Bunch of Paynes

Rooke's made it to eleven weeks, is a solid twelve pounds,
and all smiles!

From what I hear, most babies learn to suck their thumb or a finger first. Rooke goes for the whole fist, although he's still not sure if he likes it.

Rooke received his "train name" from his Aunt Auburn today.
It's so cute!

While I was on the phone, Rooke was checking himself out in the mirror - one of his favorite things to do these days:

If you'd rather not hear a father asking his son about recent bowel movements, don't watch this video. However, if you can handle the topic of conversation, it will make you smile. Rooke hadn't had a dirty diaper for over four days, so changing the diaper when he finally took time for some business was a family affair! This is Rooke and Ryan talking about it after everything was cleaned up . . .

Just wanted to show off Rooke's cute t-shirt, compliments of his Uncle Konnor (who finally decided it was too small to wear after 22 years).

While we were with family most of the time during our visit, we also got to see lots of dear friends, some of whom are pictured below. We have been friends with everyone pictured since the beginning of our time at OBU (and earlier). It was so special to all be together, including kids!

This picture makes me smile because I think the expression on Rooke's face is kinda like a smirk, as if he knows what the onsie says and knows it's true!

Our good-lookin' little man in his Easter outfit. Growing up, my mom, sister and I always got a new dress for Easter Sunday. I decided to snag this five dollar outfit for Rooke to look extra good for his first Easter celebration. It was a wonderful morning of worship and celebration!

I think we figured it out, but I don't remember how, exactly, Rooke and Blake are related. Blake's mom is Ryan's cousin, so I just think of Blake and Rooke as cousins. Either way, it was precious (and entertaining!) to watch Blake interact with our little man.

He brought a special gift for Rooke, which turned out to be a great toy for those few and far between moments when Rooke was chillin' in his seat without someone holding him and needed to be entertained.

Trying to get a picture of the Payne boys . . . Blake wanted to make sure Rooke was looking at the camera!

It's blury, but this picture cracks me up! Blake had just noticed that Rooke's pacifier had fallen out and was trying to keep Rooke still so he could get the thing back in!

With a little help from Ryan, he finally figured it out and everyone was happy again.

Rooke was introduced to lots of friends and family this past week. We are grateful for the love that was shown to our son and to us during our visit.

Uncle Sean liked laying on the floor with Rooke. I think he was trying to figure out what Rooke was starring at - learning about life from a baby's point of view.

Uncle Konnor and (soon-to-be) Aunt Tana drove over from Shawnee for a visit. We took Rooke outside to enjoy the beautiful sunny afternoon while they were in town.

After several attempts, Aunt Jessica finally got a good smile from her nephew!

My Aunt Sara was unexpectedly in the hospital the day we drove to see her, but Rooke didn't mind. He smiled and played with Sara in her hospital bed without any complaints. He also heard Ka-Rip for the first time because if Aunt Sara has anything to do with it, Rooke will graduate from OBU too!

It was a great blessing for Ryan and I to spend time with all of our grandparents on this trip! Rooke met all four of his great grandmothers and his one great grandfather who is still living.

G. Nana with her first great grandchild

Rooke was so excited to receive a gift from his cousin, Kaylene. Nana presented the gift since Kaylene lives all the way in Cyprus!
Great Gramma and her first great grandchild


Hudie was very excited to spend time with her great grandson.

Grandmother and Grandaddy Payne drove all the way from Lousiana. Rooke's middle name, Isaac, comes from his Great Grrandaddy.

Four generations of Paynes

We made it back to Seattle safely and were grateful for our dear friend who was willing to pick us up at the airport late after we were delayed two hours. Ugh! But the trip was wonderful and packed with many hours of family and friend fun. Here are just a few pictures to start with:


This was actually taken before we left. Rooke was wearing his "football" outfit and Ryan was playing around. Until . . .
Rooke did some serious business and Ryan was afraid to hold him, for fear that he might cause what you will see in the next picture . . .
I really don't know why I even tried to clean this onsie. I should have just thrown it away. This gives a whole new definition to blow-out!

In the airport . . . Rooke was a super traveler! We are hopeful that he will enjoy traveling as much as we do!

It will take a couple more days for me to get the pictures organized from our trip. We've had a great time! In the meantime, you can check out some new pictures of our family on our dear friend's business blog. She is a photographer and graciouslly offered to take some pictures of Rooke while we were in town. Ashley did a great job with the pictures and we are so grateful, but even more grateful for the friendship we have with the Campbell family. They just welcomed a thrid precious boy to their bunch!

To see the pictures go to http:ashleyannphotography.com

Click on "Blog" an look for "Baby R".

The Payne family is traveling this week. While we are taking LOTS of pictures from our time with family and friends, we're going to wait until we get back to Seattle to post some of them, so stay tuned . . . we'll be back!

Rooke turned two-months-old yesterday. I took him for his check-up and first round of immunizations. Let me just say that he did better with the shots than I did. I hate getting my OWN shots, let alone watching my two-month old get poked several times. He's had a little fever as a result, which makes him more fussy, but also really cuddly - which we love. The pediatrician is already convinced that he's going to be really tall since he has such a long torso and big feet. Just as long as he's not taller than me too soon!

He's really into blowing bubbles and slobbering everywhere.

"I don't know what's going on, but I promise I didn't do it."

We've had lots of fun playing with our smiley baby boy this week. Rooke is eight weeks old today. He's been consistently sleeping seven hours at night and wakes up so happy and alert!

Ryan and Rooke had fun "talking" with each other yesterday afternoon. You can see from the pictures it wasn't a very serious conversation!

Such peaceful sleep! This was after I unwrapped him - he stirred, moved one arm, and went right back to sleep. And, yes - we know that navy blue socks aren't a great accessory for a white onsie.

"tummy time"

Rooke is seven weeks old today! It's amazing how much his face has changed in such a short amount of time. I was looking at some pictures from the hospital today and almost couldn't believe the difference in our son. Here is a picture taken while we were still in the hospital to compare:

Now he is seven weeks old and all smiles!