When You're Smiling

"When you're smiling, when you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you ...."

Graham smiled for the first time on Sunday. Okay, so he's smiled before, but this time it wasn't gas, and he wasn't having a dream. This was what the pediatrician told us to expect: a social smile. Even with that warning days in advance of it happening, Graham's first real smile caught us by most pleasant surprise.

I returned from the gym Sunday afternoon, greeted Graham in his swing, and received a look I hadn't seen before - serious eyes, pursed lips. I commented to Erica about what very much appeared to be an angry face  when Graham's demeanor changed entirely. And there it was, his first real smile. The whole world may not have been smiling with him, but his parents sure were.

Here's some video that Erica took right after the smile:

Graham smiled at his mommy soon thereafter, proving he's wise beyond his weeks. He now has a potent new weapon in his arsenal that's guaranteed to melt his parents' hearts any time he uses it.

Graham's smile isn't the only thing making me smile lately. I've also enjoyed...

Watching Graham sleep on his mommy. He usually falls asleep in Erica's arms after his morning feeding.

There's no denying the bond.

Seeing our 13-pound, 1-ounce baby boy in his Mr. Strong outfit. I grew up on the Mr. Men books, so buying this outfit was a no-brainer.

Love the Mr. Strong outfit.

Coaching at the YMCA. Jon and I have two more weeks left with our Pre-K basketball team, the Leprechauns. Don't be fooled by the picture below - the kids rarely sit still. 

Coaching at the Y is great fun.

Buying Graham his first Orioles hat. Opening Day is just around the corner, so I placed an order for two new Orioles hats - one for me and one for Graham. I got Erica an Orioles hat when we visited Camden Yards in September, and unlike me she doesn't need several of them.

13 straight losing seasons!

Graham sports his first Orioles hat.