Gobble gobble

We were so thankful that daddy had Thanksgiving off this year so that we could visit with our Erie family for the holiday. Max got to hang out with many of his Petruso/Mitchell aunts, uncles, and cousins over the long weekend. He got a little overwhelmed by all the people holding him, but otherwise seemed to like all the attention and activity (he especially enjoyed rolling around on the floor with his 7 month old cousin Michael!).

 Sleeping was an issue, however, as Max decided that both the swing and pack and play were unacceptable sleep locations very quickly during our visit. Nighttimes were punctuated by high octave scream-fests that were enjoyed by the whole Mitchell family. You guys sure you want us back for Christmas this year? :)

Max and cousin Michael

Thankful for mommy!

Big boy at the Thanksgiving table

The study of Max

A few weeks ago now, Tony and I took Max to the Rochester Baby Lab to participate in a study on audio/visual processing in infants. Max got to wear an awesome little helmet covered with electrodes, and he sat in my lap while watching a movie about fireworks, people's faces, and the words "diaper, baby, bottle, story" over and over again, which he absolutely loved! We felt proud that we did our duty to advance scientific knowledge, while also getting some cute pics of Max. Christmas cards, perhaps? :)

I'm doing my duty for science, Mama!

First foods

Max has entered the world of solid food eating! I was originally against starting out so early with foods for him (he seems so young!), but after hearing from several sources that their babies started sleeping better with some mashed peas or oatbran in their bellies (we're still getting up at least twice a night, usually more), we decided it was time. He did pretty well with oatmeal mixed with breastmilk once he got the hang of the whole spoon thing, which he loves to grab and try to stick completely down his throat when we look away for a second. Awesome.

Peas were a big failure. He made some terrible faces before gagging pathetically, throwing up his whole dinner (about two teaspoons of the mush), and crying like, well, a little baby. Dr. Dad vetoed peas, so we're now on to sweet potatoes for lunch today. Fun fun!

Max's Catholic Baptism

We were very blessed on Saturday, November 3rd, to be able to celebrate Max's baptism with many out of town family members and friends. He was baptism by Deacon Dave at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Brighton. He was a very good baby throughout most of the service and party afterwards, and only cried in shock once when the water hit his forehead. I'm so proud of my little holy baby!

Ack! Mama!

Smiling after the water woke him up.

With his Godparents, Mike and Sam Maslanik

Photos by Jessica LK Photography. To see the entire gallery, you can use this link  http://jessicalkphotography.smugmug.com/Other/Maxs-special-day/26388754_DrTCz8#!i=2200790723&k=6BR9K5S