Evan's First Month

I can't believe Evan is 5 weeks old already!  In some ways it feels like he has always been a part of our family, yet it seems like just yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital.  June was a blur of introducing him to all of our good friends and family, and figuring out how to operate as a family of 4.  I don't think we have it all figured out yet (it still takes us 45 - 60 minutes to get out the door on any given occasion), but we are beginning to settle in to a comfortable, happy pace of life.

The last time I left you all we were here - our first family photo:

In the weeks since, Elliott and I have enjoyed our many snuggles with baby Evan...

...while Steve seems to enjoy nap time most:)

 Although Steve is also working to ensure that he gets off to the right start with his musical education.

My mom was a huge help, and stayed with us during Evan's first week to help entertain Elliott, and take care of the normal household duties so we could rest when we got home from the hospital.

My dad also joined the party, and was able to say a quick hello to Evan right after his birth before heading home to work for the week.  Don't worry, he came back the following weekend to get some extra quality time.

After they headed back home we made a quick trip down to Newbury Park to introduce Evan to Great Grandma Claire and Great Grandpa Harry.   Grandma held him the whole afternoon, and said that he has a different energy than Elliott did (calmer and more mellow I think).  Grandpa made sure that the afternoon was appropriately documented.

Next up was a visit from Steve's parents (Lully and Grandpa).  Sandy got in some great playtime with both her grandsons, while we put Grandpa Wayne to work helping out with our various house projects.  He helped us completely gut and remodel our kitchen when Elliott was only 3 months old.  This time around we are planning to build a half bath in our garage - hopefully it will be less invasive/chaotic than the kitchen.  

The introductions wouldn't be complete without our beloved Nini.  Anita watched Elliott until he was 2yrs old, and became a part of our extended family.  Evan will be with her next year.

Evan got to meet most of my side of the family at our annual 4th of July camping trip here in Santa Barbara, including my sisters Jessica and Janine, and their kids along with my aunt and cousins.  We weren't brave enough to stay at the campground with a 3 week old, so we mostly made day trips out to visit, although Elliott got to spend a night with Grandma and Papa.  He had a great time playing with all of his cousins:

Including Bo who is only 6 weeks younger than him.

Evan enjoyed relaxing on the beach under the umbrella

And Elliott decided to test out the waves with Daddy

Our last group of visitors were Steve's brother Jason and his family.  Uncle Jason and Aunt Lori showered both of the boys with love and attention.  Cousin Miranda brought along her new husband Cassidy.  

We took the gang out for a spin on the "Little Toot", a water taxi that goes from Stearns Wharf to the Santa Barbara harbor.

It was Evan's first boat trip, although he slept through the entire ride, and wouldn't have had much of a view anyway from inside the baby carrier.

Elliott got to drive the boat, and the captain said he did a great job.

A first month update wouldn't be complete without a montage of "baby's first...", so here you go:

Evan's first... trip to Home Depot

Evan's first... bath

Evan's first... trip to the beach (my sister Janine and her baby Amelia met us in Ventura)

Evan's first... car trunk diaper change

Evan's first... good read

Elliott continues to be a joy - he's energetic, caring, and has a great sense of humor.  He is always doing something to make us smile or laugh.  And best of all he is a great big brother who gives Evan big kisses and is always willing to help out by grabbing a diaper, blanket, or whatever is needed.

I don't know how we lucked out to get two of the best boys ever!