A story about hair

Ivan's brother Phillip has been blessed with a full head of luscious, thick hair. Like this:


Well, promptly after learning that long hair is "out" and short hair is the cut du jour (thank you, Lena!!!), Phillip rushed to the barber to chop off his wonderful locks. He now looks like this:



Next: Phillip shaving off the remains of his hair to look just like Ivan, who, by the way, had his first passport pictures taken today. After deliberating with the photographer, we decided that this picture, although super-cool, may not cut it at the passport office (no smiles there). What a shame! :-)

Ivan and fashion

Last weekend, Ivan enjoyed meeting his "Aunt" and "Uncle" from New Jersey (I am sure that when Ivan grows up, he, like Phillip, will refer to Lena and Alik in that manner) :-). Ivan was also introduced for the first time to some haute couture, as he was presented with the full bag of super-cute fashionable outfits and several pairs of matching shoes, all made by some cool Italian designers and carefully chosen by Lena!!! Of course, Ivan is a tad too young to appreciate the snazzy clothes, but he surely will be all smiles at his next photo-shoot! In the meantime, this is Ivan is his casual attire. :-)

3 months - "Ivan and Renoir"

Time certainly flies. Exactly three months ago (it was also Friday, the 13th), I was in the hospital desperately waiting for the anaesthesiologist, who was "stuck" in the OR with some poor woman, who had complications with her Caesarian. I was, of course, sympathetic, but wanted that epidural pretty badly.

Three months later and accompanied by Ivan and my mother-in-law, I was enjoying the Renoir exhibit at the National Gallery. My only wish at that point, looking at Renoir's landscapes, was to find myself in Southern France. Ivan, surely, slept right through, briefly opening his eyes to check out "Rowers at Chatou" and promptly going back to sleep. I will have to fill him in on the rest of the exhibit later. :-)

Ivan keeps growing. I am not sure how much he weighs now, as there is no 3-month check-up with the doctor. I can assure you, however, that he is SOLID (I estimate around 17-18 lbs.). Ivan's "language" has expanded dramatically, and he has finally started to enjoy being put on his tummy. He has also taken interest in Chester, and now follows the dog with his eyes. Soon, Chester too will appreciate the perks of having a baby in the house - as we start solids next month, all that food from Ivan's highchair will end up swiftly swept by Chester's long tongue!

Ivan in space? Sure!

Ivan and Leroy Chiao (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leroy_Chiao). Leroy said that Ivan surely looks like a future astronaut. We all agreed.