Desmond James

Too long since an update!

2009-09-13T13:19:00.004-05:00

I have been delinquent with the updates....Desmond is now 20 months old and continuing to amaze us everyday. His latest and greatest things are saying "Hi-ya" and "Bye-ya" for hi and bye. It's so cute. He also says "cheese" every time we want to take his picture. Adorable....there are all kinds of recent pictures of him in my Facebook page (yes, this is a tease and nudge for those of you who REFUSE to get on FB!!), but here are a few for you to enjoy.

so much more like a little man than a baby....

2009-06-01T21:32:00.004-05:00

Desmond is now 17 months old....running everywhere....exploring everything....everyday with him is an adventure! He loves playing outside and throwing his toys everywhere! Last night, he slept for 13 hours, then took a long nap today....growing like a weed.
He's definitely becoming more of a little man and less of a baby....*sniff*

Des after Dad doused him with water!

Striking a serious pose with his animal posse

Cheese!

Who loves ya, baby?

Saturday cartoons are the BEST!

He's a maniac!

2009-04-30T20:15:00.004-05:00

Desmond is tapping into his inner Irene Cara

New Portraits!

2009-04-01T21:00:00.006-05:00

I can't believe he's 15 months old already.....here are a few pictures from his "1 year" portrait session we had this weekend.

He's a walker!

2009-03-09T19:05:00.003-05:00

1st Haircut!

2009-02-21T19:07:00.007-06:00

Baby kid got his first hair cut today and did great! He looks so handsome....and so grown up. 14 months today!!

The "before" look...

Getting all set up for the big cut!

He helped!

He did NOT like the clippers!
The finished product......
I'll take more shots and post them later.
He was so TIRED!

2009-02-03T21:30:00.002-06:00

Hello, all my faithful bloggers. Since Mommy has discovered Facebook, she has become delinquent with my blog updates. I really need to talk to her about that. Here are some recent pics of me hanging out, mostly right before bedtime. Hugs! Love, Desmond

It's my party......Blog update 2 of 2

2008-12-30T22:50:00.005-06:00

Des had his first birthday party in our new house! He had a great time....and loved the cake!

Blog update 1 of 2

2008-12-30T22:19:00.012-06:00

We finally have wireless again! Here are some new pics of our recent adventures in birthdays, moving, Christmas and more birthday-ing! Is this kid seriously 1 already?! What a year....

It's my birthday!!

Cake....good!

Sporting his new Christmas sweater!

Matching PJs!

Oh, it's a very Merry Christmas!

All tuckered out.....being 1 and Christmas-ing is HARD

It's a White Trash Christmas

Elf Yourself - country style!

2008-12-07T22:00:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

"Mr. B"

2008-11-29T14:22:00.002-06:00

Mr. B (B for "Babes") has been busy, busy, busy! He now has 7 total teeth, is pulling up and climbing on everything, is starting to sing and dance (well, sort of.....) and is getting ready for our new house (we're moving to Lombard on December 22nd!), his 1st birthday and Santa!! Is this year already almost over?? Seriously?? Unbelievable....

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T19:29:00.006-05:00

PIGLET!

10-month stats

2008-10-24T18:05:00.002-05:00

Des grew 2 inches in 2 months!

Weight: 24#, 2oz (85th %)
Height: 29 1/2 inches (90th %)
Head Circumference: 18 1/2 inches (90th %)

Dr. Walsh said he is "perfect"....we'll try not to let it go to his 90th percentile head!

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins!

2008-10-19T18:37:00.007-05:00

We had a great time at Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm today...what a perfectly crisp fall day! Des had a ball. Here are some recent pics from his daily adventures in babying, along with shots from today. Enjoy!

Des LOVES bath time!

GOEBBERT'S PUMPKIN FARM

Cousin Aoife Des's first pumpkin!

Photo shoot

2008-10-05T21:25:00.008-05:00

9 months!

2008-09-27T21:54:00.002-05:00

We've had a few hectic weeks lately....the basement flooded, Des is cutting 3 new teeth and doing the army crawl, and we just returned from a road trip to KC! He is getting so big, so fast and looking more and more like a little boy and less like a baby! Here are a few portraits we had taken last week on the day he turned 9 months old....more to come!

Boo!

2008-09-10T08:35:00.002-05:00

"Napettes" & Pooh beehive

2008-09-07T16:33:00.004-05:00

We had planned to have Des's 8-month portraits taken today, but we are all too pooped from a 2-day garage sale! Des has taken several "napettes" today (that would be a nap of 45 mins or less in duration) but is still in rather good spirits! And he is quite fond of his new Pooh Beehive toy! He looks so grown up today....

2008-09-05T21:07:00.000-05:00

8-month stats

2008-08-26T19:53:00.004-05:00

Des had his 8 month check-up today. He is doing GREAT! He got his last Hep shot and was a total champ!

His latest stats....

Weight: 22#, 8 oz (90th %)
Height: 28" (70th %)

8 months old!

2008-08-22T16:54:00.003-05:00

Des goes Tuesday for his 8-month check-up. He has 2 teeth (bottom front - see if you can spot them), is rolling around like mad and chatting up a storm. We're getting closer to sleeping through the night (he is lasting until 5am or later about every 3 nights or so). We may survive after all! :-)

Deep in conversation with cousin Danny.....

2008-08-09T12:44:00.001-05:00

Auntie Jules

2008-07-21T22:04:00.004-05:00

We just returned from a great weekend in Stevensville, Michigan for Julie's "Mainland Reception". It was wonderful to finally meet George and so many of Julie's family and friends. Des is still a great traveler and is such a happy, happy, happy kid! Here are a few new pics.

The faux-hawk in rare form

Our aloha friends George & Julie Subiono

Des loves Auntie Jules

(he's telling her about when he's going to come visit her in Hawaii)

Ouch!

2008-07-02T21:07:00.005-05:00

Des's first tooth is busting through! I discovered it tonight while he was munching on my finger.....and he's not fussing about it at all. I swear this kid has a higher tolerance for pain than most adults I know. He attended his first wedding this weekend (see the happy couple below) and is having fun hanging out with Uncle Adam who is visiting for a few days. Oh, and how about the crazy hair on this kid?! Happy 4th of July!

6 month stats

2008-06-24T20:42:00.001-05:00

Weight: 20#, 5 oz ~ 90th percentile
Height: 26 3/4" ~ 70th percentile

Another great check-up!

6 months old!

2008-06-23T20:42:00.003-05:00

In so many ways, the last 6 months have gone by faster than I could have imagined. Yet, we can hardly remember life before this little man came along! (I vaguely remember what it feels like to sleep though the night....) Mr. Babes is now officially 6 months old, as of Saturday. Tomorrow is the big "weigh in" -- stay tuned for his updated stats. He is becoming more exploratory; so interested in his surroundings and completely content to hang out and take in the world around him. He is such a happy baby. Life is so very, very good.....

Firsts

2008-06-15T11:07:00.005-05:00

Des had a few firsts this week....first "food", first swim (well, sort of) and today is his first Father's Day with Dad! I'm fairly certain we've broken the 20 lb barrier....didn't you hear it? This kid is definitely an arm full! But happy and healthy....we couldn't ask for more!

Happy Father's Day!

Pears.....hmmm....not so sure yet......

Hey, that's pretty good stuff!

Sweet potatoes!

2008-06-03T20:51:00.002-05:00

Could this kid be any happier?!?

He played himself right out!

More portraits

2008-05-26T15:23:00.001-05:00

5-months old!

2008-05-26T08:24:00.006-05:00

Naked babes!

Helping Dad with the Sunday crossword!

********************************************************************

Des is already 5-months old! He is changing so much....and starting to look more like mommy now! We took him to the pediatrician on Friday afternoon. Here are his latest numbers:

Weight: a whopping 19 lbs, 2 oz! (90th percentile)
Height: 26 3/4" (75th percentile)
Head Circumference: 17 3/8 inches (75th percentile)

His growth % month over month has been consistent, so he is clearly not missing any meals. We are probably going to start experimenting with some food soon! That is sure to up the "neck cheese" factor! :-)

A few random pics

2008-05-11T20:17:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful Mother's Day today.....Des got me a digital picture frame so I can look at him all day! Here are a few recent random pics:

More portraits

2008-05-11T20:15:00.003-05:00

Smiley Des

Serious Des

More portraits

2008-05-06T20:31:00.003-05:00

Des's photo shoot

2008-05-05T20:11:00.006-05:00

Des (and Mommy) had his first professional photo shoot this weekend with Kim Galvin. Here are a few of the shots....more to come!

4-month stats

2008-04-25T21:46:00.003-05:00

Des had his 4-month check today! Here are his latest stats:

17#, 9oz (90th percentile)
25 1/2 inches long (75th percentile)
16 1/2 inches head circumference (75th percentile)

He was champ, getting 3 shots! He's sleeping them off right now.....here are a couple of new pictures!

Our little "Baby Hef"

Nice mohawk!

Des down under....

2008-04-12T20:49:00.003-05:00

Des in his Aussie hat and t-shirt !

2008-04-06T20:00:00.007-05:00

Des had a BIG week! Mommy went back to work (which leaves little time for blogging -- sorry!) ...and he seems to be adapting quite well. He's having a great time with Mr. Mom (i.e. Daddy). He has discovered his fist, is mostly over his cold (finally), is now taking a full 8 ounces at each feeding, attended his first rugby match (the Griffins were victorious over the Lions) and now has a great new toy (thanks, cousin Aoife!) to keep him all kinds of busy. And it appears that SPRING may have finally arrived! Hoorah!

Des on opening day!

Yeah, Uncle Adam!

Des loves Aoife's jungle toy!

Is it spring yet?

2008-03-29T21:56:00.003-05:00

Des and I both have colds....stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing....but he's been in fairly good spirits, considering. Last night, he slept continuously from about 8pm until 5am! I can't express how good it felt to sleep for that long without interruption. I'm now starting to believe everyone who said "it's gets easier". 12+ weeks ago it was a bit harder to imagine......

Having fun....

2008-03-25T22:03:00.005-05:00

Des is such a smiley baby! Here are a few shots I took this morning while he was in a GREAT and playful mood! Oh, and this outfit is a size "6-12 months" from Gymboree. And he started wearing size 3 diapers this week. He is growing like crazy!

Thanks, Easter Bunny!

2008-03-24T20:30:00.004-05:00

3-month stats

2008-03-22T10:41:00.002-05:00

Des had his 3-month check-up yesterday. Here are his newest stats:

Weight: 15 lbs, 6 oz (90th percentile)
Height: 24 2/3 inches (75th percentile)
Head Circumference: 16 5/8 inches (75th percentile)

WOW!

Angel baby

2008-03-21T00:05:00.003-05:00

Des's 1st St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-20T23:46:00.011-05:00

Des and his daddy in their Irish sweaters

Hanging out with Uncle Adam and cousins Patrick and Bridget

Now Kevin joins in the fun, but it appears Miss Bridge is getting bored with the boys....

Babies!! Being Irish is HARD!

Kiss me, I'm Irish!

2008-03-16T13:22:00.004-05:00

Good sleep!

2008-03-15T19:26:00.002-05:00

From 9:30pm last night until 8:15am this morning, Des was only up ONCE! He is really starting to sleep more and better. This is a very good thing -- and will be even better once I go back to work in 2 weeks!

Des's day of fun!

2008-03-12T21:06:00.011-05:00

(Jim tells me the proper Irish possessive of ones name includes an apostrophe S, hence the title)

Des has been all smiles and giggles lately....

Tummy time!

Here is a short video of Des playing with his Baby Einstein Discovery Gym

Des & Aoife

2008-03-10T05:08:00.000-05:00

Uncle Conn, Aunt Terri, Cousin Aoife and Des

God Bless Desmond James

2008-03-09T23:36:00.001-05:00

Today was Desmond's christening. Everything was wonderful! We enjoyed a beautiful ceremony at St. Paul of the Cross (where Jim & I were married) and a delicious lunch reception at Moretti's in Edison Park. He was an angel! In fact, he slept through most of the service including when the water was poured over his head....he only slightly flinched but fell right back asleep! After Moretti's, we all came home and crashed -- it was a big day! Thank you to everyone for your generosity and for helping us celebrate this wonderful occasion with our son. We are blessed with such amazing family and friends. Des is a lucky little boy!

The Godparents: Uncle Brian and Aunt Meg

getting changed for the party!

with cousin Danny

the twins!

Road trippin'

2008-03-05T21:51:00.000-06:00

Des is a great traveler, something that makes his daddy very happy! Our trip to KC was lovely. We were able to spend some quality time with family and friends, while honoring Joe and celebrating his life. Here are a few new pics and even a short video! Enjoy!

Des LOVES napping in the car!

I love these toes!

Des with his cousin, Paige

Des and Erin

SLEEP!

2008-03-01T08:30:00.000-06:00

Des slept for 7 hours straight last night. 7 hours!!!!! Before last night, his longest stretch was 5 1/2 hours and that hadn't happened in probably a month. I, of course, was up every 30 minutes after about 3 1/2 hours in anticipation that he would erupt with hunger so I didn't get 7 straight hours of rest. But I don't care so much since he finally got some great (and much needed) rest. I have to say that he slept for nearly 4 hours straight in his swing, which he seems to love and I think every new mom should have. Worth the investment!

Just hangin' out...

2008-02-29T13:07:00.001-06:00

It's been a pretty quiet week. Des was preparing for an apparent growth spurt mid week and was not sleeping great. But he had a great night of sleep last night and is back to a midday nap today. What a difference a good night of sleep makes -- for ALL of us!

Tomorrow, we are heading to KC via Staunton for my godfather Joe O'Sullivan's funeral services on Monday. I'm sad Joe wasn't able to meet Des. However, I'm just so happy Joe was able to attend our wedding. It was so much fun having him there. And I'm sure he, Mary Jo and Kelly are having a great time together again!

More online shopping finds....

2008-02-25T19:57:00.000-06:00

PersonalizationMall.com - VERY cool personalized gifts. We ordered some beautiful personalized picture frames from this site and received them in less than 48 hours without paying for expedited shipping. We also got the coolest personalized collage frame -- a very unique item! I highly recommend this site if you are looking for some quality, unique, personalized gifts. After my first order, they sent me a coupon for 20% off my next order.

So Cool Mom.com- cute t-shirts for moms! I found this site after researching what kind of t-shirts Kate Gosselin wears on Jon & Kate plus 8. Yes, that's what I said. I admit it. I'm a little bit of a junkie! :-) Free, fast shipping too.

Baby budda

2008-02-22T18:20:00.000-06:00

Des had his 2-month check-up today! He is doing very well....he now weighs 13 lbs, 13 oz (90th percentile) and is 23 1/2 inches long (75th percentile)! This means he gained 3 lbs, 5 oz and grew 1 1/2 inches in a month! He also received 3 shots today, which I think was harder on me. He did great!

Des and his peeps

2008-02-21T15:20:00.000-06:00

Des is such the social butterfly....yesterday, he hung out with Auntie Meg, Grandma McCarthy and Cousin Erin. Today, we met Kristy for lunch at Claim Jumper. He is such a great baby.....just chills out or sleeps in the car whenever we're going places. Tomorrow is the big weigh-in at the pediatrician! I know he is at least 14 lbs because he is already wearing size 2 diapers! Here are a few new pics of Des with some of his peeps.

Chillin' out with Auntie Meg

Hangin' with Cousin Erin

Lunching with KMak!

Over the river and through the woods.....

2008-02-17T23:12:00.000-06:00

Des had several visitors this weekend and ventured out as well. He is really starting to smile more, is eating up a storm and is definitely growing exponentially. We are estimating that he weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 14 1/2 pounds. This estimation is based on a highly scientific experiment of let's see how much Dad weighs holding the baby vs. not holding the baby. We'll know for sure on Friday, when he goes for his 2 month check-up. I can't believe he is almost 2 months old already!

Since I was too tired to go anywhere as a result of my son grazing every 2 hours the previous day and night, Nana and Papa Kopp came over Saturday night for a nice visit. This morning, my friend Heather Oleksy stopped by to meet Des for the first time. This visit was particularly entertaining as we tried (unsuccessfully, I'm afraid) to make impressions of Des' hands and feet in plaster. I wish I had asked Jim to video tape it. Needless to say, even while they are sleeping babies like to curl their toes when they feel them being submerged in cold plaster. We might have to default to the old fashioned ink prints on paper.

Today, we went to Grandma McCarthy's for dinner. Des ate non-stop while we were there, including taking most of an 8oz bottle of formula in one sitting. I'm telling you, this kid is well on his way to being a baby budda.

with Grandma McCarthy

Doing yoga moves with Uncle Conn??

Cute baby things

2008-02-15T01:07:00.000-06:00

There are so many ideas out there for cute baby things....here are a few of our recent faves:

Baby's first alphabet block: A personalized wooden block with baby's birth details from Craft-E-Family. I got this idea from my niece Bridget's room. They are darling!

Baby legs: Terri McCarthy gets the credit for this one. And baby Aoife looks like a miniature Jennifer Beals in hers. They are great for keeping Des' legs warm at night. They also help keep his socks on that he is perpetually kicking off. There are a ton of sites out there that offer them, but I ordered ours here. Free shipping on orders of 2 or more.

Wooden wall letters from Pink Taffy Designs: Ours haven't arrived yet, but I know they will be cute. The site has quite a few gift ideas, too. I liked that I could order a custom design. UPDATE: These are $20 PER LETTER, so I decided to pass. The site still has cute ideas, though, so I'm leaving it on here.

Personalized invitations from Fuller and Tack: We ordered Des' baptism invites from this site. Super cute! And fast....plus, free shipping.

All Natural Baby Butter from Northern Essence: This stuff is GREAT! Again, kudos to Terri for turning me onto this site & these products. I use the butter at each diaper change. We have 3 of them on hand in different parts of the house & the diaper bag. They have a variety of yummy scents! I also used the Mom2Be body butter during my pregnancy -- good stuff!

essentials changing pad and tote from JJ Cole: most diaper bags come with a changing pad, but this one is better than any I've found. It folds up and closes with velcro, has a handle (like a hand bag) and an outside pocket that fits wipes and a diaper or 2. It has come in very handy in bathrooms that don't have one of those changing tables, and even in those that do! Plus, they're stylish!

My "Desmond" necklace from Red Envelope (mom's pride + joy necklace): I get compliments on this necklace every time I wear it! People are always asking me where I got it. Now you know.

Key to My Heart Key Chains: I don't have one, but I've seen them and they are really cute! A little on the pricey side, but seem like a great gift idea (no, this is not a hint).

Random pics

2008-02-14T12:44:00.001-06:00

Galena

2008-02-14T11:52:00.000-06:00

We just returned from our first road trip with Des to Galena, Illinois. He is a great traveler (slept in the car both ways!). We stayed at a unique boutique hotel called The Irish Cottage which we LOVED and highly recommend. They also own a restaurant on Main Street called One Eleven Main that is quite yummy. We will definitely be returning to Galena again. Here are a few pictures of the traveler from our adventure....

New blog!

2008-02-14T11:45:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Desmond's blog! Here you will find pictures and posts about the life and times of our little man. Enjoy!!