Take One!

Right from the start, we have taken Dawson pretty much everywhere with us. Out to eat, friends houses, traveling, the mall, etc. We may not have had too many date nights since he has been born (and probably should invest in some more...I hate asking people to babysit because I don't want to feel like I am troubling them ...) BUT on the flip side, Dawson does very well at restaurants, on planes, and various other public places. One place I was afraid to take him was the movie theater though...sitting for a couple of hours, keeping him quiet, not interfering others was all part of my worry. After talking to some people who have been in the child rearing business longer than I have, I realized I couldn't say no to anything, if I just do things right from the start then he will learn earlier how to behave, etc. So, after receiving a gift card to the movie theater for my birthday from my mother in law, Christopher and I decided we would do a family movie outing to the theater. We selected a kid friendly movie, Horton Hears a Who; and a kid friendly time, about 11am. I was surprised how many Moms and young kids even Dawson's age were at the theater!!
We brought in his portable high chair so he had something to sit in and we bought lots of snacks and sat in one of the closer to the front rows just in case we had to do some hallway duty with him. He did AWESOME!! I knew I would getting a 1/2 hour out of him and I was hoping for maybe an hour, but he sat the whole time and watched the movie! I think having him in his little chair helped because he knew he couldn't get out and run around. He just sat there, watched the movie, oooo'd in places, and munched on popcorn and twizzlers...I couldn't get over what a little person he was! It must of been tiring though cause the last 20 minutes he zonked out on Daddy's shoulder.
I have to say, I was so glad I tried because now I know that taking him to a movie (kid-friendly of course) is do-able, and I am excited because Christopher and I would always go to the movies before we had him so even if it's to go see a cartoon....I'll take it!

Surprise!

For my Mom's big 5-0 we went out to Illinois for a quick surprise visit. My mom and two younger sisters, Lisa and Becca, had no clue we were coming and they were so surprised when we appeared at their door! My mom was so happy to have a chance to see us and Dawson! While we were there we pretty much just hung out with the fam...we went to my sister's volleyball tourney, ate chicago dogs, enjoyed the 70 degree weather, and went out to dinner for my mom's birthday to Cheesecake Factory. Here are some pictures from the trip:
My mom got us devil dogs from Joseph's and Dawson got a cupcake from Grandma
Enjoying time with Grandma and Grandpa
Playing with Becca in the hall at the volleyball tournament
My mom's birthday cheesecake!
The whole gang at my mom's birthday dinner...Dawson was not having his picture taken

We had a ton of fun and will be back in July for a longer trip!

Huh??

So I dunno what is up with Dawson and his latest sleeping positions, but I guess if he is comfortable...
P.S. We have not moved him in any of these pictures, we have gone in to check on him and found him this way!

Cheesy Smile

So one day Dawson and I were goofing around together and Dawson would do anything I would do. So I started doing this goofy grin where I would scrunch up my eyes and nose and open my mouth in a big smile and then he would do it. We were both practically rolling on the ground giggling with eachother. When he does it, it is the funniest, cheesiest smile ever, so I started calling it "cheesy smile." He nows does it on command if you ask him for a cheesy smile and I swear, it can turn anyone's day around it is so darn funny and cute. Man I love this kid! What a hoot he is. Here is the "cheesy smile":