Roman's First Days... and Beyond

Roman is almost 6 months Weighing 19 pounds +, it is getting harder to carry him for a long period; although it is even harder to put him down. In the past month or so, I only saw Natalie and Roman on the weekends. The changes in both of them is so apparent from one weekend to the next. Roman can now hold his head up and smile with the slightest encouragement. Natalie is learning how to read and write simple 3-4 letter words.

I hope you will feel the same way when I start taking your stuf  

Natalie's tea set, $14.99; Natalie's puzzle, $9.99; Baby in a hat box, priceless!   

Cut the bullsh@* Roman and take your bath   At 4 months old . Now weighing 18.5 pounds. Roman loves his baths. Natalie helps get his water just right and enjoys washing and kissing his little feet. She claims they are "chunky". She nicknamed her little brother "Chunky Monkey" .

Natalie at Roman's Baptism Roman, I want you to remember how proud and beatiful your sister was when you where Baptised. She wore her nicest and twirliest dress. She looked like an angel. Always protect her and keep her safe, Son.

Roman after his Baptism Roman in his godfather's arms sleeping peacefully. August 18th, 2006.

Roman is 3 months young  Roman now weighs 15 pounds or 6.8 kilos. He is in the 95 percentile of his weight group for his age.

Roman's birth announcement    

Natalie & Roman   Natalie is a fantastic big sister. She always takes care of her little brother. He can never cry when she's around. She always makes sure that he's covered if asleep, played with when awake and pacified when crying.

Roman at 2 months   When We took Roman for his 2 month check-up, he weighed 13 lbs 10.5 oz. For his weight, he in the 90th percentile and for his length, 23 inches, he is 60th percentile. I am sure you noticed the belly. It's not beer :)

Roman at 6 weeks   Natalie and Roman - Natalie couldn't resist his chunky mega-kissable legs. Roman tries to repeat sounds we make. The only recognizable sound he succeeds in making is 'goonie googoo'. All I need to teach is how say 'Gus' :)

Roman and Mommy from the webcam   While I was in South Africa... The only way i could see my Family is with a webcam. Thank goodness for technology and Al Gore for inventing the internet :))) that always cracks me up. :)

And this is Natalie at 4 Weeks   Natalie smiled all the time when she was 4 weeks. Roman still hasn't seen people for what they are - "ugly bags of mostly water".

Today Roman is 4 Weeks Old   Roman is a very content baby. He does not fuss unless he is hungry or wet/poopy. Not much really pisses him off. Well OK I kiss him on his cheeks too much and that sometimes gets to him. I figured I'd do it now before he gets bigger.

Roman getting ready for a stroller ride

Roman is 3 Weeks old today   After the normal loss of weight right after birth (down from 8 lb 9 oz to 7 lb 14 oz), Roman is gaining weight - now at 8 lb 14.5 oz. His head circumference is 36.4 cm. He is 22.5 inches head to toe. He stays more alert and is getting to know the world around him. Ever since Roman was born, and as Natalie was, he used gestures, sounds and facial expressions to communicate his needs and feelings. He actually has, as far as I can recocnize, three distinct cries that let us know when he is hungry, tired or bored. Roman seems to enjoy classical music. We listen to music in the car and at home. Whenever Roman sleeps during the day, music is on. When it is turned off for some reason, he wakes up and complains.

Natalie - a precocious 4 1/2 years old   Here, Natalie is up to no good. She painted her patio chair with fresh washable colors just in case one of her parents decides to sit down for a spell. Who knows how many chuckles she'll get out of that one...

Sister and Brother (2)- nothing sweeter     Natalie keeping Roman asleep in her lap… She asks me: “Daddy, can you put Roman in his seat next to me so I can play piano for him?" She is practicing and doing her piano homework.

Roman on Mother's Day   Roman is changing a lot and fast. Some of the most important ways I help Roman grow and develop is to communicate with him. I use a high-pitched voice, gentle touch, hugs, and kisses - lots and lots of kisses - It's a cultural thing - kissing that is. I try to provide an environment that is rich in stimulation, comfort, and loving attention. This will surely enhances many areas of a baby's development, including brain growth and intelligence. Some of the medical papers and research show that babies who are talked to throughout their first few years usually learn language skills more easily than those who are not. Newborns are more interested in their caregivers than they are in toys or other objects. Roman is more interested in holding on to my finger and "talking" to me in his own way.

OH I'm so bored...   God, I know you're listening: these new parent I got are broken. Can I get new ones?