Merry Christmas, each and every one!

Like most families, Christmas was a busy one for Team Hynes.  We joined my Mom's side of the family for Christmas Eve in Webster, MN, where we were graciously hosted by the Balfany's.  Without a doubt, one of the highlights was a laugh-until-you-cry rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas."  Check out the video:

On Christmas day, we had some down time at our house listening to a great Irish music Pandora station.  Desmond was getting his groove on, as you can see in the video below, which also happens to feature one of my favorite features of his, his football shaped belly that's much wider than his tiny little baby waist....

Smiles!

Up until a couple of days ago, Desmond only smiled in his dreams. It made me think, "What does this boy dream about? Rides in the car, being bounced by Papa, working out a giant burp?" Who knows! I'm no mind reader and was left to wonder. Then, while getting ready to celebrate Christmas, I decided to snap a few pictures of my handsome boy. Lo! Des, wide awake, snuck in a smile and I captured it! His smile is big and beautiful and I hope to see many, many, MANY more of them.

  

One Month Birthday!

Happy one month!  We'll be posting a picture of Desmond every month on (or in this case, around) his month anniversaries, then we'll post a collage at the end of the year with all 12 pictures lined up, like pretty maids, all in a row (that's a quote from Tommy Boy.)

Comings and goings in the Hynes household

Happy holidays to everyone!  Here's hoping everyone is enjoying a healthy and relaxing holiday season.  We received a holiday card from one of our friends that said, "the days drag on, but the years fly by" and that definitely seems to be the case with our little guy (except we need to substitute "weeks" for "years").  It's an amazing experience so far and we've just gotten started!

Here are some pictures from recent days at the Hynes household:

Jess's BFF, Lydia and her husband Peter were in town for the holidays, so they stopped by to meet Desmond.  He was a gracious host, calm while being held and then also sharing some fussy time with them, just to prove that he's a well-rounded character.

Grandpa Hynes stopped in to visit on his brief stop back in Minnesota from his winter getaway in Arizona.  Desmond was happy to spend time with him and Grandpa was very patient with his grandson, feeding him a bottle and holding him for quite a while!

We're not sure whether Desmond doesn't like football or just can't stand to watch the Vikings (like his Dad this year), so he decided to catch a nap during the game versus the Redskins on Christmas Eve.  Thankfully, Grandma Hynes got him a nice hat so he could show some football spirit!

Jammin with Jasper

Last week, Christa invited Des and me over for lunch with her and her son, Jasper (affectionately known to Matt as Dr. J). Christa and Jasper had made some delicious hummus - heavy on the garlic - just the way I like it, and some of the most delectable mac and cheese on earth. Afterward, Jasper donned his super hero cape and performed the impressive feat of holding his new friend, Desmond. My Hero!

Speaking of visits last week, Des and I also saw the McRitchies and Knolls (Em's parents) in St Paul. It was a treat to catch up with them all, especially Gerlinde and David who were in town from Holland, MI. The visit was particularly fruitful for Des. He was introduced to Henry's and David's hilarious version of Row Row Row Your Boat and given a beautiful quilt lovingly handmade by Emily and Gerlinde. Here's Des reclining on it. Thank you, friends!

Visit with Santa

Desmond made a trip to the North Pole today (a.k.a. Southdale Mall) to spend some time with Santa Claus and whisper his wish list to the big guy.  Hopefully Santa can read minds because Desmond never woke up during the visit, probably because he was awake most of last night.  Good for Santa, not so good for mom and dad!

Where's Desmond?

Grandma Hynes stopped over for a visit today and spent some QT with her grandson by the Christmas Tree!

Desmond has also shown a propensity toward camouflage.  See if you can spot him hiding in his "Boppy" in the picture below.  I'll admit, it took me a while to find him too...

The Hynes brothers from another mother(s)

Desmond and Caffrey have been getting along well, with Caffrey displaying the patience for his new "brother" that we really hoped he would.

Caffrey was laying on our bed today when Jess decided to test his patience by laying Desmond in his dog-lap.  Check out the pictures (and video!) to see how well it went:

 

Happy Due Date!

We've reached December 10, 2011 also known as Desmond's official "due date" (or "guess date" as we were told multiple times during the pregnancy...turned out to be some of the best advice we received).

To celebrate, the three of us headed to local brunch spot "Hot Plate."  Desmond didn't find it too exciting, as evidenced by his sleeping through most of the meal.  Not that we're complaining!

This comes on the heels of dinner last night at Cafe 28 (owned by the brewmaster at Surly...I'd recommend their Abrasive IPA to anyone), where he slept through almost all of dinner as well.

Quite a catch we've got in this little guy!

Scandahooovian Fish

On Friday, December 2nd, Desmond ventured three blocks from home for the world (state?) famous Lutefisk dinner at Mount Olivet church.  Joined by Auntie Erin and good friend Matt Trefz, ol' Des didn't take to the lye-soaked cod very well, but did enjoy the company and certainly got plenty of attention as the youngest (possibly ever) attendee at the event!

Pictures from Thanksgiving weekend (and a couple randoms)

The Hynes & Rezac Family at Thanksgiving

Three generations of

Hynes boys at Thanksgiving

Desmond kicking it in his Moses Basket and fuzzy outfit

Some newborn clothes are more difficult to put on than others... 

His calendar is pretty tight these days, primarily filled with appointments related to napping, eating and pooping (not necessarily always in that order).  He is a great sleeper most of the time!

Relegated from first class to coach, Caffrey and DC now need to share a bed

Cutting our own Xmas tree:

Our very own Thinker...Rodin be damned!

Some quality time with Mom and Pops:

Under his "bilirubin" lights on his first day back from the hospital!

Kisses...until next time!

Eyes Wide Open

Our little guy is getting more alert every day.  Here he is on 11/28 with his baby blues (grays, slates?) wide open!