my brother is getting married in nearby grand blanc, michigan this weekend which means that family members who are typically scattered all over the country are arriving and getting to meet odin for the very first time.

auntie m who most certainly has met odin more than once ( in no less than three states - maine, massachusetts and michigan - which i think is some sort of record ) plays in a tent with odin's cousins ethan ( on the left ) and adam ( somewhat disguised in the back of the tent ); for those interested in family trivia, ethan and adam are not, in fact, aunti m's kids, but those of none other than my sister candy who has been a prolific commentor and helpful advice giver over the past year.

odin, apparently, is not quite sure what to make of all the new people and commotion :-)

but who can blame him since this is the very first time that he's awaken from a longish car ride and not found his mamma nearby, which can be very disconcerting indeed. in fact, our adventure together marked the longest time he'd been separated from his mamma since arriving home from the nicu, so it was a bit of a test for all involved.

although i'm not sure i'd call him shy, odin definately likes to take his time getting to know new people on his own terms, preferring to sit and observe you over instantly making cutesy faces and smiling.

and sometimes even if he's met you a few times he'll still prefer to studiously study you first.

so if we happen to meet you for the first time, don't take it personally ( of course i'm not implying that anyone did today ); if you can believe it, we've actually had someone tell us that odin must not be a happy baby because he doesn't immediately laugh and coo and smile at strangers!