St. Patrick's Day 2010

still kissable!

Reaching New Heights!

Also, we’ve started another site to post little random photos and videos of Nealon. If you’re interested in more, just shoot us an email and we’ll let you know the site. sbrodine@gmail.com

During this time Nealon has met a lot of extended family including his three great grandparents, several aunts and uncles, great-aunts and uncles, and cousins!

Nealon turned one in November!  We celebrated in the rain with cupcakes and friends.

His favorite things include bath-time, books, crunchy carbs, the piano, the guitar, being outside, wooden spoons, trash cans, and power cords.  He’s a cruising and climbing machine!

Nealon continues to develop well.  The only issue of concern to the doctors has been his extra-large head.  We were sent to a pediatric neurologist.  Using the previous ultra-sound, the doc was able to determine that Nealon does have fluid on his brain.  It is benign and at this time they aren’t concerned about it.  It should diminish over time and his body and head will balance out.  As long as his head stays consistent on the “Nealon Curve” and we don’t notice anything odd, we’re clear to keep moving forward!  (The neurologist also measured our heads.  With Luke she nodded and acknowledged that the large head might run in the family.  Sarah is “perfectly normal!”)

Life is constantly changing.  We are enjoying California but do miss being closer to family.  Luke is really enjoying his job and is finding more direction as some potential changes are in the future at Grace Pres.

Luke and Sarah are both trying to blog more:

• Luke – http://raresunshine.blogspot.com
• Sarah – http://sardine.tumblr.com/

And now, for a few pictures…

July

August

September

October

November

December

South Carolina

Nealon seems to enjoy travel!  He did very well on our recent flights to and from South Carolina.  He also met lots of people that love him and have been praying for him and us.  We’re glad that Nealon enjoys people (because we do too!)

While Nealon and Sarah hung out in South Carolina, Luke went to meetings for our church’s denomination in Nashville, TN.  On the Wednesday evening, he had the opportunity to participate in the Indelible Grace Hymn Sing at The Ryman!  Pretty much a dream come true to get to play on this stage….

Luke @ Ryman

These days Nealon is working on sitting and scooting!  His favorite toys include his drum, books, and anything that crinkles or that he can bang.  He’s enjoying “solid” foods…but nothing with much texture.  He’s also working on using a sippy cup.  He now refuses bottles and pacifiers.  Nealon likes to sing, as well!

Much to Luke’s delight, Nealon seems to be a KU fan! (click for link) Sarah doesn’t mind and helps out.  (He is wearing a Clemson onesie under his overalls…)

Baptism

Rolling Over (both directions)

Cutting (2!) Teeth

Yosemite with Grammie, Grandpa and Aunt Becca

Visiting the Golden Gate (and meeting Uncle Tom and cousin Connor)

Sitting?!  (not really)

Eating Solids (he wishes!)

Sarah, 3 months

Luke, 3 months

We're in love!!

A few weeks ago, our friend Katie was in town to do some photo shoots.  We enjoyed spending an afternoon with her and are so excited to share some of the amazing photos with you!  We love how Katie put them together on her blog.  Check them out here: Katie Prentiss Photography.

Jayhawk

Two of the comments that we get almost every day about Nealon are with regard to his eyes and his skin tone.  Just a couple of stories regarding these features:

Sometime around Nealon’s due date, Sarah was in the kitchen with Nealon while something was being delivered to our home.  The delivery man asked to wash his hands.  He looked at Nealon, looked at Sarah, back at Nealon, and asked “Is he yours?”…  Sarah and her mom, who was also there, both thought that he was impressed with how good she looked for having what appeared to be a newborn!  Nope.  He said something to the effect of  – “You’re so pale!  He looks Latin!”  (The delivery man was Hispanic)

A couple of weeks ago we were in a coffee shop.  Luke had Nealon in a carrier, facing out, and a little kid (5 years old or so) waved at Nealon.  Luke got down so that the kid could look at him.  He said “whoa, he’s got big eyes!” and proceeded to turn and yell to his mom across the shop “MOM!  Look at his eyes!!”

We think that Nealon gets his skin tone from Luke and his big eyes from Sarah.  Both are more impressive in person than in pictures…

Eyes

Nealon and Monk

first off, we meet Monk, a toy giraffe named for Thelonius and Mr. Monk. Nealon is proving that his grip is getting better. he is able to swat at objects close by, makes steady eye contact, and turns his head (when he feels like it). (Mom and Dad have a penchant for naming everything from toys to framed pictures.)

Nealon and Eli

next up, we meet Eli, one of the little people who was due around the same time of Nealon’s due date (within 5 days of each other). the two families met for coffee and then headed over to the park for a photo shoot. such cool dudes! perhaps we should have listened to Eli when it came to picking the basketball national champs.

Nealon, Aunt Kelsey and Uncle Andrew

last but not least, we meet Aunt Kelsey and Uncle Andrew. Sarah’s brother and sister-in-law came to visit over Easter weekend. we took Nealon on his first trip to the big city (SF), enjoying the Ferry Building and Farmer’s Market, a drive through Union Square, and a late lunch at B-Star Bar in the Richmond district.

Family at Easter lunch

Nealon’s current stats:

• 20 weeks old (11 weeks adjusted)
• somewhere between 13-14 lbs.
• has recently become quite chatty
• occasionally sleeps more than 4 hours at a time
• has begun transitioning into 3-6 month clothing

Nealon marked the day by receiving 4 injections (2 in each leg) as well as an immunization given orally.  Following this we visited with our pediatrician who was impressed with Nealon’s personality, his thunder thighs, and the shape of his head (fewer and fewer visible signs that he’s a preemie).   There are a few things that we’ll continue to keep an eye on but all in all he’s doing really well!

The stats:

Weight: 12lbs 1oz

Height: 23.25in

Head size: 16.75in

He’s on the growth chart in all areas for a 4 month old now and above average for a 2 month old (approximate adjusted age).  For a 4 month old he’s in the 4-5% for height and weight and 58% for his head!  All those brains….

Nealon is all dressed up for St. Patty’s, and we thought we’d show you a few of his different kissing techniques.

the "lipless" + snap

the "tongue"

the "elvis"

the "yeah, right!"