A couple weeks ago our good friend Jose came in from Texas, and he was nice enough to treat us to some pizza and beer. Jose’s son, Diego, provided some crucial baby experience when Lori knocked off a fill-in babysitting gig a while back. I’m sure Mathias has benefited (as we did with the pizza!)
Jose poses with a binky-dropping Mathias.
Jose also snapped a photo of us with Mathias, who is rocking the grump face!
A couple weeks ago we took Mathias in to South Bend to get his announcement photos. One of Lori’s friends from college owns a portrait studio, Traditions Photography, and she snapped a bunch of great photos of the dude, even after we showed up late, with a hungry baby, who proceeded to puke on her backdrop. (You can see the proofs for the photo session here.)
Eileen tries to get the little man to smile. Note the discreet use of fabric to keep things clean.
The photo session also gave us a chance to put Mathias into one of the many awesome outfits gifted to us by longtime friend Jeff. Here we have a little Godzilla.
It's hard to get a one-month old to look at the camera. That's why we took him to the professional!
Our little lion lazes on his changing pad after a bath.
Here’s a quick video:
Last weekend was a packed one. Lori and Grandma Gail had long ago made plans to catch the Eagles/Dixie Chicks concert at Soldier, and grandpa came in to keep me company as I watched Mathias.
Uncle Nathan was able to finagle a trip home from his traveling job out east, and all of the fellas decided to hit the local German bier hall. A German dinner (well, grilled cheese for James) and two big boots of Stiegl were on the menu. Mathias enjoyed a bottle of his own and spent most of the visit sleeping it off under the table.
Some very happy Seidler men. Click the photo for a full Brauhaus slideshow.
A video of the guten times.
Two Fridays ago we threw out an open invitation for friends in the city to come over to meet Mathias. A few friends came by, and we had a lot of fun. (As an added bonus, the extra beer from the event has been a welcome addition to our fridge!)
Our friend Brigitte and her daughter Chloe (with her own baby) snuggle with Mathias.
California friend Stefan and his friend Jo. Stefan got Mathias started on the right path to NFL fandom with Build-a-Bear “Beremy.”
We celebrated our third wedding anniversary last week, marking the occasion by heading down to Pritzker Pavilion for a free show by the Grant Park Orchestra. We packed plenty of cheese and wine, and we had a great time. Mathias slept as they played Verdi’s “Four Seasons.” Apparently music can soothe the savage beast…
Lori and Mathias got there a little early, so they decided to check out the Bean.
We managed to snag a spot on the lawn.
Mathias roused himself long enough to get in a little culture.
Last week Mathias’ belly plug finally fell out. Once the doctor pronounced the button fully healed, it was time for baby’s first real bath.
Mom was ready for him to have a bath as well.
Surprisingly, he didn't freak out in the water. (Will he one day freak out at us sharing this naked photo? Only time will tell.)
Cuddling with dad after his bath.
Continuing Mathias’ first visit to South Bend, we headed to the Fahey family home to celebrate grandma’s birthday! Plenty of family and friends made it for the event; among the cake, pizza and beer were plenty of cute baby photos. Click the photo below to see the whole slideshow.
James and Josh, friends since they were 6 years old, hold each other's children. Click the photo for a full slideshow of birthday fun.
We also managed to capture an early video of the cake and kitchen. It was taken–as all the best videos are–by accident. (We thought the camera was on the photo setting.)
On Saturday, we made our first trip into South Bend to visit the family. Our first stop was Shellbark Ave., where Mathias met Grandpa, Grandma Gail, Aunt Adrian and cousin Aubrey for the first time (a little bout of poison ivy had postponed this initial meeting).
As the photos show, we had a great time hanging out and relaxing.
Another Seidler boy, carrying on the family name.
Grandma Gail and Mathias snuggle on the couch.
Lori and Mathias with Aunt Adrian and cousin Aubrey.
Aubrey was definitely a fan.
It was especially fun to see cousin Aubrey with Mathias. She was pretty fascinated with him in his car seat–she kept leaning over and saying “baby!” Here’s a video capturing a little bit of it.
We had a great time this weekend, heading into South Bend to meet grandpa and the rest of the Shellbark family and then celebrating grandma’s birthday! I’ll try to get those photos posted soon, but in the meantime, here’s a pic of the guy snoozing to tide everyone over.
