The Schaffler House: Deep In The Heart...

We had a jump-start to spring this week visiting Grandpa and Grandma in Dallas. We arrived at O'hare 3 hours early, unsure of our strategy for travelling with the little man. After a long pep-talk, Tommy was a perfect gentleman on the plane, even earning compliments from those around us (as we were exiting, of course...) of "what a good baby he is!"

He met all of the Dallas Schaffler cousins (aka future babysitters), who spoiled him with constant attention. (initially hands-free to avoid that darn GI bug...)

A highlight of the week was Tommy's baptism on Easter Sunday. He proudly wore the Schaffler-family gown, which is likely the only dress he'll wear until his first toga party. We were excited that Pat's brother Bill and his wife Eileen accepted the challenge of being Tommy's Godparents.

Father Bierschenk blessed the pacifier by default since it rarely exited Tommy's mouth.

Tommy finally got some much needed Vitamin-D, exposing his skin to the fresh air for a change!

We developed several strategies to cope with Tommy's inevitable evening fussiness.
#1: Bouncing hands-free in the new baby bjorn.

#2: Grandpa threatening to throw him in the pool.

#3: Looooong walks.

We had the chance to catch up with lots of friends during our visit. Jane Hanratty hosted a beautiful "Sip & See" for Tommy, who slept peacefully in his swing the entire time. Here Jane assumes Tommy's new favorite position.

We had breakfast with my dear pregnant friend Christina and her son William.

And while Pat and his friends were off gallivanting on the golf course, the wives and kiddos had a great play-date! Kate and Mollie gave Tommy some love.