Baby Watch 2008

The Latest Pics

All you parents will completely understand the joy in which I say this--Quentin started sleeping through the night 2 weeks ago!  That’s right, like a miracle, he went from getting up twice during the night to sleeping from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.  It is life changing and his two daddies are very thankful!  Yes, it is selfish but we are sure that Quentin enjoys his full night of sleep almost as much as his daddies do!

We also have to say what a joy our little guy is.  He is so good-natured.  He loves people and loves to roll with his daddies.  He is a big talker now, although we can’t quite make out what he is saying.  He is so alert and so wonderful!  He is also quite the big boy and seems to grow more everyday. 

So, here are some of the latest and greatest pics!

1.  Our good friend Olivier came over for a few weeks from France.  Olivier is a professional photographer and took the pictures at our ceremony plus some shots of Q and Allen. 

2.  This is my favorite!  Can we say beautiful smiles!

3.  Bath time or Superhero? 

4.  Cousin Makonnen has some swing time with Q.  We are very excited that he is moving to LA in a few weeks!  Quentin needs a new babysitter so his daddies can go to a movie!

5.  Aunt Connie gets some Q time!  We think she really liked it!

6.  Our friends Lynlee and Pax stopped by for a visit all the way from Wichita Kansas!  Little Pax did a great job reading to Q.  We think he is smitten! 

7.  Cousin Trina came by today for brunch and a visit with her favorite boyfriend, Mr. Quentin!  We are so lucky that she’s had so many business trips to LA this year!  We want her to move here!!!

8.  Our friends Lee and Paul came by today for a visit with Little Q.  Lee made the most amazing Afghan for Quentin.  It was so nice to have them visit!

Posted by Stuart on 06/01 at 07:56 PM

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Celebration of Love and Family

For those of you who check in regularly, I apologize that I have not updated the blog in a while.  It has been a very busy month for us and promises not to let up anytime soon!  We wanted to share some photos from our weekend commitment ceremony in Palm Springs.  Can you say magical?  We, that’s exactly what it was.

We had friends and family from around the country come for what was an appropriately named event:  A Celebration of Love and Family.  Our goal was to have everyone come together and enjoy themselves in fellowship.  During a full weekend of activities, we did have a commitment ceremony where we asked our families and loved ones to support our new family--Allen, Stuart, and Quentin. 

Of course, the real star of the show was little Quentin.  He is such an amazing little guy and really enjoyed meeting all those family members and friends who he hadn’t met already. 

Finally, it was just a big ole party!  Special thanks to Gary for opening his home for the Friday night event and hosting the Sunday brunch and for being the best wedding planner we ever could have asked for.  He is the best adopted brother anyone could ever ask for!!!

So, here’s some pics:

1.  Quentin gets introduced, blessed, and welcomed into a community of love and support!

2.  Allen’s Dad, Warren, offers a touching tribute to Allen during the ceremony.

3.  Allen surprised me with a new ring from Cartier!  I couldn’t believe it! 

4.  I take a spin on the dance floor with my adopted mom, Irma. 

5.  Allen cuts the rug with his beautiful mom, Dulcenia.

6.  The dance floor was hot!

Posted by Stuart on 05/12 at 07:01 PM

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Two Months Old

Our little man turned two months old this week.  It is hard to believe!  As everyone says, it happens so fast.

He is doing great.  We went to the doctor and he measured 25 inches long and 14.5 pounds!  In the 98th percentile!  He loves to eat just like his daddies do!  He also had his shots at this appointment which was not so fun!  But, he was a trooper and made it through with just a few tears.

He had several visitors this week.  Check out the pics!

1.  Our friends Andrew, John, and Danya were visiting Los Angeles this week from Boston.  Danya was so wonderful with Quentin and even helped give him a bath!

2.  Our friend Mark stopped by on Saturday and showed some love!

3.  We went over and visited with our friend Judy’s parents on Sunday.  Here’s a shot of Mr. and Mrs. Hecht with little Q.  He stopped crying right after the shot!

4.  Here’s a happier shot with Mrs. Hecht.  We think that Mrs. Hecht may have a crush on little Q!!!  But, who couldn’t!

We missed a shot on Saturday with Q’s cousin Heidi and her fiance Jason.  We forgot the camera but they loved being with him and he loved them too!

This is a busy week as we prepare for our weekend celebration of love with family and friends.  Next week, there will be lots of pictures!

xoxoxo
Stuart

Posted by Stuart on 04/27 at 06:59 PM

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Quentin’s First Swim

This was another great week for Quentin.  He is getting so big.  I had to go to NY for work this week and I left a little baby and came back to a little boy.  He is so strong.  Almost holds his head up all the time by himself and can kick and almost stand.  He is an amazing little guy!

While I was gone, Daddy Allen took him to Uncle Gary’s and Grandma Irma’s for dinner.  Cousin Joy, Cousin Paul, and Cousin Lauren were there too!  He loves them all! 

Then, we went to Palm Springs for the weekend.  We have purchased a second home there that needs a lot of work so we stayed at Uncle Gary’s and had the best time.  We had a wonderful meal at our favorite Mexican restaurant and then the rest of the weekend Uncle Gary fixed us the most amazing food.  And, Grandma Irma held and fed Quentin.  We think she’s quite smitten!!!  Uncle Gary went on a walk with us and we think he is quite smitten too!

Here are the pics:

1.  Q takes his first swim with his Daddies in Uncle Gary’s pool. 

2.  Q lives it up with Cousin Lauren and Daddy.

3.  Can you believe those eyes?

Until next week!!!

Love,
Stuart

Posted by Stuart on 04/21 at 06:39 PM

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Sleep Training

This week, Daddy Allen, went to a conference in Orlando so I decided that it would be the perfect time for me to do the sleep training that our doctor has been recommending for a while now.  To say that we have been “softies” is an understatement.  I think we just loved holding him so much that we didn’t want to actually have him not be with us.  But, since the big softie, Allen, was gone, I saw my chance. 

Well, the first few nights of putting him in his own bed at 7:30 p.m. were not fun.  I even had to cancel a business meeting because he kept me up all night.  But, miracle of miracles, by the fourth night, he went right to sleep.  And, now, he is doing just great.  We put him in his bed, he goes to sleep, wakes up a little for his feedings, but then goes right back.  Who knew that crazy doctor actually knew what she was talking about!  I think that even Allen was shocked that it worked.  And, I know he was happy that he didn’t have to participate in the training!

Other than that, it was another great week with our little guy.  He is such a joy to be around.  I had to leave him today to go to NY for work but will see him again on Thursday.  I’m sure he will have gained more weight by then.  This boy loves to eat!  Just like his Daddies! 

He had lots of visitors yesterday.  Our friend and travel agent for GG, Harlan Godes, stopped by and is pictured holding Q.  Our friend Julia brought her daughters (my God daughters) over and then Schuyler and Richard brought their daughter Someryn over.  You have seen pictures of all of them already so this week, you just get Mr. Harlan.

We are in Palm Springs this weekend getting ready for the big weekend.  Can’t wait to see all of you who are coming!

xoxoxo
Stuart

Posted by Stuart on 04/14 at 08:51 AM

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Six Weeks Old

This was a big week for Quentin as he turned Six Weeks Old.  He is growing and changing everyday.  It’s hard to imagine life before him.  He is such a good boy.  Only cries when he is hungry or needs changing.  He does love being around people.

Check out his cute pictures!

1.  Is that not the cutest smile you have ever seen.  He is so adorable!

2.  Here he is with our friends Steve and Lindsey.  They just got married and we are thinking they may need one of these!

3.  My business partner Will was in from Santa Fe and stopped by to meet the little guy and give him a bottle.

Nothing else too exciting to report.  Allen is out of town this week so I am doing Daddy duty by myself.  Should be fun!

xoxox
S

Posted by Stuart on 04/06 at 05:38 PM

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A Lazy Weekend at Home with Friends

Well, this was another wonderful week with our little man.  Allen left us alone for the first time this week when he went to a conference in San Francisco.  So, I was doing all the night feedings by myself.  One night, he stayed up from 2 a.m. - 5 a.m.  Daddy was a little tired that day! 

Quentin also had a few visitors this week.  His Aunt Holly and Uncle Jeff came down from Union City to visit on Monday for a few days.  Quentin loved meeting them and can’t wait to have more time with them very soon!  We think that Aunt Holly might have been just a bit smitten!  On Tuesday night, our good friend Michael came by.  And, then Quentin got to visit with his oldest friend this weekend, our wonderful surrogate Lorisha.  Lorisha came up on Sunday with her family (Girlfriend Kiba and Son Julian).  We fixed them a home-cooked breakfast and had fun catching up.  We were so happy to see them again and Quentin was too! 

Here this weeks pictures:

1.  Michael may look a bit uncomfortable but he told me after holding Quentin that he has decided to have at least 10 children of his own.  You go Michael! 

2.  What a looker this little man is becoming.  His Daddy Allen got this great shot.

3.  Aunt Holly and Uncle Jeff share some love!

4.  The beautiful Lorisha shares a pose with Quentin.

5.  Lorisha, Kiba, Julian, and Quentin hang out after breakfast.

Well, that’s it for now.  Take care everyone!

Love,

Stuart

Posted by Stuart on 03/30 at 05:50 PM

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He’s Growing Everyday

This week Daddy Stuart had to go to NY for work and was gone for 5 days.  Quentin had grown so much it was just crazy.  We go back to the doctor tomorrow and are all taking bets on how much weight he has gained.  This little boy loves to eat!  Here are some closeups from this weekend to show you how much he has grown!

1.  The Angel 1

2.  The Angel 2

3.  Bathtime

Posted by Stuart on 03/23 at 08:52 PM

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Quentin’s First Birthday and Easter

Quentin had a busy week this week.  He celebrated his first “one month” birthday at Uncle Gary’s house complete with hats and a cake.  Then, he celebrated his first Easter complete with a real Easter Egg hunt with cousin Lauren. 

Also, we found out yesterday that Quentin’s Great Grandmother Howell died.  It was expected but still made his daddy Stuart sad.  I spent this morning telling him all about his Great Grandmother.  She was a truly wonderful and loving woman.

Here are some of our favorite pictures from this week.  We hope you enjoy!

1.  Cousin Lauren and Quentin at his one-month birthday celebration! 

2.  Daddy helps Quentin with his first birthday “cake”.  Did Daddy eat it?  Only Quentin knows for sure!

3.  Our friend Kenny stopped by and did a feeding.  We always love that!

4.  Our friend Aundre held Quentin!  Did he burp?

5.  Our friend Kate holds Quentin on Easter morning during brunch at Uncle Gary’s!  Uncle Gary and Cousin Joy made an amazing brunch!!!

6.  The “Boys” pose for their Easter photo.

7.  Grandma Irma feeds Quentin his Easter Brunch!

8.  Quentin and Cousin Lauren have an Easter Egg Hunt! 

And, we apologize but we have missed a few photos that we forgot to take.  Our friend Carolyn from New York, our friends Odd and Berge from Oslo, and our friend Michael from Los Angeles.  They have all been to visit and hold Quentin but we were bad daddies and forgot the camera.  Can we blame it on sleep deprivation? 

We hope that you all had a very Happy Easter and were with ones that you love, just like we were!

Love,

Stuart, Allen, and Quentin

Posted by Stuart on 03/23 at 08:19 PM

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Aunt Teri and Cousin Trina Come to Visit

This was an exciting week for Quentin.  His Aunt Teri and Cousin Trina came to visit for an entire week.  And, Quentin loved all of the attention he got from them.  They bathed him, fed him, walked him, and kissed him to death!  He loved it and so did we.  And, they even cooked for the two Daddies!  That was a special treat. 

Here are some of our favorite pictures from the trip:

1.  This family shot says it all.  Nothing but love going on in this house!

2.  Aunt Teri, who is also the Godmother, poses with little Q.

3.  Quentin has breakfast in bed!

4.  Trina and Quentin pose for the camera!

5.  A closeup with Aunt Teri.

Next week is Easter and we’ll try to get some good shots for you all!

Love,
Stuart, Allen, and Quentin

Posted by Stuart on 03/16 at 07:41 PM

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Grandma and Granddaddy Bell’s First Visit

This week was another week of firsts for little Quentin.  He had his first visit from his Grandma and Granddaddy Bell, his first real bath, his first adult dinner party, and his first walk with his dads in his Baby Bjorn.

His grandparents on the Bell side, Warren and Dulcenia, arrived on Monday and stayed until Friday.  They were a huge help to us and kept their first grandchild busy.  I think that it is safe to say that Quentin might be very spoiled if they have their way--which we are just fine with.  We can’t wait until Quentin can go and spend time with them in Virginia.  We were joking that he could help his granddaddy mow the yard and could go shopping and to water aerobics with his Grandma at the Y. 

We got an e-mail from the proud grandparents today after their return home:

Dear Allen and Stuart

It was pure joy when we saw Quentin for the first time.  He is a very sweet baby.  We are so thrilled and happy that he is a part of our lives.  He is truly a blessing to our family.  We wish him good health, happiness, and love all of his life.

God’s Blessings to you and baby Quentin
The proud grandparents

We think Quentin is very blessed to have such wonderful grandparents in his life! 

Quentin attended his first adult dinner party at our house this week.  My adopted California family (Gary, Irma, Joy, Paul, and Lauren) came over to celebrate with Allen’s parents.  Gary made the most amazing dinner and we all ate too much, talked too much, and enjoyed little Quentin way too much.  Joy fed Quentin and we now are not sure who loves Q more--cousin Joy or her daughter, cousin Lauren.  At the dinner party, Uncle Gary gave Quentin the most amazing custom designed hand-made quilt.  It has a “bear” theme and Quentin loves it.

Quentin also had his first real bath this week.  You can see that he actually likes the water which is wonderful!  We also had a pediatrician visit this week (his 2-week check up) and he is perfect.  In fact, the pediatrician said he is one of the most perfect babies she has ever seen---do you think she says that to every parent??? 

Finally, we went for a walk today using his “Bjorn” baby carrier.  I felt like quite the sporty dad in this contraption.  It actually makes walking with him very easy and Quentin slept the entire time.  We were hoping he would stay awake but no such luck! 

Well, that’s it for now.  Allen’s sister and cousin arrive this week.  Lots of visitors and Quentin loves all of them!

Posted by Stuart on 03/07 at 07:26 PM

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Weekend Number 2!

This is our second weekend with our Little Quentin and all I can say is that he is such a good boy.  Beyond the typical eating, sleeping, pooping--he actually seems to be a very old soul.  He wants to be around us all the time, even when he is sleeping.  It seems to give him comfort that we are close by.  That, of course, gives me comfort too!  I am trying to relish every moment of this time as I know all too well that it won’t be too many years before he has the “Keep Out” sign on his door--literally or figuratively.

But, for now he loves his daddies and wants to be around us as much as we want to be around him.  He also made some new friends this weekend.

1.  Sioux, a friend and former colleague, dropped by to see little Q.  She brought some beautiful flowers that Quentin just loves!!!

2.  David, one of our closest friends, also came by to see this little miracle.  David has two sons and 3 grandchildren so he knew what he was doing when it came to holding Quentin.  He also brought the cutest little outfits with hats for Quentin.  Thankfully, he brought bigger sizes too! 

3.  Our friends Monica and Erica came by and got to feed Quentin.  This is indeed a treat as it is Quentin’s favorite thing to do.  They plan on having their own baby soon so want to get in practice with our little one. 

4.  And, of course, the wonderful Jeannette, Quentin’s nanny.  This was taken with the “I love my Dads” shirt that Sue sent us. 

Tomorrow, Quentin’s Grandma Dulcenia and Grandpa Warren arrive from Richmond for their first visit with their first Grandson.  Can we say “spoiled”!!! 

Until next time…

Posted by Stuart on 03/02 at 12:21 PM

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The Bris

Okay, so for those of you confused by the title, we are not suddenly Jewish.  While a Bris is technically a Jewish circumcision and ceremony, the person who conducts the Bris, called a Mohel, is perhaps the most qualified person to do any circumcision out there.  Our doctor recommended that we consider using a Mohel to do little Q’s circumcision and we immediately asked our fabulous friend Judy who we should contact.  She of course had the best person (aka the Mohel to the Stars) and contacted him on our behalf. 

So, on Wednesday we had the official Bris for our son.  The Mohel, Rabbi Daniel Waknine, was truly amazing.  He made what could have been a dour situation something joyful that I will remember the rest of my life.  I’m not sure that Allen was quite as enthused in the beginning as I was but he came around.  I actually got to hold Quentin and surround him with love while the circumcision took place.  The actual procedure was quick and was preceded by some beautiful words by Rabbi Wak (as he is known).  He pointed out that the Jewish people do this in a home instead of a hospital in order to make the procedure loving and warm.  He also pointed out that they celebrate that each child is unique and a gift from God.

Our dear friends Judy and Gilbert were present with their 2 year-old sons Daniel and David and Judy’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Hecht.  And, of course, Uncle Gary was there to steady Daddy Stuart and provide comfort to little Quentin. 

So, now it is all over and I am so happy that we did this at home instead of in the hospital where we couldn’t be there with Quentin.  He has been a trooper through it all!

Here are the pics you are looking at:

1.  The wonderful Rabbi Daniel Waknine

2.  Our friends Judy and Gilbert holding Quentin

3.  Rabbi Wak, Daddy, Gary, and Quentin during the ceremony

4.  Judy’s wonderful parents the Hechts who were visiting from Denver and hopefully moving here soon

5.  Allen sharing a fun moment with Daniel

6.  Daniel and David giving us a concert at the piano

Posted by Stuart on 02/29 at 07:41 PM

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Goodbye, Hello, and Sun

Monday was a day of firsts.  Some happy, some sad.

We all had to say goodbye to my sister-in-law, Barbara.  For some reason, she decided that her own family was more important than ours.  She said something about her 7-year-old son being “mom sick”.  Please, give me a break.  He’s had her for 7 years and Quentin only gets her for 4 days.  Something is terribly wrong with this picture.  But, we know she’ll be back.  Quentin has that effect on people! 

Seriously, it was so wonderful to have her with us for our first few days home.  We learned a lot and had fun!

Then, Allen decided it was time for Quentin’s first lesson in sun tanning! The doctor said it was the best way to avoid jaundice.  And, I’m sure Daddy got a little sun as well!

Finally, our neighbor Reza stopped by and got a little Q time!  He also brought Quentin the cutest t-shirts that are ultra hip.  We’ll have to take some pictures and put them up.

Another day, another 12 diapers! 

Posted by Stuart on 02/25 at 08:57 PM

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Quentin’s First Weekend

This weekend saw lots of friends and family coming to see the new master of the house!  We have been so blessed to have so many people bringing food and making sure that we have everything that we need.  Here’s a list and some pictures of who came to see and hold our beautiful little man. 

1.  Our dear friends Schuyler and Richard brought their daughter Someryn and some wonderful Chinese food.  Of course, Quentin couldn’t have any of that, but he did love the company.  We don’t think Someryn was that impressed with Quentin but maybe that will change in the future! 

2.  One of my closest friends since high school, Scott, drove up from Palm Springs to see our little guy. 

3.  My business partner, Kim, and her partner Natalie stopped by while the kids were at Sunday school to say hello and hold our little bundle.  They brought their new dog too!  What a cutie.

4.  My God daughters Dani and Emma came with one of my oldest friends, Julia, to feed and hold the baby.  They are quite the little baby sitters!  Quentin had better watch out!

5.  On Sunday night, my niece and nephew-in-law, Joy and Paul, and their daughter Lauren brought us dinner and had some fun with Quentin.  Lauren couldn’t stop saying how much her new cousin liked her!  It was so cute. 

Well, that’s the update for the weekend.  We are managing pretty well--especially since Barbara has had the baby in her room for the last two nights!

Posted by Stuart on 02/24 at 08:41 PM

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