3 weeks old

Today Ethan turned 3 weeks.  It's amazing how fast he's been changing in his first few weeks.  He's getting plumper, including getting cute chubby cheeks, and longer; his eyes are opening wider and for longer periods of time; his hair is turning blonde; he's starting to get control of his arms and hold his head up for longer periods; he can focus his eyes better and can track moving objects with his eyes.  The best part is that his face is starting to lose the newborn squishy-ness.  It's been fun to see him grow into his little baby face. 

Nana and Poppy left last weekend after spending two weeks with us helping out.  We miss them!  Between Nana and Poppy, Ethan was held all day long and he got used to it.  Now that they are gone, he is having to get used to being put down every once in a while.  He's a lucky baby to have grandparents who spoil him even in the first few weeks.  :)  We loved having them here and are going to miss our slow mornings with them and daily outings exploring Anchorage. 

 

Here's a few moments my dad (Poppy) captured over the last few weeks...

Sleeping peacefully

Starting to wake up, one eye at a time

Fully awake and wondering if it was worth it

Chilling with Dad one day after he got home from work

Hanging with Nana on one of our slow mornings

These next two are my favorite of the bunch.  The first shows how beautiful he is and the second shows one of his silly little faces that he makes.  I wish I could capture all the different faces and noises he makes right now, he has some classics.  I just love this little guy!

Gazing thoughtfully into the distance

Looking slyly at his Nana (probably wondering what that crazy lady was talking about)

Touring Anchorage and Uncle Curtis visit

Today is Ethan's due date and I am so happy that he decided to come 11 days early.  I think I would have gotten pretty uncomfortable if he had waited another week and a half...he most likely would have been over 9lbs.  Thank goodness he didn't wait! 

My parents and I have been taking Ethan out and about the Anchorage area the last few days.  He loves to ride in the car and seems pretty happy in his front carrier.  Its nice that he is so mellow and we can move around easily. 

Hanging out in his car seat...

Chilling with dad in the baby bjorn and checking out the scenery.

We've been out hiking in the mountains around town, even though we've been having windy spring weather in Alaska the last week.

Uncle Curtis came to Anchorage this week during a break between sessions at Texas A&M.  Ethan was excited to meet his frist uncle - even kept his eyes open a while for him!

Once Ethan gets old enough, Uncle Curtis has promised to teach him all he needs to know - starting with football and golf. 

This weekend we all got together at Kris and Lorrie's house for dinner and playing with Ethan.  While we were there we saw several bald eagles flying over the inlet, cranes and a few kite surfers enjoying the high tide in the evening.  At one point a black bear even walked through their yard!  It was very nice of Kris and Lorrie to bring in all the animals so we could enjoy the show! :)

By the time I could get over my excitement of seeing the bear so close up and get my camera, the bear had started to walk away.  This isn't a good picture, but is proof that he really was there (and no, its not just a big black dog).  :)

Hanging onto Grandpa Kris as he sleeps. 

Week Birthday

Today is Ethan's 1 week birthday!  We made it through the first seven days without damaging him too much, so I think we might be able to actually do this.  I'm just kidding - he is such a laid back baby, he makes it easy on us.  Over the last week has already started to change - he is starting to track moving objects with his eyes, likes to have his legs straight instead of balled up in the fetal position and spending a little more time each day awake.  Its fun to watch him change so fast.

Here are a few pictures over the last few days...

Kris and Lorrie came over for Mother's Day and cooked for Ethan, Aaron and I. Kris got to meet Ethan for the first time and we all had a fantastic meal and a nice afternoon of hanging out.

My parents came into town late Sunday night.  We've been hanging out at the house relaxing and watching Ethan since then.

Ethan at Home

We have made it into day 4 of Ethan's life and everything is still going fantastically!  So far he is not a crier and seems to have a very mellow personality (we'll see if that stays once he stops sleeping as much).  Aaron and I are hoping the lack of crying lasts at least a little longer!  We feel pretty lucky to already have had 3 laid back days to just get to enjoy him. 

Here's a quick recap of the last few days in our world - very early Tuesday morning I woke up feeling uncomfortable and a little queasy.  I was pretty sure I wasn't having contractions but could tell something was different.  I went to work Tuesday but told Aaron that I had a feeling that Ethan might be on his way very soon.  Ethan had dropped in my abdomen overnight and it was visible how much lower I was carrying him.  I worked all day Tuesday and felt pretty normal - I figured the feelings I had that morning were just due to lack of sleep.  About 7:00 that night however my waterbroke.  Aaron was at softball practice and didn't have his phone on him so I start calling frantically to anyone I knew that could be with him and might answer.  Luckily Aaron was smart enough to constantly check his phone during the practice and dashed home about 10 minutes later.  By the time he got home my contractions had started and progressed to 4 minutes apart so we booked it to the hospital.  I'll fast forward through the rest of the details and just say that five and a half hours later our son was born! 

Aaron checking Ethan out in the delivery room.

The proud papa.

We spent the next two days hanging out in the hospital and just watching Ethan - I could watch his little facial expressions and movements all day long.  Newborns don't do much but are somehow are absolutely fascinating.  

  Grandma Lorrie and her new grandson

Dad and son relaxing the day away

All dressed and ready for his first car ride.

Happy and cozy at home

Grandma Lorrie teaching us the magical swing motion technique.  Ethan hasn't cried much, but when he does this quiets him instantly.

Our first family photo, sitting in the sun on the

patio.

Grandpa Kris has been out of town on business since Ethan got here, but is coming home today and will get to meet Ethan.  My parents, Nana and Poppy, have just gotten back from their trip to Italy and are flying up tomorrow to spend a few weeks with us.  We're very excited for Ethan to get to meet the rest of his grand parents!

Ethan Kris Fuhr

Ethan Kris Fuhr

May 5, 2010

12:21 am

8lb 5 oz

21 inches

Perfectly healthy!

Pics of the first day on the outside.