The Little German is Growing!

Will is almost almost 10 Weeks Old!

The little boy is growing and changing very quickly.  We've learned a lot and sleep a lot less.  Here are some of what Will has taught us through his communication skills (smiles, cries, and those blue eyes):

1. When I cry about 2 hours after eating...please swaddle me and hold me until I fall asleep for my nap.

2.  When I look straight ahead and my face turns a bit red (and I haven't filled my diaper in 24 hours) I'm filling my diaper and you should wait about 10 minutes because it takes me some time and I'd hate to get you dirty too.

3.  When its time for me to go to bed please turn on my music (thanks Catherine & Jamie) and read me a book or two.

4.  If I start to yell and I'm dry and fed, let me look out a window at the trees. If you want we can also go for a walk.

5.  Sometimes  I like to suck on my Nuk while you wait for a burp and it helps. But when I spit my Nuk out...I really don't want it so stop trying.

6.  The cobblestone roads with all the bumps...I love those in the stroller and the car.

7.  I'm full of smiles from about 6:00am-6:30am. I will go back to sleep but want to see the sun come up.

8.  My tummy has an alarm clock in it and I know when I'm supposed to eat.  Don't test my limits please.

9.  I like to keep my hands by my face so keep my finger nails short please.

10.  I make a lot of noises but I can sleep right through them.

Will's Favorite Things at 9 Weeks

What's on his iTunes: Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog

Super Trooper by A-Teens

What he DVRs:  Monk (to watch with Dad)

What's in his library: "Guess How Much I Love You"

"Good Night Moon"

"Green Eggs and Ham"

What fills his Tummy: 5 oz. 5x a day

What's on the floor: Boppy Pillow

What's in his mouth:  Butterfly or fingers

What he will look at:  Itsy Bitsy Spider

What he's wearing:  0-3 Months

Countries Visited: Germany, Belgium, France

The Olympics, Politics, and the USA!

When you are in another country, you get excited to talk about your home. The little things are exciting, like seeing an American flag, hearing people passing speak with a US accent or someone recognizing Chad's Brewers hat at the local ice cream shop. It is the same excitement I used to experience when I first moved to Milwaukee and saw Iowa license plates on the road.  Crazy!

It's also interesting to talk to Germans and hear their perspectives on the US about things like the Olympics or Politics.  When I was in the hospital with Will and people saw me watching CNN, they would ask what I thought of Obama.  Those that know me would now be impressed because I know more about these presidential candidates than I have any others and I live in a different country.  I am impressed with how much the Germans follow the US, know about our presidential candidates, and come hear them speak even.  It just shows how much influence the US has over the rest of the world.  I'm also thinking about which candidate will represent the US better on the national stage.

I also was impressed that I have been asked about Michael Phelps and the US gymnasts.   Who knew that Germans not only follow their athletes but are amazed with the US athletes as well.  I also have this sense of pride that Michael Phelps is an American (I'm not related to him or anything and I will probably never meet him even, so it's kind of crazy).  I guess the point is that I am learning more about country pride than before. It's kind of like being proud of your state but on a bigger scale...GO HAWKS!