Grandma's visit

Gabe's Mom Andrea arrived in Ketchum, on Saturday July 27, here to meet Huxley for the first time. She brought a gift from Miles, a necklace that Miles made just for Huxley. 

 

Of course, holding Huxley is one of the joys of being with him. 

We also took a hike on the shady side of Adam's Gulch while Andrea was here. 

Huxley likes riding in the Moby

Like father like son

One night this past week, Katherine joined her book club to discuss a book she hasn't yet had time to read. So, Gabe and I were left at home to take care of Hux and try to keep him happy for a few hours. Gabe's first strategy was to turn the reggae station on the TV and place Hux in his Mamaroo dancing chair. It worked. With Dad singing and dancing along with the song, it's clear that Hux will be a reggae fan just like his Dad.

On another day this week, we decided to see if Hux could fit into the plush ski boots someone gave him as a gift. They were a bit of a tight squeeze to get them on, but once we did Hux got into motion. In this picture, it looks like he has his ski poles in hand and is ready for the slopes.

Baths and Kisses

We think Hux likes bath time, but it is especially clear that he likes the kisses and hugs that come along with the toweling off. 

This is one of my favorite pictures. 

Hux is how big?

When you are with a baby every day, it is hard to recognize how much he has grown in a month. But the other day, I tried to dress him in an outfit that he wore the first week, and it was way too small. The outfit comes with a hat, so here are some pictures of Hux in the hat the first week home and another taken this week.

We thought it was time to take a few family portraits too. I tried to get one with Hux smiling. He has such a  cute smile. But at least I got one with his bright eyes facing the camera.

One of the challenges these days is to get Hux to be happy when he is not being held. Of course, with me around, eager to hold him at every available moment, it is hard to go through the training process of letting him fuss a bit. He has a hard time falling asleep and seems to really need to find his thumb so he can sooth himself with sucking a finger or his fist (which he keeps putting in his mouth). Katherine has also been considering the pros and cons of giving him a pacifier. I looked for one at the pharmacy today, but they are completely sold out. 

My view of Idaho

From my window where I am staying, I have this lovely view of the mountains. It is eastward facing, so the sunrises have also been pretty. Stephen took the following picture one morning.

There is a grassy lot next to our building, so this deer spent some time grazing there one afternoon.

Recently some of my neighbors put up two bird feeders, one for hummingbirds, so I have enjoyed watching the hummingbirds at the feeder. I think I am seeing Rufous and Broad-tailed hummingbirds.

Saying bye to Pop Pop

Before Stephen left to return to Doha, we had a few pictures made with both of us. It is amazing to me how quickly Hux's facial expressions can change.

It was hard to say good bye to Stephen for another three or four months. Next time we all plan to be together is Thanksgiving in Florida. 

Hux becomes official

Huxley received his first piece of mail last week. It was fun to see his name in print, and of course, now he has a Social Security number.