December 2009
22 posts
Only a week in the South
And Miller is already fitting in
Dec 30th
Christmas Traditions
One of the things that makes Christmas great is the many traditions which become a part of the entire experience.  I can distinctly remember the feelings of hanging decorations on the tree, the particular order of stockings and gifts, and Christmas Day breakfast/brunch (just to name a few). But traditions don’t just happen on Christmas Day.  In fact, we’ve started a bit of a new...
Dec 29th
Please tell me the last time...
…you were this relaxed
Dec 29th
Best of First Week of Christmas/New Years in NC
A slideshow of some of the best shots thus far.  To view in full screen click in the lower right corner of the slide show.
Dec 28th
What we've learned (thus far) on Christmas...
When making plans with an infant, adjust your estimated time of arrival by 30 minutes, add 5 minutes for a last minute diaper change, then go ahead and give another five minute buffer (just in case).  This way you’ll be sure to only be 15 minutes late, rather than an hour. Christmas with kids is so much fun. Our nephew Jacob has taken in a lot of football knowledge this fall, and his...
Dec 28th
A "Great" Christmas Present
One of the nice parts of being together with family this Christmas is the ability to introduce Miller to both of his great-grandmothers. Gramma AND Granny Both agreed that seeing the great grandbaby was undoubtedly the best present of this Christmas season.
Dec 25th
On the Road
Like many others, we found ourselves making travel plans for the holidays, only this year we have a few extra variables to consider. Our pediatrician highly recommended driving rather than flying with our two week old, so we had planned on renting a car and leaving New York early Sunday morning. Of course, Mother Nature had a her own thoughts - the 10 inches of snow which blanketed the greater...
Dec 23rd
A week with GiGi
It’s been a busy week for the Mansfields, as week 2 of Miller meant back to work for dad. It was truly a tough pill to swallow each morning when I left the apartment for the day.  But the return home in the evening was all the sweeter knowing there was a little man awaiting. I took solace in the fact that though I was away all day, there was a definite upgrade providing support in my stead...
Dec 20th
Empire State of Mind
For those who love JayZ/Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind, here is a different version courtesy of Keys and Stephen Colbert that is nothing short of amazing.
Dec 17th
Shake Shack!!!
Miller made his first trip across Central Park for dinner last night. The destination - SHAKE SHACK! And though I’m biased, I have to say this guy is cuter than the average bear!
Dec 16th
One more Christmas Card
We are less than two weeks into parenthood and already we’ve been overwhelmed with the understanding of our blessing that little Miller came out healthy and strong.  His health was something we prayed for often during the pregnancy, and we do not want to forget nor take for granted today how amazing it is that he is in perfect condition. It’s a sad reality that there are many who are...
Dec 15th
Any resemblance?
When my parents visited this weekend we had the expected conversation about “who do you think Miller looks like?” While the verdict is still up in the air (and is likely to change), my parents came prepared with some evidence of their own.  They brought a few pictures from my first weeks as an infant. So take a look for yourself - you see any resemblance?
Dec 14th
What's in a name?
So more than a week has passed since our little one entered the world and today I had a very sudden and unexpected realization.  As I sat across from Tracy as she fed Miller, I felt, for the first time, normal.  Sure, it’s only been a week of diaper changes, swaddling and learning the first few in’s and out’s of parenting but the whole experience has felt so right and today it...
Dec 14th
Big Pappa and Mumz are here!
What a way to celebrate a one week birthday.  Grandparents “Big Pappa” and “Mumz” caught an early morning flight for a short trip to meet Miller in person for the first time.  It’s safe to say they were smitten at first sight. The wind chill was below 10 degrees here today so besides a morning trip to the pediatrician for a normal one week check up, we stayed...
Dec 12th
Wednesday Photo Fun
A few more fun shots from Wednesday.  It was rainy in the morning so we spent the whole day inside.  But that’s OK because when you’re less than a week old, there’s plenty of new things to try out.  Like what it feels like to lay on your tummy. And new outfits to wear.  Daddy says the Man Rule is you can wear clothes with the word “cutie” on the butt but only until...
Dec 10th
Cashed out
On the changing table
Dec 10th
I guess he's a Mac
At least that’s what Miller would likely say since it’s a Mac which allowed him to have his first “video chat” with grandparents Big Papa and Mumz.  They were, shall we say, a little excited to see lil’ Mill.  And they’re even more excited about seeing him in person this Friday. Of course, Miller has been quite the talk of the town lately, and with flashbulbs...
Dec 9th
Before and After
BEFORE - 8/23/2009 (a week before Jordan’s due date with Austin) AFTER - 12/7/2009 (a few days after Miller’s birthday) BEFORE - 11/29/09 (Tracy’s due date) AFTER - 12/7/09 
Dec 8th
Home Sweet Home
Yesterday was our final day at the hospital, and by the end of the day we were very, very excited to get home.  After spending his first few days in hospital garb, you knew we’d be dressing Miller up for his first adventure outside of NY Presbyterian. The outfit of choice?  A fashionable onesie from Rob and Malissa Albright that is from a boutique on Paris’ Champs-Elysees, a UNC...
Dec 7th
The Day After
The first day is gone… The adrenaline has worn off (yawn!)… But the little man… Is just as cute as the day we first met.
Dec 6th
Miller Mansfield is here
What a day.  In fact, it’s been such a day that I’ll have to delay more detailed thoughts for a bit.  Instead, I’ll focus on the basics.  And, of course, the thing that everyone is interested in - the pictures. This is John Miller Mansfield, our new son.  His first name is John like his dad and his grandfather (Big Papa Mansfield), but our son will be known by his middle name,...
Dec 5th
Still Waiting...
We’re now 3 days past the due date and no signs of Baby Mans.  So we’re still waiting…and waiting…and waiting. While we’re waiting, we took the chance to go over to the Upper West Side last night to see our friends Bryant and Sarah Lee and their beautiful 2 week old daughter, Bennet Ann Lee.  Sarah was supposed to be due a week after Tracy but ended up having her...
Dec 2nd