* update - the "Centering" group mentioned below is a group organized by the hospital of all the families who are expecting babies around the same time. Instead of going in individually for monthly checkups, a group of about 9 couples (primarily first time parents) meet for prenatal visits together and discuss a myriad of pregnancy related issues. Belly checks, weight, blood pressure, and any other checks are taken individually. It's ideal for first time parents who don't know anything about pregnancy and have so many questions, or don't even know what questions to ask. It's also meant to be an ongoing support group - you know, people who are in a similar situation getting together to talk. Not hippie.

Hugo is getting to an age where he can sit and stare at a toy for quite a long stretch. He's not to the point of reaching for it, but will stare and goo goo at it, while foaming at the mouth and kicking his legs. He's been doing this for the last 30 minutes--

Last weekend we had a reunion with our centering group. It was fun to see how all the babies had grown. Here's the obligatory (and incredibly cute) baby lineup. Hugo's holding steady in the middle. It was hilarious to see the babies all sitting there, some sleeping, some leaning, some being soothed with white noise.

setting up the shot

relaxin'

falling... look at that nicely shaped head!

finally all the ducks in a row

Thigh creases

Goodbye chicken legs

Hugo has this one sleep stage where he's not quite awake but not in deep sleep either. During this stage he squeaks, grunts like an old man, smiles, whimpers and flails his arms and legs. Some say we should just swaddle him, but Houdini here can get out of the tightest blanket. He lifts his legs straight up and then bends at the knees repeatedly, then pulls his arms sideways and upwards until all appendages are free and the blanket is just loosely wrapped around his middle. Last night I slept with Hugo downstairs on a mushy futon so he kept rolling towards me. I'd wake up to little arms flailing and tiny legs kicking me. I tried to hold his arms and legs down but he just grunted and wiggled more and tried to straighten his legs over and over and pull his arms from my grip -- all while in this not-quite-awake stage. After a while he'd finally relax and I'd fall asleep again, only to wake to noisy sucking. Yes, he's discovered that his little fingers are just the right size for sucking, sometimes several at a time. I'll have to try to get video of this sometime.

Speaking of other things I don't have pictures of, about a week ago we got a Baby Bjorn (chosen over other carriers because Hugo likes to face out). Joe had it on and we were trying to get the baby situated in it, but apparently Hugo still had some gas bubbles because as I was fixing a burp cloth over the front of it, he let loose with a fountain of milk. As quick as I think I am with a burp cloth, I couldn't get to it before he sneezed. That's right, burped up milk sprayed all over my face and a little bit in my mouth. Joe was calling out "get the camera!" but it was too late, I was already at the kitchen sink washing it off. Now I wish I had that picture.

Vampire baby

Shielding his face behind a cloak, baby Drac waits for the perfect moment to strike.

RRAAAwwwwrrrr!!!!

Ha ha! I rediscovered these gems while going through pictures on the computer.

I recently changed my Facebook picture to this shot we took while walking at Greenlake one night. Come on, what a sweetie!!

hee hee