Henry & Friends

Henry appears to enjoy hanging out with his peers from Lori's mom's group, even though the moms insisted on photographing the innocent kids in a von Trapp-style stairstep arrangement. Fortunately, Henry's early friends are too young to ridicule him for his position at the end of the line.

#1 Babysitter

I love this photo: Nana, high-water khaki pants, and humiliating wrist rattles that allegedly stimulate early childhood development while boosting Chinese GDP.

How many Bowmans can squeeze into a D.C. condo?

We were thrilled that Grandpa Jack and Nana Neal visited D.C. in early December. Dr. J's colleague wrote a wonderful musical about Teddy Roosevelt, and we viewed the premier at the Kennedy Center. Henry ditched the show, stayed home with Nana Neal, and received lots of tender love and care - can you blame him? Someday he'll be old enough to appreciate all that the Kennedy Center has to offer. Until then, we're encouraging everyone to fly here and babysit.

Galatasary

As you can see in the photo, Henry is a pretty huge fan of the Galatasary football team; evidentely his study abroad program in Istanbul was quite meaningful. We're encouraging his early cultural awareness, but at some point we'll explain the difference between American football and fake football.

Happy Turkey Day

Henry had a great first Thanksgiving. He wasn't much help in the kitchen but he was thrilled to meet his Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Ben. His weekend was topped off with an awesome Sooner victory! Thanks for the cute turkey bib, Aunt Juanita!

Henry is enjoying the football game from his bouncy seat.

VICTORY! Boomer Sooner!

He Smiles!

Henry has been giving us a crooked, goofy "smile" for a few weeks but I think that the real thing is finally here. What do you think?

We're Back

As many of you know, little Henry Bowman has been sick for the last few days. He came down with a severe case of thrush (look it up, it's gross) and a cold, which is tough on a little person who cannot clear his throat or blow his nose yet. It's also hard on the parents (especially Mom!) when he won't sleep without being held. But, Henry is on the mend. Now if Mom could just catch up on her sleep. She feels like she's in the middle of finals week after a series of all-nighters.


So, we have a lot of catching up to do. Henry got a visit from Pops Neal last weekend and had a great time. We explored Old Town Alexandria together and he helped Mom out while babysitting while she got out of the house. Unfortunately, it was only to get a physical but she greatly appreciated it!

It's like riding a bike. Check out the gut on that little guy!

10 lbs, 9 oz

At Henry's pediatrician appointment on Friday, he weighed in at 10 lbs, 9 oz. That is quite a change from his birth weight of 8 lbs, 2 oz. He looks like a very big boy until you see a picture like this one.

The Many Faces of Henry

Henry's Big Weekend

Henry had a big weekend - a visit from his Uncle Lane, wine club and touring around DC. It was a great one!

He's a natural!

Henry's first trip to the White House

Then, he decided he wanted to visit Australia...

and Iraq.

Our Little Pumpkin

Our little pumpkin was very excited to dig into the candy. Like his mom, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are his favorite. It must be genetic.







After stuffing himself, Henry is ready for a nap with Dad.

Say Cheese

Here is our attempt at a fall family photo. Unfortunately, Henry doesn't follow directions quite yet (will he ever?).


Take 1...not a happy baby.

Still not happy...

As good as it gets. Hopefully someday we'll get one with his eyes open.

Now That's Talent

Auntie Lindsay gave Henry a shirt that says "Future Knitter." As you can see, there is nothing "future" about it. Taking after his Nana Neal he already tackled his first project, a lovely green blanket. His parents are very proud (but not at all surprised at his extraordinary talent). We took the picture after he finished the project. He's exhausted.

Henry's Nursery

Here are a few pictures of Henry's nursery and Henry checking out his bed for the first time. As some of you know, we aren't using the bed yet because Henry is sleeping in his Pack 'n Play downstairs so that Dad can get some sleep his first week at his new job. Thanks to Linda (Nana) for the adorable pillows on the daybed!

OU/TX

Today Henry watched his first OU/TX game and contemplated the blackmail paradox. Although disappointed in the outcome of the game, he did enjoy being in charge of the remote control.

Home Sweet Home

After a stay at the Georgetown NICU, Henry got all dolled up in a new outfit and headed home to check out his new digs. They sent us home with a heart monitor to ensure that his breathing remains stable. We are thrilled! Come visit. We have plenty of hand sanitizer. :)

Change of Plans

We planned on heading home with Henry soon after he was born but instead we ended up at the Georgetown University Hospital NICU. Henry had some respiratory issues that needed close monitoring so we headed to Georgetown on Day Two where he stayed for 11 days. He received terrific care from the docs, NPs and nurses. He had several visitors including Nana and Pops Neal, Grandpa Jack and, of course, his Mom and Dad.

Introducing Henry Neal Bowman

Henry Neal Bowman was born on October 4th at 9:30 AM. He was born after 26 hours of labor, which Mom got through with the help of her three birth coaches: Jeffrey, Linda and Lindsay.

Growing Belly

Here are a few pics of Baby Boy Bowman growing...