Christmas Time is Here

It may be 80 degrees outside, but December is officially upon us and with it comes all things Christmas!  We've had a fun time so far bringing in the cheer of the season.

Thanksgiving week was so nice and relaxed.  After our Thanksgiving lunch at home, we went ahead and set up the Christmas tree and decorations.  Then after JB woke up from his nap and had time to explore things for a little bit, we un-decorated a bit.  Haha, we are still in a stage where things really need to be edible if they are going to be in arms reach of the kids.  Seriously though, Emme had a wonderful time putting ornaments on the tree and putting a few knick-knack things around the house.  And both Emme and JB love to play with the Little People Nativity set.  My bestie bought that for us a few years ago (thank you Aunt Elisabeth!), and it such a beloved "decoration"- an awesome toy and "tool" all at the same time. To me it is a Christmas must-have, a great way to plant those seeds for the real meaning of why we celebrate.

There are lots of fun things going on in and around the community, and December always seems to move really fast, so we took advantage of an "open" weekend.  Ben came home on Thursday night and told us he had a fun Christmas surprise (it was a surprise to me too) :)  We got the kids in Christmas PJ's and I made Emme a little snack to take with us of marshmallows, cheerios, mint m&m's, and some mini chocolate chips.  Daddy treated the adults to a Christmas Starbucks drink on the drive out as we headed to Texas Motor Speedway.  94.9 KLTY was hosting a Christmas Wish fundraiser where you could drive thru the speedway and look at large Christmas lights display.  Both Emme and JB really enjoyed a fun late night rocking out to Christmas music :), and I really enjoyed Ben making a spontaneous surprise for us.  The lights were fun and very entertaining, and it was for a good cause as a bonus.

On Friday night, Denton was putting on its annual tree lighting and wassail tasting.  This year was awesome as we got to meet up with our dear friends and their kids and run around the square together.  The kids got to visit the petting zoo at the Methodist Church, we listened to live Christmas music, Ben got us a "community" cup of wassail that we all got to have a sip out of haha. It really was great. Oh and Beth Marie's ice cream too. Can't leave that out! Thanks to Elisabeth I have a few pictures :)

On Saturday we decided to make a day of it and head out to Northpark Mall to visit Santa and enjoy all the fun activities and live music/dancing they have going on during the Holidays.  It did not disappoint!  We left pretty early and got to the mall about 10:30.  They have a story time with Santa, so Emme watched that while I went around to collect our number.  Yes that is right, you get a number and wait for your time with Santa.  To his credit, he is very realistic and awesome with children, and the little Santa house is adorable.  Worth the wait, but you sort of have to know how to work the system.  When I got our number, the mall had only been open for 30 minutes, but our time to see Santa was 4:30 pm.  What I learned last year though, is that once you have your number, you can go and sit against the wall and wait patiently for someone's number to be called that doesn't show up- and the nice picture man will let you go in their place.  I waited while Ben took the kids around to nearby shops to play, and by 11:30 we had our picture taken and saw Santa.  It worked great!  And no shortage of people watching in the process, haha.  Waiting for Santa could also be coined the melt-down zone/rude people capitol of America.... but that is a whole 'nother blog. Hehe. 

We ate lunch, actually ran into some friends from church (crazy!), and spent the day floating between shopping, live entertainment, and activities.  They had a fun place where kids could decorate Gingerbread men.  Emme loved getting to do that. 

 
We also saw a puppet show, smelled every single scent at Bath and Body Works, played by the fountain, looked at the ducks and turtles, watched some of the Nutcracker Ballet, checked out the cute puppy dogs with SPCA and spent quite awhile in the Disney Store playing.  Before we knew it, it was after 7! I would love to make this a tradition.  We had such a blast as a family.  It's been a wonderful kick-off to the Christmas season already.
 

You're a Year Old, JB!

My sweet, fun-loving, cuddly, and handsome baby boy, you've been one for a little over a week now!  Mommy and Daddy and sister are so thankful for you.  You've brought a new sense of joy and wonder to our family, each milestone of your first year journey.

When I think about your future, it makes me excited and teary-eyed all at once, because I know that God must have some amazing plans for you.  You have a way of making people smile and feel loved.  Your little light shines so brightly, and I pray that the Lord will keep your heart tender and open to the things of Him, and that one day soon you will know Him as your personal Savior.

Here are some fun facts about you, John Bailey, at 12 months:

• You are officially weaned and drinking milk.  It wasn't as tough of a transition as I thought it might be.  You love your sippy cup and seem to enjoy the independence it brings. 
• You are eating more variety in foods now that you are done with nursing and formula.  You are still hesitant to try new things and are a "cautious" eater ;)  Not that you are hurting for it... at your one year check up you were: 23.8 lbs and 30 1/4 inches.  Still on track to play football in high school, and live off of your left thigh. I love it :)
• You are trying to say more and more things.  You will repeat so many different sounds I couldn't list them all here.  You have a way of saying more/please and all done by signing, and you also will make a big "rrruuufff!" noise any time you see a dog or a picture of one.  Also I am pretty sure that you call mommy and Emme "mama."  The two ladies you love! :) You will nod yes and no. Your communication has changed so much this past month- it's pretty crazy.
• You love to pat the Bible book and sing the song, and you will point and say "Jesus"
• Wrestling, grunting, and crawling all over Daddy is one of your favorite pastimes.
• Your favorite place is anywhere your sister is!  You love her toys, her books, whatever game she is playing, or picture she is drawing.  You love to be in her business.  Luckily she kinda likes it too.
• You still LOVE Mommy and Daddy's phones.  You will pick them up and start laughing, talking, and having a conversation. 
• You can stand up by yourself and will stay there for a few seconds before dropping to the floor.  I don't think that walking is on your radar yet- you are such an efficient crawler, I'm afraid you think that taking steps might just slow you down too much.  For now you are content to cruise from place to place.

We love you, JB.  We are so thankful that God placed you in our home.  The next year is bound to be full of fun and adventures.  We can't wait to explore it all with you.

Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Party Time!

It feels way too soon to be writing this post, but we celebrated JB's 1st birthday on Friday night.  I did a pretty good job of holding it together for the party, but I am reserving the right to a "birthday breakdown" when his actual birthday arrives on Wednesday :)

I have to start by saying that we have wonderful friends and family that were flexible in rearranging their schedules so we could have my mom at the party.  I'm so glad that everyone was able to be there to celebrate this special day.  It was so fun having all of our kids together, watching them play and just enjoying one another's company.

Some of the highlights for me were watching JB play with baby Reagan, seeing him happily toddle around while all the kids enjoyed playing with some of his new toys, and discovering that he liked to eat his birthday cake in typical JB "laid back style."  He liked licking the icing, or being fed by mommy and sister, but was more partial to the bowl of ice cream and a turn using the spoon! 

Here are a few pictures to commemorate the day~
Happy birthday, sweet boy. You'll always be my baby!

 

 

Pumpkin Patch Pics

~We had a wonderful afternoon at the pumpkin patch as a family~

 

 

11 months old

When I look at this picture, I honestly have to do a double take.  I spent a couple of minutes looking through JB's pics month by month, and I can't believe how much he has changed recently, and how big he has gotten.  I suddenly see him transforming into that "older baby" look- still plenty of rolls to be had mind you, but he's just looking a lot more grown up to me lately.

What are you up to these days, brother bear?

• Probably the biggest thing has been a change in your eating.  You are now nursing only in the morning and maybe a little at bedtime.  The other 3 feedings are bottles, and we are feeding you table foods first most of the time.  I won't call you a picky eater... but let's just say you like your fruits and yogurt the best.
• Still working on those molars!! 
• Just generally adorable.  You have this ability to go-with-the-flow just like your Daddy.  When we are out you get lots of comments about your easy demeanor; it is true, and I take zero credit.  We were at a restaurant and this sweet older man came up to you and gave you a dollar bill, because he said you were so cute and charming you deserved to be paid, haha. 
• You have started trying to repeat a lot of things we do and say.  You made "touchdown" arms today when Daddy was watching the Cowboy game ;) You can say "banana" and "night-night". 
• Everything can be turned into a phone.  From your hand, to a remote, to a random toy or book. You will put it up to your ear and say, "Hi Dad." every.time.
• You LOVE to follow your sister around and play with her.  If you get up before Emme's room time is over you will often crawl to her door and cry for me to open it.  One of your favorite things is when Emme gets in the cozy coupe and you can "push" her around in it.  You love to read books with us, and be a part of every activity we do.
• You like to repeat animal noises like the lion and the elephant. 
• Busy, really, really busy.  If there is a drawer you will open it, cabinet you will slam it, door you will push it open, toilet paper roll..... well you can imagine.  You spend a bit of time every day in the exersaucer or play pen so mommy can get a minute where you aren't all over the place. You seem to be fine with that. Cooking dinner with you in the kitchen was getting a little crazy ;)

I'm in love with this little man.  Nearly a year later, and I am still in awe that God gave us such a special gift.  Now the count down to ONE year old begins!

Catching Up

We had a fun couple of weekends.  At the end of September we went as a family to the State Fair of Texas.  It had been a rainy Friday and Saturday, and Sunday was also overcast- so when we headed out Sunday afternoon, we enjoyed a nearly crowdless time at Fair Park.  The cooler temperatures and lots of open space made the day one of the best we've experienced in our yearly pilgrimages ;)

Our list of "to-do's" at the Fair is pretty small.  We've learned since having kids to hit those "important" things first, and then everything else is a bonus haha.  Our first stop was Fletcher's corny dogs.  Yummy!! After that, we made our way to the little kid's farming area. Emme loves getting to give seed to the animals, pretend to grow crops, harvest, ride the little tractors... and of course the best part is getting to cash in for a snack at the little convenience store at the end.

We sampled a few other delectable fair foods: chocolate candy covered bacon, fried autumn pie, corn on the cob... good stuff!!

We got to go to the petting zoo, car show, take a pic with Big Tex, and even catch a little bit of the Irish Dancers and Uncle Kraker concert.  We were rockin' like it was 2001 haha.  Emme also got to go on 3 kiddie midway rides.  The flying elephants were a fan favorite.  JB got some quality stroller time and chilled out watching the many interesting people. All in all, a super day!

 

 

Then last weekend, Emme, Rylan, and Ransom got to go see Veggie Tales Live!  My BFF had been on the look-out for a Veggie experience for the kiddos and did an awesome job of tracking down VIP seats, complete with a back-stage meet and greet.  I am blessed to have a friend who is so great about coming up with fun treats for the kids to get to do- and I know they had a blast. It was so fun, and I loved watching the expressions on the kids faces as they watched Bob and Larry come to life on stage.  The concert was extremely kid-friendly, and they were able to get up, dance, spin around, and act silly as each silly song played. Of course I tried to get pics, but the lighting was dark and each time I would go to snap a pic, the little dancers would sit down for a break (such is life when trying to document toddlers/preschoolers???)  Anyway, they had an awesome time and also enjoyed going out to McDonald's afterwards.  We had the play place all to ourselves :)  Good times!!

 

The kids enjoying VIP status ;)

 

 

It has been a fun fall so far and we are looking forward to more autumn events over the next few weeks.

 



Find You On My Knees

Troubles chasing me again,
Breaking down my best defence,
I'm looking, God, I'm looking for you
Weary just won't let me rest and fear is filling up my head.
I'm longing, God I'm longing for you

But I will find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees.

So what if sorrow shakes my faith,
What if heartache still remains,
I'll trust you, my god I'll trust you.
'Cause You are faithful and

I will find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees, my knees.

When my hope is gone, when the fear is strong
When the pain is real, when it's hard to heal
When my faith is shaken and my heart is broken and my joy is stolen, God I know that

You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,

Find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees.

The Art of Simplicity

Nothing novel here, nothing new.  But lately I've felt the Lord tugging on my heart to again pursue a simple, less distracted, more focused, and intentional lifestyle.  One of the things He has been teaching me about is finding a quiet place of rest. 

Some of the Scriptures that have been particularly challenging me:

Psalm 131

O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;

Nor do I involve myself in great matters,

Or in things too difficult for me.

Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;

Like a weaned child rests against his mother,

My soul is like a weaned child within me.

O Israel, hope in the LORD

From this time forth and forever.

 

When I really examined these couple of verses, I see two parts:

1.  Letting go of the "outside" influences that often control me

2.  Pulling into the rest and security only found in the Lord, sitting before Him like a weaned child, not a "rooting" child who is looking for his next meal, but really enjoying His presence

 

When I start to look around, I get anxious, my heart is torn in many directions, and I feel dis-content.  I fear the future, wonder if I am enough (of a mom, wife, friend, etc.)  There are many opportunities to be bombarded/distracted by media, as well as plenty of "good things" that I often devote my time and energy to but end up leaving me spent.  Even the daily care of my home and family, worries about finances, my extended family, day to day concerns... these things often crowd my mind and heart and rob me of the rest that I know is granted me freely when I come before the Lord and sit quietly in His presence.

 

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

 

Do I really, truly believe that what He says is true? That HIS burden is light?  Mine is surely heavy. I need only to abide.  When I abide in Him I can have the confidence and strength I need to fulfill whatever task He places before me for the day, and also I can say "no" to other things without feeling guilty.  When I abide daily, I can trust that He is leading me along peaceful streams,  or as the Message translation says in verse 29, "the unforced rythms of grace."

 

I have struggled often with, "Am I doing enough?" With two children at home, my time and energy are taxed.  I want to serve the Lord, I want to obey Him.  I want to love my children and husband, have a pleasant and orderly home, train my children and pray for them.  These are the basics.... and yet.... it feels like a lot for me! How can I possibly add to that x,y,and z things that I see other people doing, see on facebook or pinterest, blogs, ministry opportunities, etc.??? This gets my head spinning.

 

I am taking baby steps in this whole concept.  Abiding. Looking to the Lord to guide each decision for each day.  Each day may not be the same.  I might not be involved in as many things or "ministries" right now.  I need to trust the Lord's leadership and then walk out in faith, responding to those "unforced rhythms of grace."  I don't need to be worrying about tomorrow, or what other people will think, only if I am listening to the voice of my Savior.  I don't have to prove to God (or others) that I am worthy of His love by my deeds, thank GOD I am already accepted. 

 

"God's plan is simple: He takes responsibility for my life and service; I take responsibility to maintain my concentration on God. And when there is nothing between Jesus and me, I can calm and quiet my soul and serve simply and purely in devotion to Christ."- Cynthia Heald

 

 

 

 

 

10 months old

Another month has come and gone.  Now is about the time when I pull the blanket over my head and say, "Nope! He won't be one in a couple months, no way!" ;) And on a side note, I really need to do a better job of snapping some pics between now and then! The baby book is lookin' a little scant for the past couple of months... poor second child. :)

It's a fun and busy stage that JB is in right now (I think I may have been saying that for a few months, but oh well! I think that from 6 months on that's kind of how it goes for babies).  Here are a few of the high points:

• Cruising and pulling up on just about anything
• JB will get brave from time to time and pull away from the furniture for second to stand up
• Pushing behind chairs and those little toys that you can push around the room
• Not a new thing, but JB is easily "spooked" haha. I know it is terrible to laugh at, but it is kinda hilarious that if he is in another room and you walk in on him while he is in his "zone" he totally will let out a shrill scream.  He's my sweet and sensitive guy ;)
• Loves dancing and bee-boppin' to whatever music is playing
• He is getting good at initiating a game of peek-a-boo with a blanket or burp cloth, waving hi and bye, and doing excited arms or all-done
• Much to mommy's chagrin, waking up usually once a night with random crying- think he's getting his molars, but unfortunately he just has to cry a bit and then will go back to sleep ;( in good Oehlschlaeger form, it takes like a month for my kids' teeth to come in....
• Still thinks most table foods are gross, but he loves to eat yogurt (good for hiding fruits and veggies) and cheerios from a snack trap.  JB also sports his own cup now, but prefers his sister's haha. Still nursing and getting bottles now about half and half.
• Nine (... ok almost 10 month) stats from well visit: 22.2 lbs, 28 3/4 inches = Average size for a baby sumo.  Future wrestler or linebacker?? At any rate, we think your baby rolls are quite adorable and look awesome on you, kiddo!

Love you, buddy!

Mystery of Mercy

I am the woman at the well, I am the harlot
I am the scattered seed that fell along the path
I am the son that ran away
And I am the bitter son that stayed

My God, my God why hast thou accepted me
When all my love was vinegar to a thirsty King?

I am the angry man who came to stone the lover
I am the woman there ashamed before the crowd
I am the leper that gave thanks
But I am the nine that never came

My God, my God why hast thou accepted me
When all my love was vinegar to a thirsty King?

You made the seed that made the tree
That made the cross that saved me
You gave me hope when there was none
You gave me your only Son

~Caedmon's Call

Gettin' back in the groove

Ben is back to school and it is time for us to get back into more of a routine at home.  I've been challenged by a book I've been reading called A Wife After God's Own Heart. It has helped me to think once again about where I am placing my priorities, time, and efforts.  As well as asking the Lord to help me be efficient towards His service in my home first and foremost.  I think Elizabeth George is so wise- I would love to pick her brain.  I think the Lord has really given her a gift, and I always feel so blessed when I read a chapter. It's not about being perfect, but about asking my Father how I can best serve my husband and children.  It has been neat lately for me to see the joy that He is providing in that.  My heart feels full when I am spending my time focusing on them and less on some other things that had been distracting me. And boy am I easily distracted...

Some quotes I'm thinking about from the book:

• The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. Train diligently. Growing in the Lord is made up of those simple things.
• Never be too busy to take care of your spiritual growth.
• Pray for your husband three times a day
• Show greater respect for your husband (am I looking when he's talking? refraining from interrupting? using sweet speech?)
• At the first hint of self-pity or frustration, pray
• Delayed obedience is disobedience
• Grow in character, be content with what you have, support your husband's efforts, and be a diligent homemaker, live a simpler life, be more prayerful and creative about taking care of your family's needs at home
• Is your gaze fixed at home? Fuss over your home and family. Take joy in being there.
• How do we work? Heartily as unto the LORD and not unto MEN
• It is your assignment from your Heavenly Father to teach and train your sons and daughters to respect others, to share, to be kind, to handle money properly, to work at a job, to be honest, to stay pure...
• Pray faithfully for all family members
• Your job from God is to help your husband, to nurture your relationship with him, to love and care for your children, and to be about the business of building your house.

9 months old

Can you tell it has been an emotional couple of weeks? ;)  Just after Emme turned 3 (see previous post haha), my little "goofbot" is 9 months. Sigh! Gush!! Tears! No really, that whole time in a bottle concept, I would buy it. Ok, done talking about it now, haha.

At 9 months old, JB has had quite a busy month.  A few highlights:

• Crawling. all. over. the. place.  Fast! Have to keep doors closed if I don't want him to find certain things.  Need to mop and sweep a lot more and watch for small pieces in Emme's toys.  Fun stuff :)
• Pulling up.  Thinkin' about cruising too...
• One word: BUSY!  He loves to be in the middle of whatever action is going on.  He hears the word, "No." quite a bit right now because we are in the process of teaching boundaries and all of that good stuff.
• Eating 3 meals a day of baby food and smallish table foods like diced fruits and veggies and puffs.  Still nursing 3 times a day and getting one bottle feeding.
• He just started waving and really distinctly saying 'mama' and 'dada' to get our attention. 
• Growing like a weed.  Like a good mom I waited a long time to schedule an appointment, so we won't know till he's almost 10 months the actual figure... but I'm guessing he's gained a few lb's and inches since 6 months hehe. ;)

LOVE my little boy!! He's just too yummy, and fun, and funny, and delightful.  A gift from God!!



Emme is 3

Dear Emme,

I'm not sure how it happened so quickly, but you are now 3 years old.  It has been a year full of growth and change for you and it has been an awesome experience to see how you have flourished.  Over the past 12 months, we have watched you become such a little lady.  What a joy and a pleasure it is for us to be your parents.  God has amazing plans in store for you.

Here are a few of your favorite things:

• The color pink.  There is a fun book series called Pinkalicious that has kind of fueled your fire.
• Music.  We have some pretty rockin' dance parties together.  And I love it when you learn Jazzercise routines with me.  You especially like the stretch songs.  And you definitely change up your dancing between the lyrical things and the upbeat tunes.
• Having increased independence and the ability to do many things by yourself.  It's been a process this year, but you are learning how to do things "alone" in a respectful and obedient way and asking to do them with the right tone of voice :)  Oh wait... I think I'm still learning about that too.
• Playing make-believe, doctor, mommy, ballerina, pop-star, princess, grocery store
• Dressing up- you have specific outfits for specific occasions, but you really love tutus
• Dressing yourself, you especially love to wear dresses all the time ("because they twirl")
• Playing with make up and jewelry
• Playing with your brother/hugging him. a lot.  Wow, Emme Lou.  In so many ways you have shown me what love is.  And what it means to serve others too- you have a servant heart for your brother, and you often think of his needs first.  I think that God has given you a sensitivity to others' emotions and I pray you keep listening to how He directs you. 
• Cooking & baking with mommy.  You are actually getting pretty good at following directions on a box of brownies or muffins.  You know which pans and bowls we will need. You can crack an egg without any of the shell getting in the bowl most of the time.  You can read the numbers off so we know to set the oven at 3..2..5.. Some of my favorite memories from this year are being with you in the kitchen.
• Room time- you are a big girl now, so you only nap a couple of times a week, the other days you spend 2.5 hours in your room just playing with toys, making up games, or as you told me last week, "organizing things. " (a woman after my own heart!) This is when I really see your imagination come out.  It seems like you have some really great adventures.  Whether it is building things with blocks, "reading" books, putting your babies down for a nap, or cooking something in your kitchen, sometimes I like to stick my head by your door and hear you talking while you play.
• Memorizing things.  It can be scary for us some times because we know you are REALLY listening a lot now.  But you are getting to where you have books completely memorized and can fill in the words.  You can remember Scripture verses and songs.  Again, this is where I am really praying that the Lord will protect you and keep you close to His heart!
• Swimming has been really fun for you this summer.  You are a little fish, and I think you will love to do lessons maybe next year.
• You are very interested in ballet and gymnastics, so we will see about maybe giving you an outlet to learn more about them sometime soon.
• Artsy things, playdough, cutting with scissors, markers, crayons, stickers, finger painting, anything from Hobby Lobby....
• Letters and numbers.  They are starting to come alive to you! It is neat to watch your mind becoming more intentional with understanding them.  You still love to spell your name and can count to 20 (then teen numbers are sort of interchangeable though haha, my favorite is when you say "five-teen").  You know probably 20 letters or so.  The teacher in me gets excited for you and all you will learn this year.
• Spending time with your buddies!  You get very, very happy when we get to play with Rylan and Ransom.  They are kind of your peeps.  All activities are automatically more fun if they are going to be there :)
• Any time you get very happy you let out this cute high-pitched sound. 

My beautiful girl.  I love you more intensely every day.  Thank you for being you, and for teaching me what it means to be a mama. 

I can't wait to see what Jesus has in store for you this year!
Love you,
Mommy

8 months old

Does it get any cuter than that??

This little love bug is now officially 8 months old.  It's been a big month for him!  He's turned into quite the busy-body over the past several weeks, and as usual it is a bitter-sweet thing for this mama.

• As of a week ago, JB is crawling.  He'd been playing around with the idea for nearly month, but just a couple of hours after we got home from Wisconsin- he seriously just crawled off to the toy box in the living room.  It was like he was just waiting to get back to his "crib" before he took off. He skipped the whole army crawling phase and went straight for all 4's. He will also crawl with his legs fully extended in the back like a little man-cub haha.
• He's starting to pull up on people, and also when he is in the bath tub (yikes).  We've moved the crib just in case, because I think he will be standing very soon.
• JB has started eating puffs, and other little baby foods that dissolve quickly.  He isn't as interested in feeding himself as Emme was, but seems to like baby foods more and has started to try more types of pureed foods.
• Still nursing 4x a day, but now I have started to just feed him a bottle of formula for one of those middle of the day feeds if we are not at home- it is WAY easier than trying to nurse a child with 7 teeth that wants to crawl off in public hehe.  It's hard to do that modestly. :)
• That's right 7 teeth... and he's working on two more.
• This child has a beat!  When music comes on he totally starts nodding his head and doing happy, excited arms.  I love it.
• JB has decided that he has a future in baseball or basketball.  It cracks me up how he will literally chunk a ball from up over his head.  Pretty sure his ball-throwing skills are better than Emme's are.  Just another fun boy v. girl difference we are seeing in action.  He does everything with a grunt or a push like he's big stuff.

Happy 8 months, big boy.  You are a gift and a joy to us!

Family Vacation

After returning from our Anniversary trip to NYC, we spent the week in Cedarburg with my parents. It was nice having a week to just enjoy the peace and quiet of the town and do some fun family things together before returning to Denton. During that time we enjoyed the 4th of July parade and fireworks, lots of walks around town, spent time at the pool, and Emme got her ears pierced! It was a fun week that reminded me of the basic joys of life.  It is good to take time to slow down and concentrate on the important stuff-