A Journal of Urban Living

Simon has received some exquisite hand-knit gifts, a hand-assembled straw star sculpture and lots of other adorable presents.

But this one, from Peter’s friend in Colorado, stands alone. Maybe Nate was just showing off his alliums, but it came all the way from Boulder in a box addressed to Simon Oscar Stemwedel.

Simon has outgrown his first article of clothing, a onesie that he wore in the hospital. Peter like it because it says “Forest Fun,” and features a mushroom and small woodland animals.

It was quite snug on him when he wore it last week. As you can see, he wasn’t happy about it. Do you know any babies who need unisex hand-me-downs?

Simon outgrows his first onesie.

We haven’t been able to catch him in the act for a photo yet, but he’s been doing it for about a week now. He grins at me, laughs at Peter and smirks at the ceiling fan. He’s especially smiley in the wee hours of the morning after nursing when I’m bleary-eyed and exhausted and in the morning before breakfast when no one can resist playtime.

The best was when he was hanging out on a blanket on the floor next to my desk. When I glanced down to check on him, he looked up, caught my eye and beamed. I almost forgave him for all the late nights…

Hair: Red, as previously noted. Spikey on top, widow’s peak in the front. Fluffy after a bath, greasy after a couple of days.

Eyebrows: Invisible blond.

Eyes: Lively. Blue at the moment. Left eye is currently red, puss-y and infected with bacterial conjunctivitis. He’s barely 6 weeks old and already we’re dealing with pinkeye. Adorable little disease vector.

Ears: Perfect.

Nose: Typical baby chata nariz de gata.

Mouth: “His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow.”

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Simon met his Grandparents last Saturday.  We’ll post a photo retrospective after they leave us to visit more northerly grandchildren this weekend but here’s a taste:

Clockwise from bottom-left: grandson, grandmother, grandfather, grandsquash

Congratulations to our jar of Fleischmann’s rapid-rise yeast for correctly identifying gender (M) and birthday (Jul 13 2011).  Now if I can only figure out what E1 means.  Best guess in the comments wins the jar of this magical oracle-yeast.

Or, the Adoration of the BBQ Guests… Take your pick.

last Friday

The L.A. County Fair doesn’t begin for another couple of weeks but here are my entries.

Tomato - var. Peppermint 1 lb 11.4 oz

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Even more photos for Simon stalkers after the jump…

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Hesitant and grossed out at first, Joanna was a quick study with the diapers. Then she discovered her true talent — as a Baby Whisperer.

hammock time

Here’s Jo and Simon at Tummy Time. Peter was spotting, which was needed.