Chicago bound

Much of this week was spent preparing for next week.

On Monday, we leave for the much-anticipated trip to Chicago. Austin will get to meet countless friends and relatives on Michael's side over a six-day vacation. All I can think about is the logistics -- taking Austin on a plane, getting him to sleep in a strange place, adjusting to the time change. Still, I'm sure we'll have fun once we get there.

Today, Austin hung out with me while I packed his stuff. He could fit in the suitcase, as you can see, but we'll let him come on board with us.

While I packed, Austin did his favorite activity -- roll around on the floor. Ever since he figured out how to tuck his arm underneath himself, he hardly stays put. I lay out blankets for him, but he rarely stays on them for long. Today, he wrapped himself up in the blanket.

I've been preparing for the trip while Michael is out of town. Michael had to leave Austin for the first time to go to the first USC football game in Virginia. He returns tomorrow before we head out the next day.

Aunt Susan came over to keep us company today.

Next week, we expect to have lots of news and pictures from the Chicago trip.

Social Austin

Austin may hold his parents back from having much of a social life. But he's already getting one of his own.

In one week, he went to a pool party with kids from our "Mommy Matters" class and Sedona's second birthday party.

Austin loved sitting in the blow-up pool in Kristin's front yard. His little buddies, Allistair and Bobby, are a few months older, so they were splashing about. But Austin was pretty content just to pick up floating toys and sit on the Bumbo seat.

Later that night, Courtney came to visit, so I made sure Austin was wearing his "Keep Austin Weird" onesie that she bought. "Keep Austin Weird" is a slogan/campaign to keep local (aka weird) businesses alive in the city of Austin. Michael and I had "Keep Austin Weird" T-shirts long before Austin was conceived, physically or even conceptually.

At Sedona's birthday, Austin didn't have too much interaction with Sedona and Maven. Sedona was running around, quite busy playing with her 2-year-old friends and chowing down on her first piece of cake. Maven was either eating or sleeping every time I saw her. But the Ding grandparents got to meet and hold Austin.

Austin also rode on his first park toy horsey.

Austin's four-month birthday

Just average.

That's what Austin's height and weight are at four months old. We had his check-up yesterday. At 14 pounds, 11 ounces, and 25 inches long, Austin is right at the 50th percentile. He's healthy, so we're happy.

During his four months, Austin's grandparents have already visited four times. The last trip was over the weekend. Grandma and Grandpa timed the vacation to coincide with that of Great Grandpa Tully. We wanted to make sure to get a four-generation photo:

Despite hundreds of photos of Austin, the grandparents realized there were none with just grandparents and grandson. So, we took those, too.

All weekend, Grandma Judy hardly took her hands off of the baby, as usual.

Sometimes, Grandma would let Grandpa hold the baby. Here he is reading a book about tools that I got at the library.

We all went to watch Michael play softball at Hart Park, where we were joined by the Ding clan. Austin and Maven are finally at the age where they are acknowledging each other. (By the way, Austin's head size is small -- 25th percentile.)

They are even grabbing at each other. They tried to hold hands. For more photos, go to the Ding blog.

Next weekend, they'll reunite for Sedona's birthday party.

-Sarah

Tully time

The California Tully family members rarely all get together despite living close by.

But the arrival of Austin's Great Grandpa Tully and his girlfriend, Helen, brought 12 of us all together Sunday for a feast at Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

It was the first time for many to meet Austin. That includes 87-year-old Great Grandpa, who got to meet his first and only great grandson. (He has four great granddaughters.)

Austin literally was passed around the table to greet everyone, including Cousin-in-law Heather and the twins.

And Cousin Stephanie, along with Aunt Pat.

But then it got to be too much. The little guy was a bit overwhelmed and he let us know that he needed a break. Luckily, Austin got his act together so he could enjoy some interaction with cousin twins, Kylie and Katelyn. The 5-year-old twins were fascinated by Austin's every move. They patted his head and let Austin grip their fingers, even with his slobbery hands.

By the end of the night, Austin was very happy. So happy, in fact, that we caught him on video laughing, a new skill. Michael tapped his nose with a stuffed animal from Aunt Linda transported by Great Grandpa. (The video is around 30 seconds)

Speaking of skills, Austin looks like he's going to be an early crawler. Last week, I propped him up on the Boppy pillow for tummy time. And he climbed over. Here are some shots of his journey.

For more recent photos, go to "Austin photos: August 2008" under Photo links to the right.

ARRRR-stin

We have a new nickname for Austin's two maternal aunts: Punditas.

As in, master of puns.

Aunt Laura dreamed up a bunch while she was here last month. And Aunt Karen invented even more with the "Austin" theme, such as exh-austin when he was tired. The ARRRR-stin name is tied to the adorable pirate hat that she bought him. Karen believes that aunties are meant to spoil nieces/nephews with cute but impractical gifts, like this one. We used the hat as an excuse to play dress-up with Austin, putting on his pirate shoes from Cousin Lindsey and pirate outfit from Grandma's cousin, Kathy. Too cute!

During Karen's weekend visit, we took Austin to a vegetarian restaurant in Hermosa Beach, out for potato tacos in Long Beach and had breakfast with great aunts, Susan and Pat. We also brought Austin out to the pool, which he loved. Karen, a former swimming instructor, swirled him around and told him to kick.

The whole trip was all fun until Karen had to say, "Austin la vista."

Austin met some other new people last week, as well. Great Aunt Diane, Great Uncle Dale and Cousin Alexis came to visit during their trip to California.

My friend, Debbie, drove down from L.A. to meet Austin, too.

Aside from the visitors, Austin enjoyed our mommy class where we took a Disney-themed picture set up by the instructor.

-Sarah