IAN TAKES A VACATION!
Ian is visiting his friends in Boston this weekend, so there will be no regular posting this Saturday. Instead, there will be a 'special edition' blog posting on Wednesday (Sept.6) with several photos of Ian and all his Boston buddies!

I'm A Yankee-Doodle-Baby!!
Ian has finally got his US passport and is all set for his trip to Europe in October. In today's photo we see Ian sporting his 'stars' hat and USA-Baby bib as he celebrates his official status. Of course, he is a global baby already what with both English and Irish parents. I guess we'll let him choose which country he'll play soccer for when he's older!

Julie Comes to Visit!
One of Ian's first visitors to the NICU was Julie, Barbara's friend from San Diego. Julie finally got to hold Ian when she came to visit again, and did so amid the splendid back drop of Mount Baldy in Sun Valley after a beautiful weekend away. Ian is getting very vocal now, with a variety of noises ranging from 'Ooohs and aahhhs' to high pitched screams that test ones nervous system. His personality continues to evolve each and every day and occasionally now his demands do too!

More Visitors For Ian!
This week we enjoyed hosting our wonderful friends from Hong Kong, Fiona and Colin. Ian was a good boy all week, except for their first day when he spent much of that day switching between crying and laughing almost instantaneously! I guess this proves that babies can't always be good and quiet all the time. We were blessed for the remainder of the week though, as Ian quickly regained his usual self and was smiles and giggles all week long. Fiona and Colin will become parents themselves later this year, so hanging out with Ian was a great piece of prep for them both. And of course, we were sad to see them leave but so glad to have enjoyed such a terrific week. Good luck guys, and thanks for swinging by.

Picnics and Teething?
This week Ian attended his first NICU Graduate Picnic. Every year the NICU invites all babies who spent time in the unit to a picnic. Ian was reunited with his first NICU roommate, Brenner while Mom and Dad enjoyed a hamburger (or two!). Ian has also been drooling a lot this last week and has now gone beyond putting just a few fngers in his mouth. He has begun jamming his entire fist into his mouth! We think the early stages of teething might now be here, so we gave him his very special teething ring (a solid silver Tiffany one, no less!). He loves it, especially when it comes straight from the fridge - the cool metal on his gums seems to be very satisfying!