By Popular Demand

OK, so a few of you who read this blog have been asking me for an update on Henson, and demanding more recent pictures. So this post is for you.
My little guy is now 4 1/2 months old, which is hard to believe. At his 4 month check up he weighed in at 15lbs 10oz and was 26 inches tall, which is apparently way above the average hight for his age. This explains why all of his shirts are either too short or too wide.

So here is a quick update on what is new with Henson.

He has started to sit in his high chair.

He and the dog have become great friends.

He can now sit up for nearly 3 full seconds by himself

He got to try rice cerial for the first time this week (not really a fan yet)

Silly Accomplishments

I realized this week that sometimes the things I am most proud of are the smallest silliest little things. For example, this week I cut my hair 100% by myself, and it didn't turn out too badly! Granted it's nothing complicated or special, but I was pretty pleased with myself since I've always been too much of a coward to do more than a trim or bangs before.

So to celebrate my accomplishment here are some pictures of my mediocre hair cut. (Please forgive the bad pictures, I took them myself and the batteries on the camera were dieing so there was no opportunity for a re-do).

A Short History Lesson

Since Henry is spending this week in Monterey, CA for his EMBA orientation course, I thought it would be appropriate to learn a little bit more about the school he is attending. For those of you likewise curious, here is a little bit about the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).

The school was first established over 100 years ago in 1909 in Annapolis, MD. At the time it was only for Navy officers and taught courses in Engineering. The first class was made up of 10 officers and 2 instructors, with enrolment expanding to 25 students in 1913.

It wasn't until 1945 that the school became a fully accredited, degree granting graduate institution. At this point a new location for the school became necessary. In 1951 the US Navy purchased a hotel and the surrounding grounds in Monterey, CA, and the entire university was moved 3000 miles to where it is today. The campus has been expanding ever since and now covers 627 acres, but the hotel that was purchased still houses the main administrative offices.

The Hotel Del Monte in Monterey, CA 1945

The student body has expanded from the origional 10 to nearly 1,500 today, most of whom are uniformed officers from one of the branches of the US military, but also includes officers from over 30 other countries as well as a small number of civilian employees.

So that is where Henry is spending his week. And while Henson and I miss having him home, we are so excited that he has such a great opportunity.

Congradulations Henry!

So for some of you this may be old news, but for those who haven't heard Henry got into grad school! I'm so proud of him, he has been working so hard. He was accepted to the Naval Postgraduate School's EMBA program. He is flying out to Monterey CA for a week long orientation at the end of this month, and he officially starts distance learning classes in January. His graduation date is already scheduled for December 20, 2013 (that sounds so close). It's going to be a lot of work, and our family is going to be even busier (if that's possible) but we are excited.

What I Don't Care About

I apologize in advance for this post. It is much preachier than I usually like to get on this blog, but it is something that has been on my mind. Becoming a parent is an interesting thing. I always anticipated that it would be life altering and perspective changing, and it certainly has been. Schedules, habits and priorities shift to fit your new life situation. There have been a few other, slightly unexpected consequences. Other parents suddenly welcome you into their confidence, as if your choice to procreate grants you access into an exclusive club. Within this club the sharing of very personal information is both encouraged and expected. Most of the members are very friendly and helpful. However, as with anything on which there is a difference of opinions, there is also some pressure and judgment to be contended with. Some tend to think that their way of parenting is the right way; that what was best for their child should be best for yours. I have never taken this type of judgment and unsolicited advice seriously, but I have known many who have convinced themselves that they are less of a parent because they do not measure up to someone else's ideals. With the emotional nature of parenting rooted in a deep desire to do what is best for your child, it is not hard to understand why so many are so quick to second guess their own actions in the face of ridicule. So in response to all of the judgment, harsh comments, and unintentionally cutting remarks that I have heard, I just want to say to everyone who is a parent or who may ever choose to become one:

I DON'T CARE
If you breast feed or formula feed
If you use cloth diapers or disposables
If you swaddle or not
If your child sleeps in a crib, a bassinet, or your bed
If you start solids at 4 months or at 6
If you give your child a pacifier or not
If you potty train at 1 or 3
If you wean from the bottle at 9 months or 2 years
If you dress your child in new or used clothing
If you rock your child to sleep or if they self sooth

I DO care that you love and take care of your child. That you do what you feel is best for your family, your child and you. I have my own opinions, and they may be very different from yours, but every person is different and there is no one-size-fits-all for raising or defining a family.

Thanks for letting me indulge in this rant. I promise not to turn this blog into my own personal soap box.

Introducing...

For those of you who may have been wondering, no I have not given up blogging or dropped off the face of the earth. The last month has been a bit of a whirlwind, and I am just now catching up with regular life.

It seems only appropriate for this first entry back to be an introduction of the cause of the whirlwind in our home. As most of you know by now, Henson James was born on Monday July 4th, and the last four weeks have been some of the best ever.

Here he is waving hello to the world just minutes after he arrived.

He was 8 lbs. 2 oz. 20 1/2 inches long, and was born at the Alexandria hospital around 10:30am on the 4th of July. Lucky boy, he will have fireworks for his birthday every year. I'm convinced that is why he waited an extra week to show up.

I was surprised to see his full head of beautiful hair

Henson is a healthy growing little boy. By his two week appointment he was already 8 lbs. 14 oz. and 22 inches long (although I have my doubts as to how accurate those height measurements are). We go in this Thursday for his one month checkup, which is exciting to see how he's progressing, but not so exciting because he hates doctors appointments (who doesn't really).

I think our dog must be emulating Nanna from Peter Pan, because he runs to the nursery door every time he hears Henson cry. (He also tries to lick his feet whenever he thinks we're not looking, but we are trying not to encourage that). We are just happy that they seem to be getting along. Darcy has even gotten used to the stroller, which use to terrify him.

Henson and I are finally getting into a routine of sorts, and I feel like I'm getting back on top of things again. It's fun to have a little buddy to tag along, and it's exciting to see him grow and develop so fast.

A more recent picture of Henson, taken last week at 3 weeks 2 days old

Getting Ready

This weekend Henry and I both had Friday off, so we spent some of that extra time on finally finishing the nursery. It has been in a state of near completion for weeks now, and while I still have a couple small projects I want to do, it is now more or less finished. So here are some pictures of the finished product. (The coloring in the first couple pictures is a little off due to lighting)

The nursery from the doorway.

The other side of the room.

This is a more accurate depiction of the wall color. I finally made the crib skirt this weekend after putting it off for almost a month. And yes, that is a tree on the wall above the crib (we had someone asking us what it was).

Changing table, Dr. Seuss pictures, and the great blanket made by Tana.

Henson James Lopez

I know we are still supposed to have four weeks till his arrival, but it's a relief to have pretty much everything ready now. This long weekend came at the perfect time.