What's Max doing through all this?

The majority of blog posts lately have focused on Nick, but Max is still keeping us busy and very much entertained. :) Here he decided to take my shoes for a stroll. He really doesn't understand the "no shoes on the carpet" rule. And it's so cute to see him shuffle around in my shoes that the best I can do is grab my iPhone to take a picture.

Max has been a VERY busy boy. His Neeme and Papaw (Alex's parents) came to help a few days after Nana passed away, and Neeme had planned to stay until the day Alex was due to return from Chicago. Alex had to cut his trip short after my water broke, and she graciously agreed to stay for a few more days while we figured out what was going on with Nicholas. We look forward to her return when Nicholas is ready to come home.

Through the generosity of friends and neighbors, Max has had playdates to fill his time most days since Neeme went back home. Taking shifts before and after naptime, he has become so accustomed to people coming over to play that he immediately responds to anyone who comes over by trying to coax them upstairs to play with choo choo's. He also readily jumps into friends' minivans... anticipating the fun that will ensue. We'll have to keep a close eye on that behavior.

Yesterday Max had his first hot chocolate, with Daddy. There was confusion about whether they were sharing the hot chocolate, or if it was all Max's... but I believe they eventually worked out an understanding.

Look at that happy face! I don't think Daddy got much of that hot chocolate.

As far as how he is reacting to the news of his baby brother... well, I don't think he really knows. The NICU does not permit anyone under the age of 18, so he hasn't gotten to actually meet Nick yet. We've shown him pictures of Nick, and his response ranges from blantant disregard for the creature in the picture to a fervent "NO!"

A few days ago I played a quick video of Nick crying (taken by accident with our camera, since taking video is not permitted in the NICU). He stared at the screen with a look of curiosity and possibly confusion.