Walks at the Kensico Dam Plaza





After a few weeks of rain, we've been blessed with a string of beautiful days just perfect for visiting the park. Mommy and Daddy have taken Alex for a few walks at the Kensico Dam Plaza. But the adventure happens when Yia Yia and Mommy take Alex to the park - we got halfway there and realized that we forgot the stroller. Then when we got to the park, we had no idea how to open the stroller. What would Mommy do without Daddy?














And here are some more of Alex, just looking cute.



















Another Bath










The poor boy starts out sleeping comfortably . . .










and then Mommy decides its bath time!















But it's all worth it for a comfy (and clean) walk in the park!








Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Just Because He's Fun to Look At

Today we had a very happy trip to the pediatrician's office. Alex is almost 7 pounds, showing a weight gain that puts our minds at ease that he's getting enough to eat and he's growing just like a little boy should. After many trips to the doctor's office in the first three weeks, we don't have to go back until Alex is two months old - very exciting and just a bit scary! But we're feeling pretty comfortable with having a newborn and we're just have to work on the crazy sleep schedule.






Alex has also discovered his hands - and he loves putting his fingers and thumbs in his mouth to soothe himself when he's fussy.








Isn't he so damn cute?














Aunt Nola Comes to Town!


Alex had very special visitors this weekend. Jimmy's Aunt Nola made a special trip from South Carolina to spend the weekend getting to know the little man. Aunt Nola brought one of Daddy's baby blankets and a bunch of books from when Daddy was a tiny boy like Alex. She was also a huuuuuge help, cooking and giving Mommy and Daddy time to rest. We loved having Aunt Nola visit.


In addition to Aunt Nola (and in part because of her), Alex was also visited by Jimmy's Uncle John, Aunt Susan and cousin Jaclyn who had all made the big trip to the hospital to meet Alex when he was first born. This time around, Jaclyn spent a ton of time making sure that Alex was comfortable. Oh, and Uncle John forgave us for naming our son Alexander Christian rather than "Uncle John Zervas" which we have to admit, made it to the final rounds of name selection.


Alex does not mess around when it comes to eating (like his Mommy). Here, he shows off his strong grip by making sure Aunt Nola doe not take away his bottle before he is good and ready.









Here you can see Alex cozying up to Mommy and Thea. Visitors bring out the best in Alex's sleeping skills.




Saturday, April 12, 2008

Fun at Home

Alex is doing wonderfully. He's regained his birth weight and is now continuing to gain weight as expected because he's eating well. We've noticed that he's more alert after feedings and we can stare into his baby blues for longer than ever now. He also smiles in his sleep and we know we're just going to melt when he smiles at us for real.









Alex LOVES the swing that Jenna bought for him. And Mommy and Daddy couldn't live without it - especially in the middle of the night when Alex is wide awake after eating.




Alex has played for a little bit on his playmat that Mommy's cousins Susan and Jo Ann bought for him. Looks like he's going to have a lot of fun times on the mat. Daddy too!


















Alex likes to cuddle and "dance" with Daddy. And we had a good time at another one of Alex's outings - at a Greek restaurant for lunch. Alex had his first gyro.




Meeting The DC DePippos!

On April 5, Alex had a visit from some very special people. Uncle Chris, Aunt Mary, cousin Caroline and cousin Charlie made the long trip to Valhalla from Alexandria, Virginia to meet the little man. How excited do Uncle Chris and Aunt Mary look?
















Caroline really wanted to give Alex a kiss when she first laid eyes on him. They're going to be great pals.




Added bonus? Aunt Amy and Uncle Jimmy got to meet young Charlie D for the first time! What a handsome guy! We were so excited to finally meet him.


























And then there's always the great fun of spending time with the beautiful, full of personality Caroline (or Caro-lion!).




















We're expecting great things when these two families get together!

Alex's First Weekend at Home

Just a few days after coming home, Mommy, Daddy and Alex went for their first walk outside. Keeping warm with a blanket from Gabby and strolling the neighborhood in his new wheels (courtesy of Aunt Kay, Aunt Allison and Aunt Kristeen), Alex took the neighborhood by storm - for about 7 minutes. We walked around the block and then returned home. A big first step post-surgery for Mommy and Alex's first extended exposure to fresh air.










The next day, Alex was again visited by Yia Yia, Poppy, Papou and Thea.




And then Alex's favorite part of the weekend: his first bath at home. Can't you see how happy he is?


Alex calmed down once we wrapped him up in one of his fluffy hooded towels.