The many faces of Rafi

Rafi is six weeks old today!

He's beginning to develop quite a range of sounds, coos, cries, and facial expressions. The most coveted of those expressions is, of course, the elusive smile, which comes at unexpected times and is hard to catch on film. It's a bit like whale watching -- you catch a tail end every now and again but when you develop the film, the pictures show something that is only identifiable to the person who was actually there...

Until I triumph and get the timing down, with my finger on the button at exactly the right second, these three rafilicious faces will have to suffice.

Rafael's family members

Some friends were wondering just where the other family members are on this blog. So we decided to make an appearance.

Speaking of appearances, being (ahem) in my fourth decade -- and operating on a fourth the amount of sleep I am accustomed to -- means the photo ops are not the appealing moment they once were. But here's a pic of me at the grandmas' lake house, by the pond when Rafi was just a 10 days old.

Nic's photo is from last week, and I think she looks luminous. I think motherhood agrees with us.

And let's not forget Stella! She's loving Rafi, too. Lots of licks to the head. Here she is resting quietly while Rafi does the same...

Next up (hopefully): a glimpse of Rafi's elusive smile!

Newsbreak: Rafi takes a nap!

Rafael is a very good morning sleeper (well, any time of the day really).

These photos were taken out on the porch this morning (his preferred spot for morning snoozes, usually on one of our chests). It's a pretty nice routine, really: coffee (for his parents), a few books (current favorite: "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?" given to him by his Aunt Kimmy), a gander at the garden, then sleep.

The second shot looks pretty psychedelic. I think he likes all the bright colors -- for those of you who've not seen the porch, it's colorful but not that crazy.

Rafi turns one month old!

Rafael had his one month check up today with his pediatrician, Dr. McDermott. He did not enjoy himself. This shot, which I happen to think is the most sublime photo of him to date, was taken just hours before the dreaded appointment.

The good news is that Rafi gained a pound this week! He's now weighing in at 8 lbs, 3.5 ounces. He's also shot up in height, now standing 21.5 inches tall. Watch out.

Rafi's friend Sahil comes for a visit

Rafi's friend Sahil came for a visit last weekend. Here they are in the garden in our backyard, checking out the flowers. Sahil sweetly gave Rafi a few of the cherished and rare clover flowers he picked from the yard. Sahil's mom then made him a bracelet from the bouquet which Sahil wore for a minute then promptly broke in two.

Rafi yawns

This picture was taken when Rafi was very tired. Given that he sleeps a lot, the yawns should be easy to catch. But not so. There's a myth in Hinduism that when baby Krishna yawned, his mother saw the entire universe in his mouth. All I saw was Similac on his tongue.

The Raf Star!

Let us introduce to you, the one and only Rafiloo! The amazing and divine Rafael Henry, born May 16, 2007 and ecstatically welcomed into our home three days later...