Paparazi'ed Baby

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

I came home and discovered that I had a house all set up to celebrate my birthday. Daniel and James had made me a banner, 'designer' balloons, and arranged my gifts out where I wouldn't miss them; in the front room.

This is what a 'designer' balloon looks like:

The light purple roses are beautiful and smell great too.


My gift: Avalon Organic Lemon Scented Lotion. Premium stuff and definitely something I wouldn't splurge on for myself. Happiness.


Apple cinnamon oatmeal cake. Yummmmm! (This is a recipe from 'Eat to Live'. A book I recommend to anyone looking to eat healthier.)

These Howell boys....you gotta love them.

A day of firsts for Young One

James had a big day on Monday.

Early in the morning, Charity and I walked along one of our favorite trails near our home. We have taken James a few times with us, but he has usually enjoyed the interior view of his stroller rather than that of the greater environment. This time, however, he had a front-row seat (literally) in his Bjorn baby carrier sling strap harness thingy. He stayed awake looking at all the strange new things along the trail; from the canal to the trees to the wind and the sound of warbling birds. He even tracked a couple of twitterpated squirrels crossing the trail right in front of us (we presume it was a dare made by the other squirrels).

This zonked him out for a few hours after he finally fell asleep during the ride home.

When he woke up and ate, Charity and James began to have a conversation that prompted James' first bonafide laugh (with cackle noises and everything). He was having a jolly time. We caught a few of these first giggles on video:

We were elated to share in his Joy.


In the evening as part of FHE, we went to our community pool where James had his first encounter with a large body of water that was not warm and cozy. At first he was shocked at something that seemed to be interfering with he happy operation of his toes, but he soon got over it and relaxed to just a general confusion about dipping one's toes in water. Of course, we got that on video too:

We also got a chance to enjoy ourselves too.

Hi Charity!

The Bottom Lip

Jame is getting very expressive with his face. He imitates other peoples' expressions and recently learned how to stick out his bottom lip. I'm sure he will find ample reason to use it as he gets older... Can I have that neat electronic gadget? Pleeeeeeeeeease?

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Daniel!

Daniel celebrated his first official Father's day by eating a delicious breakfast made by me. James watched intently, no doubt looking forward to the day when he,too, will have teeth and can enjoy such meals.

They had a good time playing together to celebrate the occasion.
I got Daniel an office chair as a Father's Day gift, and he put it together this morning as he was thinking about his Sunday School lesson.


His office is now complete. He finished his lesson there and commented that it is really nice to have his own space to work now. (He has been very good about working at the desktop in the kitchen but it has been a bit cramped.)
Daniel is a wonderful father and husband. He takes very good care of us. It is not unusual for me to wake up and find that the apartment has been picked up, the dishes done, and the laundry started. I never expected to have so much help and really appreciate the spirit it brings to our home. Did I mention that he also likes to cook? Wow! And this is all in addition to his good looks, good work ethic, and good sense of humor.

Anyway, James is very lucky to have such a dad.

I also want to say Happy Father's Day to my dad. Happy Father's Day, Daddy! It meant a great deal to have you meet James. I have always looked up to you and the more I learn, the older I get, and the more that I experience life the more I realize how blessed I am to have you as my dad. Thank you for all you have done and for the example you continue to be to me. I love you.

Two Months Old

James is two months old today. We went in for his checkup this morning and Young One weighed in at 15lbs 4oz and 25'' long. Healthy and happy, he flirted with his doctor by cooing, burbling, gurgling, and then passing wind. He seemed very pleased with himself. She was completely charmed but, being a good doctor, still sent him on to get his shots.

I told him as we walked down the hall that we were headed to get some shots but he must not have been paying attention because he was surprised and VERY unhappy when he got them. Happily, he only stayed that bright,bright red color for a few seconds before he decided he should take a break from crying and breath again. After that, he settled down into his carseat and passed out (fell asleep, that is). I imagine that sort of trauma would make anyone sleep. He seems to have the ability to sleep when it's all just too much to handle. Not a bad defense mechanism, I'd say. From what I can tell his dream world is probably much more fun anyway. I swear he almost giggled in his sleep the other day.

Sweet dreams, little one. We love you.

Daddy and James conversing

I had just finished changing James when we decided to have a conversation. I am not quite sure what exactly was said, but there was an interaction and an exchange of ideas.

James is so smart!...even though his dad seems to be struggling with basic elocution.

Grandma and Grandpa Chapin

It has been great to have Grandma and Grandpa Chapin here. They are both having a good time getting to know James. James is enjoying himself immensely as well.

It is no surprise to anyone that James fell asleep on Grandma the first day they arrived. James seems to know that she has done this sort of thing many times before. Yesterday we went down to Princeton and wandered around. We stopped in at the bead shop and then walked around campus. Mama Chapin was happy to get to see the stainglass of the cathedral. We also showed them other notable locations like PJ's Pancake house (the location of our first date). It was a very nice day.
James continues to charm everyone within his sphere of influence. He's growing out of all his outfits and we are going to have to sort them soon into too small and too big. He now wears six-month-old clothes most of the time.

James recieved an adorable hat from Uncle Ben and Aunt Josie. He loves it.

That's all folks. It's naptime.

James' Blessing

James was blessed yesterday. He wore the outfit that Daniel's mom made especially for the occasion. He looked very cute. I was worried that he would scream through the blessing because he was fussing right beforehand but as soon as we entered the chapel he settle down and was all smiles.

It was really nice to have family here for the occasion. It was the first time that James met Ben and Josie and he really liked them. He fell asleep on Josie and seemed to be fascinated by Ben. It's good that they live nearby.

My parents are here for the week. It's great to have them here.

Daddy and Daniel even got my car running again this last weekend. Yay!

Unfortunately this isn't my car... but it is one of the many cool cars we saw at the car show Friday.:)