Heading to Seattle!

After 6 hours of fuss-free flying, Em, Aaron and Zola touched down in Seattle and started up a whirlwind pre-Christmas visit. Pa Ma Ma Anna May put up our little family in her condo in Auburn (very comfortably) and we had a great time at a surprise (ish) party for Aaron's 35th birthday - great turnout from everybody from family like Mark and Cecil Pearson (thanks for the Trader Joe's gift bag, man I miss that store) and Kerry and her boys to original Ayock Crew members, Dan, Ced and Ed Honesberger. Also got to meet the littlest Obermiller, Forest - at just 7 weeks old - what a cutie.

Unfortunately, Shannon and Dan's 24 hour bug kept us from really catching up and enjoying a joint family outing to the Aquarium, but A, E & Z stuck to the agenda and really enjoyed their trip to Seattle's newly revamped, premium fishtank. Z really dug the fish! Her pounding on the glass in the underwater dome actually called a number of different denizens of the deep to her window, where she cooed and smiled - her underwater themed baby junglegym must have inspired her interest!
We then had a fish-themed meal at Anthony's Home Port down at the Des Moines Marina, where Uncle Don and Robert Viles (up from San Diego and San Louis Obispo respectively) got to meet Z for the first time while treating us all to a fantastic meal. Z was immediately fascinated by Robert!

Then it was down to Olympia to watch Laurel Viles perform in the nutcracker - she was one of the toy soldiers and did an excellent job!! After the show, Pa Ma Ma took us all out to dinner where we exchanged gifts and had a wonderful time.

The next day it was back to the airport and a long flight home. Unfortunately, this side of plane tickets didn't turn out to be quite so smooth. At this point I'd like to issue a blanket apology to any travelers seated within earshot (and by that I mean the entire plane) especially on the Seattle-Chicago leg.

All-in-all a fantastic trip, and one we'll look forward to making again.

We then had a special Christmas celebration with our own little family, with great food, a beautiful tree, and nice gifts (Dad's looking forward to picking up running again now that Mom gave him a jogging stroller!) .

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and here's to a fantastic 2008!

Love,

Aaron, Emily and Zola Grace

Giving Thanks!

Our little family went over the river, through the woods, onto a Southwest flight to Nashville, into a rental car, onto Bowling Green, then to Somerset - whew, heck of a travel day - but we ended up with Omi Ann, G'pa Jack, Nick, Barbie, Todd, Michael, Jackson, Jack & Jack.

After a few days in Somerset (and the first movie that Em and I were able to enjoy in the theater since Z joined us - thanks Ann) we headed to Elkton, KY and had a very nice visit with Mamie and Tante Nancy.

The trip was great, and Z did fantastic on the plane and in the car (not so good sleeping in KY, but oh well).

Em and Z and Ray Charles

This is What We're Thankful For

Hi Family & Friends -

As we hurriedly get our acts together to head over the river and through the woods (and onto the Southwest flight, and into the rental car and down the parkway) I wanted to show everyone exactly what we're thankful for.

Love you all,

Aaron & Emily & Zola

Happy Halloween!!

Z about to set out on her first trick or treating excursion. The castle kids crew about to descend upon the New Orleans Corps of Engineers office building - she's the dalmation on the left.


I swear, she did have a good time, though she doesn't REALLY look that way in the photos. She liked all the attention (and dad liked all the candy).

Developmental signpost!

Zoe rolled over! She's done it three times at least (though Dad was no where to be found for any of these, so he's taking Mom at her word). She also petted Ruth. She's also eating rice cereal (and occasionally oatmeal cereal when she needs a bit more fiber). Lots going on, and check out the new photos!

New photos at snapfish

Check 'em out.

So Z's doing alright. She's been a bit congested, which has made her sleeping a little more patchy. We just went to the pediatrician (thank God the office is just 5 minutes from our house) and she's starting to get an ear infection. After much haggling with the insurance co' and walgreens "of course she doesn't have an insurance card - she's 4 months old - where's she going to put it? In her diaper?" we filled her first prescription and are hanging out, enjoying a mellow Saturday.

We had a great visit from Omi (Em's mom Anne). She's been a HUGE help over these first four months, and I don't know what we would have done without her. But now Z's in daycare M-F, her fate in the hands of the Army Corps of Engineers (gulp). First the levees, then the coast, now my daughter - is there anything precious in the city of New Orleans that these camo-clad cowboys aren't directly overseeing? Thankfully, the YMCA is somehow involved in the 'castle kids' daycare, so it's not JUST the Corps. Actually, kidding aside, it's a great daycare (and hey, it's on high ground on the MS River levee).

Hope you're all well! Add a comment or give us a call!

Aaron

Oh, and here's another 'aaron & famous person' photo:
Got to meet Barack Obama - great rhetoric, and answered my questions quite well. We'll see.

"Who's this Chewbacka O'Malley?"

Z's a video star!

Happy Labor Day

We're closing in on 4 months! Zoë's sitting up, holding her head up, and is just developing in leaps and bounds. Labor day weekend was a bit crazy, with Em off to Vermont for her friend Kristen's wedding, and Omi Anne and Dad holding down the fort.

Despite an episode of constipation (the downside of Z starting in on solidish food - mmm, rice cereal), the Mom-free time went alright, though we definitely detected some distress on Z's part (most likely unrelated to her inability to move her bowels). She's happy again now that Em's back at home.

Look for some new photos - and maybe some video if I can figure out how to post it - soon.

Love you all,

Aaron

Added a new slideshow!

Hey folks - We just added a slideshow of newish photos - including some new shots from today, marking Zola making 12 weeks! Very exciting, tons of smiles, chuckles, peek-a-boo, hugging on her dolly (thanks Omie Anne!).

She's sleeping well - waking up once at 4am or so (and midnight if Mom and Dad go to bed before that). She's a blast, and so much fun!

Sorry we've been MIA here, but we'll write more soon.

Love,

Aaron

Z Survived...

Her week alone with Daddy!

There was some skepticism on the part of little Z, Mom, and Dad himself, but it was all-in-all a pretty smooth week (of course the mid week assist from Mom on Independence Day was fairly well-timed).

We read the majority of the Madeline series, Mimi's Toes (many times), Good Dog Carl, and the Very Busy Bugs (a pop-up, which occasionally freaked her out). We had 'tummy time' every day, and Z made progress in getting over her uncertainty of her 'under sea' play area. I prepared lots of bottles, and she mostly emptied all of them.

Really, it was a fantastic time, and I'm really looking forward to our time together at the end of the month as well.

Hope everybody's doing well, and feel free to add a comment or give us a call.

Best,

Aaron (Mr. Mom)

Back to Work

On Monday I return to life as a federal prosecutor. With a trial in three weeks, there will be no easing back into work. Luckily, I have Aaron and my mother to care for Z for the month of July. I expect Aaron will have her emailing her Congressman for one of his campaigns, and Mom will have her reading and doing fractions by the time the month is over, at least, that is what I am putting on their "to-do" lists.

On a serious note, by this week's end, Zola was smiling more and expressed a strong interest in her toys and us (see heart-warming picture above). Although she still hesitates at entering the Baby Einstein Play Gym (this blog does not endorse any product), she likes the hanging objects if shown to her one at a time...especially the music (i.e. noise) maker with the blinking lights...classical tunes and kid's favorites sound like they are being played by an electronic calliope. She is also working on rolling over and grabbing and holding things with both hands. She mostly coos and gurgles, but hopefully those vowel sounds will emerge shortly--no pressure Zola.

I am feeling better since last week's little medical setback. Thanks to everyone who sent their prayers and well wishes.* Aaron could not have been a better husband and dad staying at my side every step of the recovery.

Congrats to Emi Malinzak and Allison Chase on the arrivals of their baby girls and Michaun and Colin Hayes and their new son !!

Later gators--

Emily

*Unsolicited advice---when your mother tells you that you look like a refugee at death's door, go to doctor to get tests and ask husband to remove your photo from blog.

Nothing to worry about but...

Em went into the hospital yesterday for outpatient surgery. At her first appointment with her OB/GYN post partum, it was discovered that not all of the placenta had been removed from the uterus.

Daddy and Z were a bit terrified, but Emily was a trooper, and is now recovering at home. Dad stayed with the family Thursday at the hospital and today at home to take care of his girls. Things are fine after a little initial drama as we tried to figure out the right antibiotic for Emily to use - she's allergic to penicillin and is breastfeeding, which apparently makes it a challenge for the Docs. After a few trips to Walgreens it was all sorted out.

Emily is getting lots of sleep, and I'm getting lots of time with Z - All the nighttime feedings in fact!

Best,

Aaron

Z Alert!!!

This just in! This morning Zoë looked at both Emily and myself, and CLEARLY smiled and chuckled at BOTH of us! Contact has been established.

Dad's Day

I do feel like I don't quite deserve a full fledged Father's Day celebration, as I've only been at the gig for 6 weeks now. But Zola pulled out all the stops, with a brunch at my favorite restaurant, Dante's Kitchen, back in our old neighborhood. She even let me watch Meet the Press this morning! What a considerate sweetie (she's learning lots from her Mom).

Sorry we haven't updated the blog since last week, but we're kind of just settling into our routine here - not a lot of photos taken. As to milestones, this week saw Z actually enjoying her bath, and I swear she smiled back at me on Friday when I got home from work (Em's a bit skeptical, and thinks it might have been gas).

Here are some photos from today and the week:


Love you,

Aaron





Here's some photos

Howdy Aunt Barb and Jackson

Big week! In addition to another visit to the pediatrician (she's now in the 75th percentile of weight for her age), we've had a great visit this week from Em's sister Barb and her son Jackson (age 8) down from Michigan.

Jackson and the girls have visited the Aquarium & Mardi Gras World, and have generally gotten to know each other.

Jackson and Barb also hit the Zoo and the National WWII museum as well - pumping tourist dollar$ in the NOLA economy - Thanks folks - we're open for business down here!

FYI - Jackson's ratings of tourist destinations - from kung fu film to night at the opera:

1. Zoo (Gorillas rock!)
2. Aquarium (white alligators!)
3. World War II museum (every kid likes tanks!)
4. Mardi Gras world (not as much fun as the actual parades!)

Z also went to her first birthday party, celebrating Ila Walker Parkin's 1st! Ila and Zola got along famously, with Ila attempting to sit down with Z in her car seat, and Z sleeping through the cake cutting! Not sure if Z got around to thanking Ila for all the hand-me-downs, so I'll do that now - Thanks Micah, Ila & Mia!

This week also had Aaron meeting enviro guru, Bobby Kennedy Junior, that was pretty cool. We told the world not to use cypress mulch - so don't!

So, that's the news from the sweaty south. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Love,

Zola's Dad

One More First!

Zoë's little umbilical reminder dropped off this week, leaving her waterproof and able to enjoy her first bath! Well, turns out she really didn't enjoy it at all! Who knew that in three dry weeks, she'd totally give up the water-borne life.

Anyway, had to post this photo first.

Love,

Aaron

Every Day is a New Adventure

As Aaron told you, we have spent the weekends taking Zoë and the dog to Audubon Park and the French Quarter. The weather has been quite pleasant and we are trying to take complete advantage of it. Zoë is getting bigger every day--she is already wearing her 3 month-old outfits. Thanks to Amy Wheeler for sending the latest additions to Z's fashionable onesies.

Zoë is not only physically growing, but she seems more mentally alert. Although she tends to turn on the crying and fussing around dinnertime requiring Aaron and I to eat in shifts, she is more interested in studying our faces and is no longer content to simply eat and pass out. The introduction of the pacifier has, however, made determining when she wants to eat and when she just wants to suck on the pacifier a bit difficult.

Finally, in an effort to continue feeding her breastmilk when I return to work, we invested in a pump. It is presenting some challenges, but I am happy to report that Aaron was able to give Zoë her first bottle this week.*

Love to you all,
Emily

*Unsolicited advice to future mothers...before investing in the cadillac of pumps which the lactation nurses and books will recommend, buy a cheap pump to determine if you are going to be one of the fortunate ones who have no trouble pumping b/c pumps cannot be returned once the box is open.

Second Park Excursion

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Our little family has enjoyed a relaxing three-day-weekend, with a trip to Audubon, a trip to the MS River alongside the French Quarter, and some chores (the grass was cut for the first time since Zoë joined us).

Here are a couple shots from the park.

A, E, T & Z head to Audubon

How fun! Our first family outing to the park. Saturday we took advantage of the sunny, low-humidity weather and headed to Audubon Park next to Tulane University. This was our first experience with fully geared up parenting - multiple trips to the car type stuff.

The stroller worked really well (thanks again Todd and Barbie), and we found a nice, shady spot under a gazebo next to the pond. I sure hope (against hope) that this weather sticks around.

I also added a new album at snapfish. To check it out, hit the link on the left.

Baby Bottle News

A recent report from Aaron's old group, CalPIRG/EnvironmentCalifornia, is pointing out the disturbing presence of a probable toxin in plastic baby bottles. Read the report here, the news coverage here, and guaranteed safe bottles here.

Just the Girls

As Aaron mentioned, by the time we are finished with dinner and Aaron gets out the computer, Zola Grace grabs my attention. Thank goodness Aaron has been so diligent about posting. I want to publicly thank him for creating such touching postings. He is a wonderful dad and husband. And, yes, I am so emotionally charged that I cry at the Zales Diamond commercials and sappy soft rock songs.

Speaking of sappy soft rock songs, Zoë and I tend to begin our day listening to the soft rock station. She seems to really like music. We also listen to our Led Zepplin lullabye cd that Kat and Tory Theall and their new triplets gave us. Who knew Led Zepplin could be so soothing?!?

Zoë tends to spend the days in cycles of sleeping, eating, and messing her diaper, but I'm making sure that we both clean up and put on fresh outfits before noon. And she usually spends at least an hour studying my face and voice and a couple of choice toys.

Slowly, but surely, I'm getting back into housework and cooking. We were so spoiled with Grandma Anne in town. My house will never again be so clean. I'm not exaggerating!! She is a master at busting dust and grime! A big huge thank you to her!!!!

Exhausted but happy,

Emily

Baby and the Doctor

Zoë went to the pediatrician today for her 1 week check up. Looks like everything's going well so far. .. Her weight is up a bit, 8 lbs 3ozs from her birthweight of 7 lbs 14 ozs (babies tend to lose weight at first), so it seems like Em and Zoë are getting along well on the breast feeding front.

Grandma Anne and Grandpa Jack headed back to Kentucky on Mom's day - so it's just Em and Zola Grace and I all on our own for the first time, and I headed back to work today, so it's just Em and Z for most of the day. Speaking of heading back to work, here's an interesting column by Ellen Goodman about the price professional women pay for being mothers.

I'll let Em tell you about their days together soon, but of course, as soon as Em thinks about sitting down to type something, Z's hunger kicks in.

Hope everyone had a happy Mother's Day - Em celebrated her first with take out sushi (not ready to try to be parents in a restaurant just yet).

Best,

Aaron

A Major Milestone!

For the first time ever, Zoë had her diaper changed without turning instantly into a screaming banshee!!! (are there any other types of banshees?) This marks an important moment, and hopefully will be closely followed by nighttime sleeping for longer than 45 minutes at a stretch. She's also been grabbing things and putting her thumb and fingers into her mouth.

Zoë was also introduced to her Grandpa Jack for the first time - he drove in from Kentucky this morning, and was immediately smitten.

The mailman has been kept busy by the flood of thoughtful cards and gifts from her legion of admirers (thanks Alison & Gavin, Barbie, Caroline & Jason, Donna, Heather and Richard, Grandma and Grandpa Viles, and Pa Ma Ma).

As we enjoy the weekend, Em's first Mom's day, and the rest of the visit from Grandma Anne and Grandpa Jack, we keep pinching ourselves about Zoë and our new family.

Love,

Aaron

Zola et al come home!

After two nights recovering at East Jeff. Hospital, Em and Z were cleared by their docs to come home today. Not a day too soon for dad, who was about done with the pull-out, visitor's sleeper couch in the hospital room.

We packed up the flowers (thanks Grandpa Jack and Barbie & Todd), the freebie baby products, and the rest of the gear and loaded the car for Zoë's first car ride. She took to the car seat fine (better than she did to sleeping last night between midnight and 4:30pm at least), and Em and I entered the real world as parents. No more nursery or nurses at our beck and call. Gulp.

But, we still have Grandma Anne, and we pulled up to a house that was significantly cleaner than when we headed to the hospital - Grandma couldn't abide a less-than antiseptically clean space for her precious grandbaby. Thanks G'ma!

So far Zoë's sucked her thumb for the first time, gotten hickups for the first time, and sneezed for the first time in the past few hours. I could also go into some detail about milestone digestive firsts, but I'll spare you that information (though apparently it's important because we kept getting drilled by the nurses about it all). Suffice it to say, breastfeeding is going fine.

That's about it for now, but enjoy the new photos!

Aaron

Zola's First Day!

We're proud to introduce Zola Grace Viles (Zoë to her friends). She joined the world at 4:33pm CST at East Jefferson Hospital in Metairie Louisiana on Monday, May 7, 2007.

Weighing in at a relatively whopping 7 pounds, 14 ounces, she measures 20 inches long. Labor was induced at about 9:30am that day when Dr. Swing broke Em's waters, and started her on potossin to make sure her contractions started up. Em's body was pretty ready, as her potossin intake was quite low throughout the process.

That doesn't mean it wasn't uncomfortable though, and her epidural was started at about 10am - thankfully, her anaesthesiologist was a pro, and everything went smoothly. Active pushing began about 3:45 or so, and we were teased by views of Zoë's head for about 20 minutes until she went all in and joined us!

Dr. Swing, RN Lauren, and the whole team at East Jeff did a great job, and Grandma Anne and I were impressed with the whole labor. Most impressive though, was the amazing job Emily did in bearing down and making it happen.

Mom and Zola are both happy and healthy! Zoë''s been breast feeding, and Em's starting to get the hang of it.

If you want to talk to Mom, Dad or G'ma, (Z's not saying much just yet) we're staying in room 468, and the number is 504-454-4468. We'll be here until sometime tomorrow (Wednesday) feel free to give us a ring!

Love you all,

Aaron (Dad)

OH, and if you want to order photos, check out our album at snapfish, here.

Saturday must be nesting day!

Grandma Anne is in town now, giving Aaron and Emily a chance to focus on getting ready to bring Z into the world. After a leisurely morning, and Aaron and Em enjoying a walk around Audubon Park, Mom & G'Ma spent the day giving Wal-Mart and Whole Foods a bit of a work out. They must both be in super nesting mode. As Aaron finished up some painting, the ladies loaded about every concievable item into the car.

We're going in Sunday at 10pm to start the inducement process, but in the meantime, Emily and Aaron are trying everything they can think of to get Zola here under her own steam. Keep your fingers crossed.

Welcome to our blog

Thank Goodness Aaron is so computer savvy! I'm very excited for all you that are outside of the Big Easy to be able to see Zola Grace grow up.

Right now, I'm just looking forward to her birth--I don't think I can get much bigger, but you never know!

Everyone keep your fingers crossed that all goes smoothly come May 7th and our little angel enters the world safe and happy!!

T-minus twelve days

I know you look a LOT different than this right now, but this is the most recent image we have. It's hard to imagine this angelic face booting Em in the ribs so hard and so often.

I KNOW that Emily is ready to get a better look at you, and I'm pretty anxious as well.

See you soon.

Dad