Big Man on Campus

Monday was NMU's first day of classes - it was also a big day for Jonah! NMU has an organization/community fair called "Fall Fest" during the first day of classes. So, Catholic Campus Ministry had a table and the Hardenbergh family and our students worked the table and spent the whole day outside. Now, for most 2 months old this may not be an issue - however, for our little social butterfly, Jonah this was not an easy day. He LOVED the kids and all the sights and sounds - he did NOT however, like the fact that he was so tired and couldn't fight his sleep. He took cat naps throughout the day and did all he could to fight the sandman. He did really well in his stroller until it stopped then his eyes would pop open and he would be cranky again.




Mom felt so bad for him that she ended up leaving early so that Jonah could get a good nap in his pack-n-play. They walked across campus where Jonah cried half the way. It didn't help that it was really hot out! But, for all that was going on he really did a great job! He loves people and interacting with them. It's not fun to have to nap, especially when you're so tired you can't help it. It's so frustrating!

Above is a picture of Jonah in his "Big Man on Campus" outfit that Grandma and Grandpa Hardenbergh gave him along with his little baseball hat that Aunt Mary found for him. Below is daddy, Jonah and our students working at the Catholic Campus Ministry table. Fr. Jed has oficially named Jonah as CCM's mascot - the kids love him and from all the smiles and laugh's it's clear that Jonah loves them!

Turning a corner at 8weeks....

If you would have asked me a month ago if I was loving motherhood – I have to be honest in saying that I wasn’t that excited about it.  Not that I didn’t love my son but that I found motherhood to be very difficult and not a role that I was confident in.  Ask me today if I’m loving motherhood and the answer is much different – I love it!  Add some confidence, better sleep, a routine and a more content baby and viola – you have the makings of a beautiful relationship!

 

Jonah has changed so much in the last two weeks – it’s absolutely amazing!  It was just a few weeks ago that I remember us saying that we felt like the only time he wasn’t crying was when he was eating or sleeping.  Now – the crying is far between and is better understandable.  We have learned how to “read” him better and to look for cues from him to prevent fussiness or meltdowns.  Even when he’s cranky and crying I’ll start to talk to him and he can’t help but smile and laugh.  He’s just a real happy little guy!  Today Aunt Mary taught him the moves for “Itsy Bitsy Spider” – he loved it!  Every time she sang it he would start to laugh – it was so cute! 

 

He has also begun to fight sleep.  Fun fun!  Tonight Rob and I went out for ice cream (to celebrate our 9yr Anniversary), so we took Jonah.  He was so tired and was really fighting it.  We left Frosty Treats and started driving home when he started his tired cry.  All of a sudden there was silence – not long after he was asleep.  So, we thought we might as well drive around a bit more to get him good and out.  So, after a little drive we got him home and in bed.  He fussed in bed for about a half an hour…finally, there was silence and he’s been out since (that was 2hrs ago).  Jonah is only getting up one time a night.  We put him down between 7:30pm and 8:30pm …then wake him at 10:30/11pm for a feeding and then he doesn’t wake us up till about 3am (although, last night it wasn’t until 5am).  It’s so great to only be getting up one time a night.

 

Speaking of… I better say good night – just in case tonight isn’t so nice! Haa haa

 

Cat.

Jonah's Jungle Fun

Jonah loves to play, especially on his Jungle Friends Play Mat!!!!
He dances to the lights and music. He's soooo cute.

Another Update...

Jonah loves to take naps on the couch. He's such a big boy!

During Mass Jonah had his faced pressed into mommy's shirt. Her button left an imprint on the right of his top lip. Jonah loves to cuddle with mommy.

Nana (Linda, Jonah's daycare provider) took these this afternoon. Jonah loves her bouncer!

Playing is so much work - playing with blocks at Nana's.

Updates...

"Wha?" What a funny little face!

Jonah has found his hand and many times he is found sucking on it.

Daddy and Jonah - best buds!

Relaxing and playing while mommy and daddy eat dinner!

Say CHEESE

First and foremost, I apologize for the non-Jonah post. Though 99% of my life revolves around him, that 1% has to rear its head every once in a while!! I promise more Jonah soon!

About a year ago Catherine stumbled on this TV show on PBS called "Fork in the Road". It is a cooking show produced by channel 13 out of Lansing. This odd guy does this show from his restaurant in Okemos and he uses mostly organic or natural stuff and Michigan products whenever possible. This one episode he made "micro green" salads. Apparently there is a farm downstate that actually grows miniature varieties of lettuce and other leafy greens. They really looked like tiny lettuce! Anyway, he served the salads as appitizers in parmisan cheese bowls. Ever since I saw this I have wanted to try it. Now I get my chance.
We are going to a dinner party this weekend with a few couples and I have decided to make them. Of course I can't get micro greens, but I can chop up lettuce really small!!! Below are pictures of my first attempt at the cheese bowls.


You take fresh grated parmesan and put it in a 'mold' to make a circle (really anything round). I used a 4 inch circle and it is a little too big, so I have to try and find a smaller form to use (The recipe calls for 3Tbs of cheese and a 3 inch circle). Then you bake them just until they are golden, about 12 minutes.



While they are still hot you put them over something to shape them into bowls. You have to work quick because they harden fast. I tried a paper egg carton but they just turned into these funny shaped things.

I think I have found the perfect mold though. Baby bottle lids!!! They are flat on the top and rounded so they should yield the perfect shape with a 3 inch circle.