Merry Christmas!

Evan's first Christmas was a wonderful celebration. We went to church on Christmas Eve, and though Evan didn't want to go up front for the children's sermon, he listened to the entire service very quietly and politely, making us very proud. He wore a beautiful navy blue sweater vest with a rocking horse design, and looked very handsome.

Grandma and Grandpa Clement were in town, and the space around the tree wasn't big enough to hold all the gifts shipped in from family and friends. Evan got lots of books and clothes and toys, a jumping gym, and even a rocking horse! Now that he's heard the stories of Rudolph and Santa, we're all looking forward to a great year together, until Evan can set out the cookies and milk in 2009.

It was a lovely 68 degrees outside here in Charlottesville today, and the whole family, Ernie included, took a Christmas walk. Evan really enjoyed being outside. After such a long and exciting day, we're settling down for a meal and bedtime story, and maybe we'll sing just one more Christmas song to finish off the celebration.

We hope everyone had a Happy Holiday!

Playtime in My Chair

Evan has a vibrating rocking chair that sits alongside the couch in the living room. He's always right in the middle of the action! The vibrations are good when he's ready for a quick nap; we realized we'll have to get a lot more batteries to keep him happy! The toys attached to the chair are good for playtime. As you can see, Evan's muscles are getting a work out as he reaches (intentionally or accidentally, you can be the judge) for the toys on his chair.

My Best Friend Dot

Somewhat oddly, the changing table is one of Evan's favorite places. The polka dot design on his bedroom walls has a lot of dark and light contrast, and the table cover is soft and cushy. It's funny to watch him stare at the wall and smile!

New Clothes & Toys

Evan loves getting dressed up in his new clothes and playing with new toys. He loves wearing his jeans, and the blue coat from his friends in Oregon is great in the cold weather. Friends in Australia sent a traditional flat teddy bear that's perfect for snuggling!

Evan in Action: Just Hanging Out

Sleepytime...

Evan's still spending lots of time sleeping to grow big and strong (and giving a break to Crystal, Mike, and Ernie!)...

...and Playtime

...but he's also spending time watching mobiles and playing with toys!

Smiles and Growth

Evan had his one month doctor appointment today. He's grown a full 2 inches and gained over 2 pounds! We can definitely tell he's getting bigger as some newborn clothes are too tight and he's heavier to carry around. The doctor said he's right on track. He also had his first shot, and was a total trooper throughout it all.

Mom and dad and Ernie are being rewarded with more smiles and interaction every day. Our little man is getting big!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!
Evan enjoyed watching the Macy's Parade and lots of football today. After a busy morning of cleaning the house and getting ready, he met his mom's cousins, then took a nap while everyone else ate a great dinner. Now he's looking forward to future Thanksgivings when he can actually eat the turkey and apple pie!

One Month Birthday

After one full month, Evan’s holding his head up and beginning to take in the world. What a world it is! He's beginning to focus on his family's faces, and reacting to our voices/barks. He loves to hang out on our shoulders and look out at everything around him.

Froggy Towel

Bath time is always more fun when you have a froggy towel!

Wah-Hoo-Wah

Evan went to his first UVA basketball games last week. He got dressed up in his official shirt and khaki pants just like daddy for the occasion. He liked the games and snuggling in the Baby Bjorn, even though he did sleep through all of them. Not even the band or loud music phased him. Virginia won all the games he attended; maybe Evan is their good luck charm! Hopefully the rest of the season will go as smooth! Evan got to hear his first "Good Old Song" (UVA's school song), and can't wait to sing it and do the cheer on his own when he gets older.

Bathtime

Before the big visits from family, Evan got handsome in the bath. He was a little unsure at first, but after a serious chat with daddy, realized swimming in the warm water isn't so bad!

Evan has been busy meeting lots of grandparents and friends. It sure is fun to know so many nice people!

Election Day

Evan enjoyed his one week birthday on Tuesday; time sure flies! He really wanted to vote in the big election, but since he isn't quite old enough, he settled for wearing dad's sticker instead. Now he's relaxing and looking forward to lots of visits from grandparents and aunts.

Big Weekend

Evan had a great weekend. He spent some time getting to know most of the neighbors. He also got to watch lots of football with daddy, but wasn't a happy camper as most of his favorite teams lost. Better luck next weekend! After such an eventful weekend, he had lots of sleepy time, while Ernie kept watch.

Happy Halloween

Evan hasn't even been around for a week and he's already had his first holiday, lucky guy! He considered going door-to-door, but decided to stay home and instead had a good time greeting all of the trick-or-treaters in his Snack-O-Lantern costume.

Here is a video showing what Evan was up to on his first full day at home, just hanging out with mom and dad and Ernie.

Evan meets Ernie

Once Evan got home, he got to meet his new dog buddy and big brother, Ernie. Ernie was very excited to see Evan and has been on his best doggie behavior. He comes to get mom and dad when Evan cries, and loves to give Evans feet doggie kisses. It looks like these 2 will be good buddies and chasing each other around the yard in no time.

Home Sweet Home

After a standard 2 days, Evan left the hospital on Thursday, October 30 and headed home. He didn't much like the first time in the carseat, but fell asleep halfway home anyway.

Hello World

Evan Michael Pariseau was born Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 2:32pm at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. Evan checked in at at healthy 8 lbs 4 oz, and 20 1/2 inches.
His labor began at 5:00am. Mom and dad arrived at the hospital at 10:30, and he was born just 4 hours later. Doctor Montgomery and Nurse Kim and Nursing Student Amanda were an excellent team.