Auntie Stacy and Max

I knew when Max was born that our family would love him (i mean, duh) but it was hard

to picture how that would really all play out.  But, I think it's safe to say that we are

surrounded by family and friends, both near and far, that cannot get enough of him!  We feel so    lucky that people want daily pictures, email updates, blog updates, instagram pics, snaps, and even phone calls all the time about our little man.  It's not a bad problem to have really...because I'm pretty willing to tell anyone and everyone how amazing Max is alllllll day long. 

 

One such person who also cannot get enough of our little man is Auntie Stacy! 

Through a weird set of circumstances...she found herself babysitting him all day long

on Monday.  Now...this is kind of amazing, considering that all of high school and

much of college this girl told me she "didn't like kids from birth until about 16". (Hence

why she worked in the air conditioned office at the Park District...and I was camp counselor...or why I worked at a children's toy store and she worked in the Deli at our local grocery store...but I digress).  It's kind of crazy though because children LOVE her! My child included :) 

Stacy has a natural patience for them, can make them laugh, and gets right down on their level. 

 

Even before Max came along she was proudly stepping into her role as an Auntie ...I mean I'm pretty sure Max got more presents than I did last Christmas from her!  And, she threw an amazing baby shower for us...and now she even has a special chair for Max at her house, toys, swaddle blankets, and a bottle.  If you peeked in her fridge there might be some formula in there.  When she got here on Monday morning (bright and early at 7:30 with coffee for me!!!) - I wasn't even worried about Max because I knew she would be amazing!  She kept me entertained all day long with pictures and her commentary.  Let's take a look...

 

Here's the main man - just before Auntie's arrival - he can't wait to monkey around with her!

A parting shot of the goofballs on my way out the door

Just about an hour or so later - she got Max down for his first

nap of the day...and a swaddle too.  (Please note - we have only been swaddling

him the last couple days because of his cold - and he normally sleeps in his crib...

but being upright helps the congestion drain).

Play time ...and then shortly after she said "he had a rough time with

the bottle because he was trying to eat and poop at the same time!"

Maybe he's going to be a multi-tasker like his mama...

They made it through a BLOW OUT diaper...or "15 wiper" as Stacy

described it, by holding hands.  Such a gentleman!

More playing - Max has gotten really good at holding and grabbing

things...apprently he couldn't decide here...so he held both captain calamari

and the duck!

Stroller time! (He's got his skeptical look on because I made Stacy

take a thick blanket because the temperatures are dropping!)

Some more play time...this child loves to look at his own mug in the mirror!

Can't say that I blame him...he's one good looking baby :)

Hey...look..he's wearing a new outfit!  Stacy said she only glanced away for

a second and he was peeing all over himself!  I must say...he hasn't done that in

quite awhile -- but I think he was just giving her a run for the money.  Thankfully

Auntie Stacy picked out a cute outfit (one she bought I might add) and even

threw a load of dirty clothes in the washer for me.

They finished out the day with lots of play time -

and he even rolled over for her.  This is a trick he seems

to do when he thinks no one is watching...sneaky little thing!

All in all it was a busy day for both Max and Auntie...

so much so that he needed a little cat nap when Daddy got home

We can't thank Stacy enough - not just for loving on on Max and giving him the best care...but for taking care of us too!  She recently referred to herself as "the third wheel in our family" but to be honest - her presence is so welcomed all the time!  She gives us yummy left overs...buys us ice cream...doesn't freak out when we can't put her shelf up correctly the first time...and most importantly keeps it real.  Girl knows when to give us a good dose of perspective. 

We love you Auntie Stacy!

xOxO