Four Weeks Old Today!

Dear Nolan,

The last four weeks have flown by. I can't believe that you are a month old. I got to see you yesterday. We had such a good time. Papa Jack and I met you and your Mom and Dad at Shoppes on the Parkway in Blowing Rock. We did some shopping. Banana Republic had some great sales. I got your Mom a couple of things. Nolan, she is just amazing! It's been four weeks, and you can't even tell that your Mom has had a baby. She is a size 4 and wearing her pre-pregnancy clothes again. That makes her very happy!

You were such a good boy while we shopped. You were in your little Baby Bjorn carrier. Your Dad walked around with you all afternoon and you (dressed in your fuzzy, brown bear outfit) just snuggled up close to him and slept. When people would comment about your bear outfit, your Dad would say, "I have one just like it!" Isn't your Dad silly??

We drove into Boone and went in Mast General Store. Your Mom and Dad picked out a pretty birthday gift for Mimi. Her birthday is this weekend, and you will get to see her. I know she and Papa Reif can't wait to see you again!

Oh Nolan, you got to meet your cousin, Keely, this weekend. Keely was born just a few days before you to Uncle Michael and Aunt Kimille. Keely has three older sisters: Mikala, Zoe, and Ella. They were excited to meet you too! I know that you and Keely will enjoy growing up together, and I'm sure that you and all of your cousins will make wonderful memories together.

You had your first trip to Coyote Kitchen yesterday. It is a little restaurant in Boone--delicious food. Your Aunt Emily and "Uncle" Bradley met us there. They couldn't believe how you had grown and changed since they had seen you last. You woke up when we got inside the restaurant, and I got to hold you! Yeah!!!!

This Thursday is Valentine's Day, and your Mom and Dad have a "date." I am going to keep you while they go out for dinner. It will be the first time they have been out for dinner (alone) since you were born. Your Mom even got a special dress to wear. I've got to get busy and buy some Valentine's Day cards. This year, I have a grandson to buy for! You have touched my life, my heart, in so many ways. I love you sweet boy.

Sleep tight.

GiGi