Our First Playdate

There are four couples that stem from Rachel's high school friends who each had babies this fall. They were all boys, born via c-section, each on a Thursday, separated by four weeks apiece (with the exception of Elias, who was born three weeks after the one preceding him). We all think this is a little nuts, and because of this our boys are required to be friends. Two of the families live out of town, so this was our first chance for all to meet each other.

Starting from the top, Asher, Elias, Chase, and Remy.


Victor & Elias, Tanner & Chase, Alex & Asher, Zach & Remy.

The Nightly Routine

Enough said.

Christmas Eve

So we hosted Christmas Eve with the family at our house this year (but Aaron couldn't make it...) Rachel somehow managed to get out of doing everything - dinner was brought, someone else cleaned up - she should have babies more often!) It was a fun time. And, although Elias slept through most of it, his grandparents, aunt & uncle and cousins all doted on him. Allison (6) kept asking "Is he awake yet?", and Elliott (almost 2) followed Elias around the house with his arms outstretched to hold him saying "Baby..baby..."

Fan Recruiting

It's never to early to start brainwashing the kids with your favorite teams, right? Victor's siblings brought us enough NY Giants gear to dress Elias for a week straight. (Although they lost that particular Sunday.) And friends Jason and Meghan want to make sure Elias is familiar with his roots in Austin by making him a UT fan for life. Hook 'em Horns.

The Rest of Familia Paz Visits

After two weeks of getting to know little Elias, the rest of Victor's family was banging down the door to meet him too. As the first grandchild, Abuelita Olga was instantly in love with the little guy; but she had to fight off Lindsay, Beverly and Edgar to be able to hold him. We did a few Christmas activities, including going to the town tree-lighting and making tamales, a Guatemalan Christamas tradition. (Ok, Olga and Lindsay made the tamales, but we helped to eat them...Oh, and Edgar did the shopping, so he'll want credit for helping, too.)

Elias and Lindsay having a little snuggle time.





Beverly and Elias helping to select a Christmas tree.


Family dinner with the Ferschke grandparents.

Life at Home

So, as you can see, they let us take Elias home from the hospital, and we've been winging it ever since. There's been lots of sleeping, eating and pooping (for Elias, not so much for us). We've also had visitors on a regular basis, which hasn't been enough to inspire Rachel to get out of her pajamas...


Rachel & Elias with friends Abbie & Asher.


Grandpa Ray trying to amuse the sleeping baby.


Getting a pep talk from Dad pre-sponge bath.


A little unsure of this business.


"Um, these mittens have frilly edges on them..."

Catching Up

Our first meeting with Elias


Hanging out with Mama


Proud Papa


"My outfit is salmon, not pink - ok?"