October Fun

Honey Badger don't care! Really, he doesn't.

But he does love his Nurse Underbite.

We spent Halloween in Oriental, N.C., and Manning dressed up twice. Above is his best take on a judge, including a plush gavel.

 He also suited up in a more traditional costume, a pumpkin.

Manning visited the Oriental Yacht Club for the first time while there.

And had a fun hanging out with his parents for seven nights.

 After Oriental, we headed to Hilton Head for Jeremy and Nicole's wedding. Manning spent his first weekend at a hotel.

And he dressed his best for the evening wedding.

 

Catching Up on a Busy Summer

I am quickly learning that babies aren't conducive to consistent blog posting. So much has happened since we last posted, it is hard to know where to begin.

Manning has made a couple of trips to Raleigh to spend time with his grandmother and grandfather.

He also enjoyed some time with Grama.

Manning's thick, dark hair has receded, and is slowly growing in a lighter, sandy color. He has also taken to collared shirts, with the collar up, of course.

A little oatmeal (and a BIG mess) is now on the menu, washed down with milk, as always.

His expressions are varied, and the boy loves to rub heads.

And he loves Nurse Underbite.He just stares at Jane and smiles. It is really cool to see him respond to her, and her to him. If he cries, she is first on the scene with a lick.

Manning has been lucky to spend a lot of time with his "G" over the last couple of weeks. She has been a huge help, and he loves her to death.

He really enjoys the Baby Einstein apparatus, and gets a good workout whenever he is in it.

We made a day trip to Hilton Head for an engagement party for Jeremy (AKA, "Uncle Tank") and Nicole. Of course, Manning dressed up for the occasion.

He also spent some time with Joe and "G" while there for the party.

Manning was baptized at St. James Church on September 11. He wore a gown that was worn by his grandfather Manning.

Tate, his Godmother, made the trip from Raleigh for the event, and Kenneth,  his Godfather, was there as well.

We had a party in his honor after the baptism at the Pour House. Granny and Jeremy, along with a host of family and friends, joined us.

Manning is definitely something special, and being parents to him gets better with each and every day.

Mr. Mischievous

Ana and Manning made it home from Raleigh on Friday after a week with our North Carolina family. I am very happy their home, and I missed them terribly. However ...

This is the Manning that left me.

And this is the Manning that returned with Ana. Nurse Underbite and I are still scratching our heads, but the new life and awareness in this child is quite amazing.

 Manning joined his grandfather at the courthouse while in Raleigh, and dressed up for the occasion.

He was also warned while there - and once home - that the only trips to the courthouse that are acceptable are visits with his grandfather.

 

He did enjoy his time on the train, too!

And Manning was home for the weekend, and he used his new seat to watch the NASCAR race.

Where's Manning?

Manning has had a busy summer. He made a trip to Raleigh to visit his North Carolina family, and he dazzled him with his skills.

He hung out with Uncle Howdy, and managed to stay out of trouble (and a Hooters restaurant) which is always a plus.

Back at home, Nurse Underbite continued to hone her babysitting skills.

Manning and his Dad also broke in the BOB stroller for hot afternoon runs.

Then it was off to Edisto Beach for a week with his South Carolina family. His mom and dad didn't really see him for the first half of the week, since G and Granny were eager to lend a hand and, in fact, were dead set on holding him every waking minute.

Manning has also developed quite the laugh. This is a film from the beach where his mom and uncle imitated monkeys for him (and, as you can imagine, did an excellent job!).

Manning's Already On the Run

Ana, Manning and I ran the Lean and Green 5K on Saturday, June 4. Ana and Manning did great for their first race together with a time of 40:33. 

I didn't do so well, given the hit that my running schedule has taken since Manning arrived. It was a good time, though, and I am extremely proud of Ana.

Manning really enjoys the news, particularly in the Mini Page.

Nurse Underbite continues to be very interested in his development, and is on hand in case of any baby toy accidents that could occur.

Manning continues to sleep well and grow ... and grow ... and grow. He generally wakes up once per night, but he also manages to sleep through the night once or twice a week. We are lucky!

Growing with Abandon

All is well with Manning these days, and he is growing with abandon. He and Ana have implemented an exercise regimen, and we are working toward a schedule for him. We aren't there yet, but will be in the coming weeks.

Godmother Tate came to visit, and Manning put on his most mature face for her.

Nurse Underbite continues to perform her duties with grace. She is always good for a lick or some protection, depending on the situation. As you can tell from the photo above, protection was in order on this afternoon.

Nurse Underbite also serves as a pillow on occasion, and Manning has no problem propping up.

It is pretty crazy how big he is getting, and how quickly he is growing. We have our two-month doctor's appointment this Tuesday, and we are eager to learn how much he weights. Our money is on about 11 pounds or so.

I realize I have said this before, but we are truly lucky parents. He is a great baby; laid-back and easy going, given his tummy is full. When it is not, well ... I would be fussy too.

Life is What Happens

Updates have been sparse lately; my apologies. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you, While you're busy making other plans." 

And Manning has been busy. 

I had one of the most unique experiences yet this past week, and it has been constantly in my mind since it occurred. I put him down on Tuesday night, and he was cheerful, making faces and noises, but still in that baby-coma kind-of phase that has been evolving since he was born.

The following morning, I went to work, but when I returned home, it was like a light had turned on in his small, precious brain. He wasn't just making faces and noises; he was engaging others with these faces and noises. 

Manning is a miracle, and I continue to be blown away by him each day.

I was simply trying to keep him out of the sun, but inadvertently styled an off-kilter frame of the boy.

I don't care how old you are, if you are strolling around the neighborhood wearing a hoody, you look sketchy.

He begged me to take a picture while he was flexing. I gave in ...

The Thinker