Almost 6 Months!

Yes, I have been horrible at updating lately. School started 4 weeks ago, and I have been going non-stop ever since. Mark and Ian became sick the first week of school. It took both of them another week and tons of medicine to feel better. Ian is now sick again (I do not think his first ear infection completely cleared up) and on stronger antibiotics. Up until a week ago, I had done nothing but cry over nothing and everything. Transitioning back to teacher and continuing wife and mother was killing me. Mark and I had a nice long talk about my displeasure with "gender roles," my independence, and my need for balance. Things have been much better since. I am trying to make it a point to get out of the house and do something alone at least once a week. No, that does not include grocery shopping or household chores.

As for the little guy, he changes everyday! I look at his pictures from a few months ago, and he looks like a different child. At the last doctor's visit for his earache he weighed in at a little more than 19 pounds. The coolest thing now is that he has started eating solids. So far he likes all the veggies that Gerber offers. We are now working on fruits. For the next few days he will be eating bananas. Next will be apples. I seriously need to purchase a highchair for the little man. He is getting too big for the bumbo seat. Which really sucks because that bumbo seat conveniently sits on top of the table.

Grandma and Grandpa Walley came up for a visit a few weeks ago. This was Grandpa Walley's weekend to meet Ian.





The following weekend we took these pics of Ian and Mark's mom, Gran.



Here are some pictures Mark took at 5 months (August 20).

Four Months and Two Weeks

We now have two teeth! Little man is gnawing on anything he can put in his mouth. Our last checkup was July 31st. He weighs 17 pounds 3 ounces and is 25 1/4 inches long. Once again he had to get shots. Only four this time. He started daycare July 30. He is adjusting quite nicely. I am just adjusting. We have started practicing eating solids. He is not quite sure what to do with the food once it is in his mouth. Here are his latest array of photos.

My How Time Flies!

As of Friday, Ian is four months old. WOW! I can hardly believe it. I am guesstimating that he is around 17 or 18 pounds and 26 or 27 inches long. We will find out for sure when he has his next checkup on the 31st. That is also another vaccination visit. Woohoo.

Our big news is that he has cut his first tooth! We were playing this morning, and as usual the first place that anything goes is in his mouth. Well in goes my finger after he grabbed it and surprise! It has not fully crowned yet, but it has partially cut through the gums.

I will update with four month photos soon. :)

For Gran

Do these pictures look familiar?
You should be able to click on the picture to view a larger version.

For Grandma

At your request, here are your pictures. Hard copies are on the way.
Love you!

From left: Jake, Catherine, Shelby, and Ian

Clockwise from top left: Catherine, Jake, Shelby, Ian, and Juliet

Is June Over Yet?

Holy crap, Batman!

This has been one crazy month! We have finally moved into our new home. We still have a few boxes left to unpack in the office, but the rest of the house is set up and ready for life. Mark purchased a little red 1985 Ford Ranger from a friend's brother's inlaws (did you get that?) for the super price of $500. He was determined not to rent a Uhaul or Budget truck for this move. If you can, imagine moving a fully furnished 3 bedroom house with a pick up. We moved boxes over everyday for 2 weeks. The new house is only 2 roads over from the old house. Then one Saturday, he had his friends come over and load up the truck with all the big furniture. We started that morning about 11am and didn't finish up until well past 9pm that night. Needless to say, he did it. All accomplished with his little pickup. He is quite a happy camper with that purchase.

As for my little man, he is just growing so fast that he amazes me everyday. He is now 3 months and two weeks old. I have registered him in daycare starting July 30th. That is the week before I go back to work. I am sure he will adjust fine. It is me that I am worried about. Even though I have confirmed that I was not meant to be a stay at home mom, it will still be hard to leave him with someone other than Mark. Little man can now roll over from tummy to back, sit up for a very short while unattended, laugh, and coo like he is talking to you. He also coos when I sing to him, like he is singing with me.

His progression - I tried to stick with the crying theme. He really doesn't hate the boppy, just when I am trying to take pictures.

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

Here are his latest pics.

A random grin in the carseat.

A giggle for Mommy in her new bedroom!

Grinning after an evening bottle.

I now love my musical bouncy seats Aunt Lisa and Aunt Sue gave me! Mommy keeps one upstairs and one downstairs.

Please do not fuss at Mommy for putting me on my tummy to sleep. She knows I like sleeping much better this way.

I also love to suck my fingers and my thumb.

My philosophical look. Thanks Daddy, I still have milk on my face!

This one is for my Grandma and Gran. I just want to be your teddy bear!

Mommy makes me smile all the time!