Nate's First Mets Game

Michael and Grandpa Andy went to their first baseball game last night. Despite their best cheering efforts, the Mets lost miserably to the Twins, 6 to 2. His dad describes Michael's reactions: "Michael was a total champ in sitting through the game without getting fussy, although when he woke up toward the end of the game, his unbelieavably wide eyes, while utterly adorable, were probably an indication that he was being somewhat overstimulated by everything."

He couldn't possibly have been overstimulated by the Met's performance. His dad neglects to add that Michael wore his Boston Red Sox onesie to the game.

Flying

Nate will be six weeks old tomorrow.  He has significantly better head control and muscle strength than most babies his age.  He also has very decided likes and dislikes.  As the pictures below show, he loved flying.  Every time Vanessa tried to stop, he made clear he wasn't finished.

Big Sister

MJ, Vanessa, and Elizabeth, June 19, 1975

Vanessa and Katherine, November 8, 1978

Elizabeth, Vanessa, and Patricia, May 8, 1092

Vanessa and Patricia, May 8, 1982

Vanessa and Katherine, 1980

It has been such a joy to see my daughter Vanessa blossom as a great mother to Nate. In many ways she is as relaxed, loving, and confident as most women only experience with their second or third child. I am not surprised.  She has been a great big sister since Elizabeth was born in 1975. Thirty-two years of big sisterhood is an excellent preparation for motherhood.  As the oldest of six, I am particularly aware of that:)

Reading

Hawkins Sisters' Books

When Vanessa was born, my parents brought children's books on their first visit. I have always believed that babies need books from birth. My years as a children's librarian deepened my love of children's books. Vanessa and John have read to Nate from the beginning.

Cats

Captain Haddock meets Nate

Captain is far more interested than Nate is

Captain and Grandma Mary's Bear Watch Over Nate

Captain Haddock investigates Nate's car seat

Vanessa and John have two cats, Captain Haddock and Barnacle. For the most part, they have adjusted well to Nate. Last week, when a friend visited with her one -year-old son, they completely disappeared. Could they possibly realize Nate is going to become mobile? Captain Haddock seems to guard Nate when he is sleeping on the bed. Sometimes Barnacle joins them. The cats seem far more interested in Nate than he is in them. Captain sometimes seems to resent the loss of attention.

Experienced Traveler

On the way to Montauk

Michael and Grandma

Michael is an excellent traveler

Michael and Mommy

In his five and one half weeks of life, Michael has traveled extensively.

• When he was 10 days old, he rode out to Montauk with his mom, grandma, and grandpa to greet his daddy at the end of his 100-mile bike race.
• He attended a 6-hour wedding on West 31 St.
• He visited his mommy's office, International Peace Academy and rode the subway home at rush hour.
  
• Several times he has ridden the subway, sometimes at rush hour
• He has gone to his pediatrician in Greenwich Village three times
• He has been to Central Park, Madison Square Park.
• He attended a barbecue in Baldwin on Memorial Day
• Twice he has been to the playground outside his apartment building.
• He spent three days in Baldwin after the Montauk trip.
• He visited Grandpa Artie's home in Mineola
  
• He loves walking around the city in his baby bjorn carrier.
• He has gone to brunch at Cobble Hill in Brooklyn and walked around a little park. He also went to Dycker Heights to visit Catherine and Manny and their sons Anthony (4) and Michael (2). Yesterday he went to Mommy's and Daddy's favorite bar in Carroll Gardens.
• He has taken two round trips on the Long Island Railroad and the following subway trains: 1, C, D, E, F, 7.
• This weekend he is taking Metro North to his cousin's Patrick's graduation party in Croton-on-Hudson
• He has gone to Whole Foods, Buybuybaby, and the Gap several times.
• He has gone to the Hudson Guild for money to drop off the check for the food co-op.
• He has made frequent trips to the laundry room in his building.
  

Babies are remarkably easy to take places. By the time our third child was born, my husband and I felt we were on vacation when we were alone with the baby.

From May 14 to June 15

Nate was 8 lbs., 12 oz. and 21 3/4 inches when he was born. Five days later, at his first pediatrician's appointment, he weighed 8 lbs. June 11, at his first month's checkup, he was 12 lbs, 2 oz and 23 1/4 inches. He has almost outgrown his Motorhead shirt, which was much too big for him a month ago.

Becoming a Grandmother

My first grandchild Michael was born May 9. 2007 to my oldest daughter Anne. Anne and her husband live in New York City, only a 38-minute train ride away.

Because I am so close and because Anne has given me the incredible gift of welcoming my company, I have seen Michael almost every weekday since he was born, I have felt absolute joy getting to know him and watching my daughter and son-in-law blossom into wonderful parents.