This week was the first time both of us were away from Arianna at the same time! Grandma Helen had the honor of being the first person with whom we've ever left Arianna, staying with her while she slept and we went to a baptism preparation class.

Although we had no worries about my mom's ability to care for her, we couldn't help worrying in general. Would she sense we were gone? How would she react? I guess that's just how it is to be a parent.

It was a relatively brief class, Ari slept the whole time, and she had no complaints when we saw her later. It was really strange to be away from her, after almost 4 months of one of us always being with her, but we knew we'd have to start getting ready for this at some point, and this was a good first time; thanks, Mom!

We had a couple of fun visits & outings this week. First, we went to Lafayette Reservoir with Colin, Sarah, Maggie, and Sam:

Then Jon and Elena came to visit with Zachary & baby Vincent. Dave came over too, and we all went to Hidden Lakes park and had a good time playing on the slide, throwing the frisbee and football, and walking around the field.

My parents got Arianna a really cool activity table, and Ari was immediately interested in it, exploring and investigating all the new shapes, colors, sounds, and textures.

Watching our baby sleep

I remember always thinking it was odd when I saw parents on TV or in movies going and looking at their children as they slept, but now I get it. It's a time to step back and experience the sense of wonder and joy at this beautiful being you've brought into the world.

Ania and I found ourselves wanting to go in and look at Arianna while she sleeps. There's just one slight problem; we both get so overwhelmed by our joy that we start to laugh! I can't explain why it comes out in the form of laughter, but that's what happens. Then we start laughing at the fact that we're laughing, looking at each other and knowing exactly how the other feels -- just about to burst with happiness -- and we try to rush out of the room before we can't hold it in anymore. Whew! Each time we go in, we try to be sober and serious, but it's just about impossible to see how adorable Arianna is when she's sleeping and not be overcome by emotion...

Milestones & Metrics

• Our first time both away from Arianna at the same time.
• She has pretty good control with her arms and legs:
  
• How Arianna looks this week: