2 vaccinate or not 2 vaccinate...

That was the question.  Yesterday a brave little boy marched off to the doctor with his mum to confirm that he was on the mend again (though he hoped that perhaps he was not yet well enough for the shots...)  There was both good news and bad news.  Good news first, his lungs sound excellent and we no longer need to use the inhaler.  As for the bad news, he was healthy enough to receive his first round of vaccinations with minimal tears (2 shots and one oral dose).  Also, we have to keep a close eye on him as he may have a new cold from our travels. 

George is pictured below fighting off the new cold bug with his fists of fury.  Our bets are on that tough little guy and his elephant friends...

Home from the holiday.

We were hoping to wish you all a Merry Christmas before the 25th passed, but the days flew by with a flash and we were away in Pennsylvania celebrating with the Babcock family, grandpa Dave, and a very slow internet connection (or should I say disconnection? har har.)

George had his 2 month check-up last Wednesday and is doing very well.  He's up to 11.1 lbs and is 23" long -- very good growth for a sick little boy. He lucked out and didn't get his first round of shots due to his recent illness and our holiday travel plans.

Though it has passed, George hopes that you had a wonderful holiday and would like to spread the cheer with his sweet candy-cane striped Christmas socks.

Long time, no blog.

George has had a very eventful week, thus the lack of blog entries. We had to take him to the ER late last Wednesday night when his broncholitis got the best of him, but he's feeling better every day, though he hates his inhaler with a passion.

Perhaps his immune system was compromised by the stress of hours of practice for his role as lead tenor -- he wanted to have his pipes warmed up by the time Uncle Eric arrived.  We think he had several star performances, though Eric thinks they don't quite rival the opera he and Lori attended over the weekend.

In other news, George is up over 11 lbs and growing strong.  He has a two month check-up at the doctor tomorrow, so we'll report any exciting news soon.

George thinks airport is fly.

Auntie Lori has landed!  Today George made his 5th trip to the airport, and he did it with very few tears.  He is excited to help her sharpen her babysitting skills from days long ago; he's sure that she'll be an expert diaper changer by Thursday!  So far she's managed to put him to sleep in her arms twice.  Looks like she hasn't lost the touch...

Welcome to Brooklyn, Auntie Lori!

Another serenade

We all know that George has a lovely singing voice, and boy does he love showing it off!  Today he's singing a special song for a special lady out there...

"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Jessica, happy birthday to you. And many more...."

On the Mend

The entire household is recovering very nicely from its recent bout with the cold, bronchitis, bronchalitis, etc .... John and Dave swapped turns on holding George in his new rocking chair, courtesy of Great Grandma Olson.  We always knew she's great, now it's official!  John especially likes kicking up his feet after a long day at work and George especially likes when his dad or granddad hold him until he falls asleep.  Which, of course, leads to new, problematic sleeping patterns.  So, the brave new direction to reintroduce the crib to George has been taken.  His response?

Pimp my crib, Mom! 

Hotcakes

Looks like little G's studliness came from the Babcock side of the family.  I know his love for blueberry muffins definitely came from his mama--that's how she got through the first few months of morning sickness.

George gives a shout out (or several shouts and a short squeal) to Jessica for this obviously truthful, yet adorable onesie.

I, robot

George's new friend helps him get through a rough patch. Over the past couple of days his cold has morphed into a mild case of bronchiolitis and we're doing our best to keep him at home (if his temp hits 100.4 he must go to the hospital).  In the picture Wall-E shows George how to remain calm under most threatening circumstances (we have to check George's temp on the hour; let's just say he doesn't love this...)  Here's hoping he feels better soon.  We're all pulling for you, George.

Froggy kick

ur doin it right.

Baby plays chopsticks

One last bit of yesterday's news...  During grandma Rose's visit George managed to hold it together for an entire meal out at our favorite Japanese restaurant, Hibino.  We were pleased that a walk around the block to soothe a crying babe was not needed.  He did require a feeding, however, and later Rose demonstrated how airplanes flew to Tokyo.  (She should know, she worked the Tokyo-Minneapolis route for Northwestern Airlines for 12 years.)  Below George is pictured as the return trip to Minneapolis. Fly high, Georgie boy!

Gearing up for the holidays.

During her recent visit grandma Rose taught George some Christmas carols, much to the delight of all within earshot.  She also participated in a photo shoot with George for her upcoming holiday card.  Check out some of our fav pix below.

This is George training to be a flying reindeer.

And here he is stuffed full of Christmas cookies. 

Poker face...

ur doin it rong.

Grandma Rose hearts poopy diapers.

Last week grandma Rose flew in from Louisianna, held George, told him it would be okay (even when he knew it obviously was not okay), and changed loads of dirty diapers.  He very much loves her and can't wait to wear his Christmas clothes (with the exception of the santa hat) on Christmas day.  Thanks grandma, can't wait to visit with you again soon!

Big bird a disappointment ...

Thanksgiving ... a time for friends, family, and turkey.  George was thrilled to have Auntie Becky and Grandma Rose join the Olcocks for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but he found the bird to be a bit of a let down (though I am still very thankful for John's efforts at making the meal, Becky's sweet additions of mulled cider and vanilla custard pie, and Grandma's brilliant photos of the event).  Maybe it was our fault for building up his big bird dreams when watching the Muppets Take Manhattan (Big Bird has a short cameo in the movie). George joined us at the table and surprised us all by locating my thumb and sucking away.  We later tried to give him a pacifier, but it was no contest; he wanted the thumb, and only the thumb (or the occasional fingers, arm, or entire hand).

Cold front settles in Brooklyn

Apologies for the break in blog entries.  We went from having grandma Rose in town and a fussy baby to fussing over a sick, sneezy baby.  His stuffy sounds are breaking our hearts, while George's preference to sneeze directly into the face of whoever is holding him seems to be spreading the bug.  We've put up a good fight (John swallowing raw cloves of garlic and Kirsten taking fistfulls of vitamin C) but it seems as though the cold will win in the end.  John and George napped away the better part of the day today, but the champion napper in the house is still Ernie.  Here's a snapshot of the three boys about to nod off together in our super comfy "sleeper" chair.