He looks like...

Ok, you be the judge - who does Preston look like?

First, we have Daddy

Then we have Mommy

We also have Grandpa Denton

I think he is a good mix of the three of us - but I would love some feedback here!

Reading

This morning, I read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle to Preston. He LOVED the book. Steven said that Preston smiled with delight as I talked about how the caterpillar ate through apples, oranges, plums and other food items. He also liked it when I talked about how the caterpillar made himself into a cocoon. I think he liked the way the word cocoon sounded! Steven and I both remember our parents reading to us as children. We both LOVED the book Go Dog Go by P.D. Eastman. Those reading times with our parents are such fun memories! I think it is important to read to children starting at a very young age. Steven and I started to reading to Preston when he was about 2 weeks old (thanks for the encouragement Dad). We hope to encourage Preston to love reading as much as we do!

Mr. Zebra has been reached

As a new mom, I like to read as much as I can about my childs development and various milestones that he will hit in the months to come. One of those milestones is reaching for various objects in front of them. For a few weeks now, Preston has been trying to reach Mr. Zebra - the stuffed animal hanging in his pack n play crib. He had been swatting at it, but I don't think his arms were long enough to reach the toy. Today, Preston not only reached for and touched Mr. Zebra in his pack n play, but he can also reach Peter Rabbit and plays with delight. I am so excited for this small, but important milestone of many in Preston's life.

Balloon Race

The Dalbey Trio went to the Forest Park Balloon Race yesterday. We had a great time and it was so cool to watch all the balloons lift off and head off into the distance. The balloons had multiple colors and patters (and some were in interesting shapes like a Pepsi can) but they were all beautiful.

I also took this sweet picture of Preston's shoes while at the race yesterday. His shoes inspire me to dream about all the fun and unique places Preston's feet will travel throughout his life. I am looking forward to watching him grow, explore, learn and enjoy all that this earth has to offer him.

Gramie

Gramie Dalbey came by yesterday for a visit. She took care of Preston while I was able to run to Target, Starbucks and Home Depot. I also had some time to plant some mum's on our front porch (photo's to come). It was so sweet to return home from my 'time away' and see Preston taking a nap on Gramie's lap. Preston loves to cuddle. I really enjoy the time where I can get out of the house and I am so thankful for Gramie and others who visit and give me a chance to take a break. Now, if I can only get 7 - 8 straight hours of sleep. Oh, a girl continues to dream.

Congratulations

Congratulations to our cousins Andrew and Abbey on the birth of their son, Samuel Shaffer Perrin. He was born around 12:30am this morning and looks super cute! We are so excited to meet him at Thanksgiving.

6 weeks and Mr. Zebra

Preston is 6 weeks old today. Wow! He smiles more each day and sleeps longer each night. Last night he slept for 4 hours, woke up to eat, and then slept for another 4 hours. Steven and I are very thankful for more sleep :) Here is a picture of our 'Nature Child' smiling today.



Also, here is a video of Preston and 'Mr. Zebra'. Enjoy!

What up

Well, this is has been a interesting week at the Dalbey home. Here ya go:

First, Preston is showing his smile more each day! He is super cute :)

Second, our Kitchen began to fall apart - literally. I opened the drawer and it just crumbled. Now, half of my forks and spoons are stuck behind the other drawers and I don't think we are able to get them out. Now, if you think Steven and I are going to run out to Home Depot and order our new cabinets and countertops you will be sad to hear that will not happen for a while. Here are our obstacles: First, I am currently on an unpaid maternity leave - you heard me - unpaid. (Don't ask me about this one unless you really want to hear my thoughts) Now, if I want to kill myself, I could try to head back to work when I am only getting 3 - 5 hours of sleep at night. No way! Second, we estimate our kitchen will cost mucho $$ to upgrade. We don't have mucho $$. Third, Steven is still trying to finish our bathroom project that began in 2006. I don't want to start a new project till the old one is complete. Bottom line, we will live with our kitchen that is falling apart.

Third, I began to decorate our house for fall. I pulled out my fall leaf plates and the ears of corn. I know, the weather is still warm and humid here in STL, but there is no harm in this - it is September. Don't worry, I will not bust out the Christmas decorations till after Thanksgiving :)

Photo Shoot

I took Preston outside for a brief photo shoot this morning. As you can see, he is camera friendly just like his mommy :) Can anyone tell me who he looks like? Enjoy!

Baby Bjorn

Preston is now big enough to fit into his baby Bjorn! He had to be at least 8lbs and now weighs over 9lbs - Wow! I can't believe he has grown so much in a month! Steven and I have taken Preston around the house and even for a short walk and to Church in his Baby Bjorn. This thing is great! We are looking forward to many more walks in the weeks and months to come!

1 Month

Today, Preston is 1 month old. Wow! Yeah for a healthy baby.

Also, thank you to Gramie Dalbey for watching Preston yesterday so that I could organize some laundry and get out of the house to visit a friend. I needed a break!

Growing

If I could use one word to describe the Dalbey family the past couple days it would be that we have been growing. Preston has been growing in length and weight - around 23 inches & 9 lbs. Katrina has been growing in her ability to trust others with her baby and Steven has been growing in his ability to be a great support and leader for the family. As much as having a baby is a wonderful, joyful time, it can be hard when you become a bit sleep deprived or begin to wish that things around the house or at work were finished and they are not. For me, not being able to do things as efficiently has been difficult. I am learning that it is OK that some things are not getting done and it is OK that my house is not as clean as I would like. When I feel the pressure to have things look 'perfect' I remind myself that I am super thankful for our beautiful family. Here are a few pictures from the past couple days!