There's a First Time for Everything

Today Ian is eight months old. I'm going to stop asking where the time went because it just makes me sad. Tonight, as I fed him his bedtime bottle, he was spilling out over my arms and had his feet dangling off the sides of the glider. I looked down at him, wondering when exactly he got so big. Because one day not-so-long-ago, I was cuddling with him and his tiny toes, all wrapped up in the crooks of my arms. And now, I can barely contain him on my lap. I swear it happens overnight.

But today, another milestone was reached. Ava sat for a photo with Ian. Not only did she sit for a photo with him, but she also gave him hugs and kisses for the camera. And she enjoyed it! Avaloves being in front of the camera. In fact, last night during a really strong thunderstorm, Ava saw the lightning outside and exclaimed, "Cheese!" as if the flashes of light were actually flashes from giant cameras snapping her picture. Stefan and I just laughed with her. So today, when I whipped out the camera to take Ian's monthly birthday picture, Ava immediately started posing and saying, "Cheese!" So I said, "OK then, Ava. You want your picture taken? Why don't you climb up onto the chair next to Ian?" Every month I say the same thing. And every month she runs in the opposite direction screaming, "Nooooooo!" But today, she got right up next to Ian and let me have a field day. She gave Ian hugs. She gave him kisses. Oh it just made my whole day!

Ava gets a giggle out of Ian.

A big hug from big sister.

Too cute.

And finally, a kiss for baby brother.

Ava's Big-Girl Bed

Last night was Ava's first night in a big-girl bed. It could have and should have happened much sooner than this, but I had the hardest time making it happen. Not because I was sad to see my baby reach another big-girl milestone. But because I have been totally incompetent at making decisions. New furniture or convert the crib to a full bed? Paint the walls or wait until we get new furniture? Themed room or just pretty bedding? Go all out or stick to the budget? White furniture or darker? The list was overwhelming (seriously, people, it doesn't take much these days to tip me over the edge). I just couldn't imagine spending thousands of dollars on children's furniture that will get beat up and outgrown. But on the other hand I really wanted to make a special place for her. I delayed and delayed until it hit me that I had better do something or send my daughter to college in a crib. Stefan assured me we could always do more later. So we converted the crib into the full bed it was designed to be converted into, and I took Ava shopping Friday night for her very first big-girl bedding. She was so excited in the store that she kept yelling, "Look, mommy, it's my big-girl bed!" I was finally getting excited, too, and I suddenly couldn't wait to get her in it.

While Ava watched a movie last evening, Stefan put her bed together and we set everything up. Ava walked upstairs and into her bedroom to find her brand-new bed. She was stoked. And I mean beyond elated. I gave her a bath, brushed her teeth and did our normal evening routine, but my little girl turned into a squirmy worm as the excitement to get into her new bed built. She didn't even want to sit through story time, which has to be one of her most favorite times of the day. She climbed into her bed and we tucked her in. I very sternly laid down the law about not getting up out of bed or jumping around. Beds are for sleeping after all, not for playing. She sweetly said "yes, mommy" to my demands. We sang our usual list of bedtime songs and kissed her goodnight. She was immediately quiet and I said under my breath, "That was too easy." We didn't hear a peep from Ava the rest of the evening. I tucked her in before going to bed myself and was shocked at how well this was turning out. I was so proud of Ava for listening and going to bed like the fabulous little angel she is.

The Before Pictures

At 1:30 a.m., I was awakened by her crying. I ran in to her room and found her drenched from head-to-toe in sweat... and throw-up! With the exception of baby spit-up, Ava has never, ever, ever thrown-up. Ever. Seriously, never. I had no idea what to do. I turned on a lamp and there was stuff everywhere. On her. Her pajamas. Her hair. The sheets. The comforter. Her stuffed bunny. Everywhere. So I cleaned her up, but by this time she was wide awake. Then I had to get her bedding and her bunny in the wash. I only had one set of sheets and one mattress pad because Kohl's was out of stock on additional sheet sets. So then Stefan had to set up her pack-n-play. By this time she was even more upset because I had to take her beloved bunny away to wash it, and there was no sleeping after that. She came into bed with us and I listened intently until the laundry was done. As soon as the dryer clicked off, I ran in, got bunny and put Ava in her pack-n-play. Ava didn't sleep much the rest of the night, waking up every hour or so, bless her little heart.

I think she was simply overheated in her new bed. Ava was never one to like a lot of blankets and pillows in her crib, etc., so I think she just got too hot with everything on her new bed. She napped really well today in her bed with no covers, so tonight we put her to bed with just the top sheet and we'll see how that works. So far, so good.

The After Picture

A Few Things About the Kids, and Ian's Seven-Month Picture

Because I am apparently inept at comprising a decent post these days, I thought I would mention a few things that are going on with Ava and Ian right now.

Ava can now sing the entire alphabet without aid or help. When she reaches the end - "Now I know my ABCs" - she forgets to end the song and just loops it... "Now I know my ABCs-D-E-F-G-H-I-J..." She does this continuously until I divert her. She is also very into tea parties right now. She sits her stuffed bunny and a larger-than-her sized Mickey Mouse at her playroom table. She then sets the table with cups, saucers, a tea pot and little play cupcakes from her kitchen. She then sings happy birthday to herself and "blows out" the pretend candle in the cupcake. The "tea" is actually little plastic balls from another toy that she puts into the cups. And the ball color has to match the color of the cup. That's the little OCD in her popping through, and I'm so proud!

Ian giggles up a storm when we say "beep-beep."

Ava has recently become OBSESSED with Barney the Dinosaur. She absolutely loves him and his show. I used to mock it, but seriously, it's a great show. Kids are nice to each other, they have manners, and Ava has never given me so many hugs due to the "I Love You" song they sing at the end of EVERY episode. We sing it together everyday and she gives me "a great big hug and a kiss from me to you" every time. That, in and of itself, is reason enough for me to love the show. At night, I can hear her singing the song to her stuffed bunny in her bed. So sweet.

Ian turned 7 months old on July 22nd. I took pictures but didn't post. Actually, I never posted after his 6-month well-child exam last month, either. Now it just seems anti-climactic, so I'll just give the numbers: Ian weighed 15 pounds, 14 ounces, and measured nearly 26 inches long. As usual, the shots stunk. These days I'm sure he's pushing the 17-pound mark. I am LOVING this stage with Ian right now, despite the perpetual teething. He's big enough to play and interact with us and his toys, but he's still small enough to hold and cuddle. He is giggly and snuggly and oh-so wonderful right now. He "talks" to us constantly and is entertained by the sound of his own voice. I love to blow kisses on his belly and he's super ticklish on his back. He's getting more hair down the center of his head (think mohawk), just like Ava did when her hair was first coming in. Every night, when I go into his room to tuck him in before heading to bed myself, it takes every ounce of will power to not pick him up out of his crib and bring him into bed with me and Stefan. But the teething, yeah, that's not fun. We're hoping those teeth pop through soon!

The Monotony of Motherhood

I know it's been forever since I've posted. And to be honest, it's not from a lack of fodder. Believe me, there is enough going on at my house to publish 50 posts. It's the author who's the problem. Me. And my apologies to those who read regularly with the hope of finding a new cute picture of the kids or a new recipe (oh yeah, the recipe thing. Hmm, gotta get back on that.). I have just been exhausted and lazy recently. I have thought to myself a million times, "You know, I should blog about this cute thing Ian is doing right now." But then the thought of sitting down at the computer and actually typing the post turns me off. I'm just flat-out exhausted, and there's really no excuse. Well, actually, I do have an excuse, I'm just not sure how viable it is.

I remember getting this way when Ava was Ian's age (6 months). It's more of a mental exhaustion than a physical exhaustion. It's the tiredness felt from doing the exact same thing, day-in and day-out, as a result of having your children on a schedule. Wake up. Feed. Play. Feed. Nap. Feed. Play. Feed. Bath. Feed. Bed. Repeat. Whether it's a Tuesday or a Saturday, my days are identical from beginning to end, and after so long, I feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. I AM Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. I love my job - it's the best one in the world - but it's about now I start realizing the importance of Mommy Solitude. When Ava was 6 months old, Stefan instituted "Mommy's Night Out," and one night a week, from 5 p.m. until whenever I wanted, I was Jackie, not mommy. I left the house and did whatever I wanted. Met friends for dinner or coffee. Ran errands. Shopped. Went to Barnes and Noble and read with Starbucks in hand. Drive around with MY music on at absolutely ridiculous volume levels. Whatever. It was me time, and it broke up the monotony of the week. Stefan asked me last week if it was time to reinstate "Mommy's Night Out," and while it was tempting to say yes, I said no, because I know that if I desperately need time away, I'll take it. Stefan is awesome like that - he will take the kids for a night if I need him to, without question. He never holds it over my head or makes me feel guilty about it. He actually encourages me to do it. Because he knows I'm better for it: a better mom, a better wife and a more balanced person. This Wednesday I am taking my very dear friend Mandy out for her birthday, and I am SO looking forward to it.

Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks. I hope to be posting regularly again soon!

Ian getting some kisses from Annie.

July Fourth - Ava & Ian.

July Fourth - Ian and Dad.

July Fourth - Ava dancing to the music. She has this quirky little dance she does - picture Elaine from Seinfeld and you have the gist. It's just adorable, and she LOVES to dance!

July Fourth - Ava sliding out of the bouncy thing.

July Fourth - Ava: contemplative and beautiful.

Look Who's Got the Giggles

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the sound of a child's gut-busting laugh is the best thing in the world.  This video is proof.  I have no idea why Ian found this so amusing, but once I got him going, I couldn't stop.  Oh, and incase you're wondering, what you hear in the background is Ava saying "happy birthday," and "I love my Pooh Book."  She couldn't let Ian have the entire spotlight!

Ian's Half Birthday

Ian is 6 months old today. As I thought about what I would write to commemorate the occasion, I watched the video Stefan took tonight of us singing Happy Half Birthday to Ian, and I stumbled upon some old videos of Ava.  Old, as in December 2007, when our baby girl was a mere 12 months old.  At first, I couldn't believe there was video from 2007 still on the camera, for Pete's sake.  But then, after a minute, I was so grateful to have found that treasure trove of beautiful memories.  There were several video snippets, including her crawling, playing with Annie, and her very first steps.  There was a video of her pulling up into a standing position for nearly the first time.  There was a video capturing her nightly sprint to the bathroom when I mentioned the word "bath."  I ran upstairs, grabbed Stefan, and the two of us sat on the sofa in our bedroom for 15 minutes, stunned at what we were watching.  Was that really Ava?  I was shocked at how much I had forgotten - the sound of her squeals, the adorable toddle of her first steps.  How wobbly and clumsy she was as she attempted to do everything for the first time.  I watched myself in the videos and loved how engrossed I was in the moment.  You could read the strain in my eyes: "Remember this, Jackie. Don't forget this, Jackie. Don't you dare forget this."  I cried as I continued to watch those videos, wanting that time back so badly, feeling sad that she'll never again be that size.  Here is this beautiful little girl, sleeping soundly just down the hall, and here I am, sobbing over home movies of her just 18 months ago.  I miss her.  I know she's only two-and-a-half, but in my eyes, she's all grown up.

So then I got back to the task at hand: thinking about Ian.  He's growing so fast and changing every minute.  I'm living the moments with him now, but in just 18 short months, I'll look back at his half-birthday video with the same nostalgia and awe with which I watched those videos of Ava.  And I'll hate myself for not remembering.  I'll be shocked at how little he was, how fragile.  I'll want it back.  So as I sit here typing this post, I'm telling myself that this is the time.  These are those moments.   Don't forget.  Soak it all in.  Take pictures.  Enjoy him.  

Happy half birthday, Ian.  I love you so much, and while I can't wait to watch you grow and do things on your own, please know that I am loving this time, too.  I just want to be sure I remember it forever.  Get ready... you are going to be seeing a lot of the video camera.

Mad Love from an Old Friend

Lookie at what I got!  Oh boy, I'm so very excited to have received my very first blog award from my sweet friend Colleen.  We have known each other since high school in Florida, but we lost touch during the college years even though we attended the same university (how sad is that?!?!).  P.S.  GO GATORS! Anyway, we found each other again a few years ago and have managed to stay in touch, although I wish I could see her more often.  Colleen's blog is a true inspiration for several reasons.  First, the girl gets real. Very real.  She tells it like it is, and usually, this means I am doubled-over in laughter. Second, Colleen's blog is just down right adorable.  It looks professionally done.  Seriously, follow the link above and be amazed.  I fully admit to having blog envy when it comes to her spread.  Love it!  Colleen has also reminded me that there is more to my life than children.  For over a year now, I have blogged about pregnancy and children - my children - and little else.  And as a mom of two tots under age 3, I'm sure you can understand that there is little time in my life for all things unrelated to diapers, toys, car seats, spit up, pureed food, houseproofing, peanut butter and jelly, discipline, potty training, and watching my language around a very sponge-like 2.5-year-old. But reading Colleen's blog reminds me that I exist apart from my children, even if I don't really enjoy writing about that existence.  Because let's just face it: life is a hell of a lot funnier with kids!  So I'll try to write more often about other things that interest me.  Hmm, what is it that interests me?  I forget.  I'll figure it out and let you know.  On to the award!  Oh, and thanks Neener!

The "Love Ya" Award states: These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Would I be totally snubbing the greatness of the award if I passed it on to only four people?  I know the rules say to award eight, but seriously, I barely know eight bloggers!  So pathetic.

1. Tracy at The Wagstaff Family. Tracy is one of my dearest friends, and she resides in Utah.  We met through church and came to know the awesomeness of God's grace together.  Tracy is an AMAZING photographer and has her own business.  She cans her own pumpkin, makes her own home decor, designs her own artwork and is a damn good mom.  In a nutshell, she's a domestic goddess, and I love her.  Love her blog, too.  Tracy harped on me for months to start my own blog, and so I did.

2.  Bonnie at The Real Jackson Five.  My totally wonderful sister.  Older, wiser and did I mention older?  Bonnie taught me how to design my blog so it actually looked nice, and I will be forever grateful for that!  Bonnie is very similar to me in that she blogs about her three beautiful kiddos and the big family events.  It's just darling.

3.  Lori at I'm The Manager.  I have known Lori for a few years now, and even though we moved back home to Atlanta before Lori and I had the opportunity to really get to know each other, I still keep in touch and read her blog regularly.  Lori is a very balanced blogger because she blogs about her adorable little boy, her own life, and even about things such as her favorite jewelry pieces.  It ROCKS! I seriously look forward to reading Lori's posts when she writes about her favorite things because it's from her that I get so many ideas for myself and for my own home.

4.  Stephani at Ham Fam On The Go.  Steph is a cousin of my husband's, but I love reading about her kids and life in upstate New York.  She is as busy as busy gets!  Love your blog, Steph!

Ian and Drew

As most of you know, my sister Bonnie also recently had a baby boy.  Drew Jackson was born on March 1, 2009, just a little more than two months after Ian entered the world.  With two boys almost identical in age, it's easy to dream about their future as playmates and close buddies.  It will be fun to watch them grow up together with the blood of cousins but (hopefully!) the relationship of brothers.  With our busy schedules, getting both boys together for pictures, etc., has been difficult to say the least.  Bonnie and I have tried several times, but it always turns out that one is fussy or the other is sleeping.  One night last week, however, the moment was good (or, as good as a Kodak moment can be with a 5-month-old and a three-month-old).  So we took a couple of pictures.  I envisioned a close-up photo, with Ian and Drew looking at each other, like you see on heavyweight fight posters.  Bonnie and I held our boys up as Stefan tried to take the picture, but it was so funny that Bonnie and I had a hard time keeping our arms extended and steady.  The picture didn't turn out exactly as I had hoped, but maybe we'll try again later.  In the meantime, enjoy these two quirky pics of our baby boys...

Tagged!

My very good friend Colleen over at The Mess Potential is Exponential tagged me in this fun blog tagging game! Here are the rules:

1. List Six UNIMPORTANT Things That Make You Happy.

2. Mention and link to the person who tagged you

3. Tag six of your favorite bloggers to play along, and comment on their blog to let them know they've been tagged.

My six UNIMPORTANT things that make me happy are:

1.  Trying a new recipe and having it turn out beautifully

2.  My handmade greeting cards

3.  The sound of the wind blowing through the trees in my backyard on a lovely day

4.  Reading a magazine

5.  Napping with the windows open

6.  The smell and appearance of a freshly cleaned bathroom

I tagged the ladies from six of my favorite blogs:

1.  Bonnie at The Real Jackson Five

2.  Trace at Wagtrio

3.  Lori at I'm the Manager

4.  Steph at Ham Fam on the Go

5.  Lisa at The Sanders Family

6.  Liz at The Friel Family

Bring on the Veggies! Ian's First Sweet Potatoes

Our little man loves, loves, LOVES his sweet potatoes!

"Gimme more sweet potatoes, please!"

"Mmmm, so this is what real food tastes like.  Yum.  No more of that rice cereal stuff for me!" (I love how Ian puts his hand on my arm as I feed him.)

Ava had to get in on the action.

Five Months Old and a Bundle of Love

Ian is five whole months old today!  Sigh... where does the time go?

He is an absolute joy and (mostly) all smiles.  We are on a very solid routine these days of three naps and six meals.  He eats his cereal twice a day, although sweet potatoes will be introduced this week.  He's rolling over all the time and can sit unsupported for a few brief seconds.  His favorite toys are his play gym, his crab rattle, and a caterpillar toy that plays music and sings about numbers and colors.  He loves to watch "big-kid toys" in action, such as Ava's ball popper and Little People Carnival.  But most of all, Ian just loves interaction with us.  He loves the faces we make at him and the noises we say.  I've even started doing this thing called "Mommy Beat Box," where I make drum and cymbal noises while moving his arms and legs.  It's quite a riot and both of my kids love it (Ava even requests it on a daily basis!).  If that doesn't get Ian laughing, nothing will.

Bathtime is still a hit, but my new favorite time with him is right after his morning and post-nap bottles.  For both, Ava is still sleeping/napping, so it's just me and Ian.  Now that I no longer have the middle-of-the-night feeding and cuddle sessions, I really cherish this quiet time with my baby. I sit him up or lay him across my lap, and we coo and giggle together.  I talk to him and tell him about all of the things I'll teach him, and he responds with gurgles and squeals.  We'll play pat-a-cake, this little piggy or itsy bitsy spider, and those usually elicit some giggles. I love this time!  But don't get me wrong, bathtime is still a very close second.  Ian's reflux is still an issue, but the good news is that he's not in a lot of pain with it.  It's more of a spit-up issue than a pain/colic issue, which I feel is the lesser of two evils.

Overall, I am really enjoying this time with him.  He's such a wonderful little guy and I smile every time I think of him.  I was telling Bonnie a couple of weeks ago that I can't kiss his little feet anymore (my favorite baby part!) because I get a little carried away.  He's just that cute and cuddly.  I'm more in love with him everyday.  Enjoy the pictures!

"Mommy! Huuuuug!"

Oh, the things my children do to wrap me further around their little fingers.  Lately, Ava's tactic has been hugs.  A while ago, she asked me for a hug, and after I composed myself from gushing over my daughter's sweetness, I gave her the biggest bear hug I could without squishing her and said, "Mommy will never, ever, say no to a hug from you!"  Ever since I said that, Ava has taken my words to heart and requests a hug any time she feels sad, lonely, hurt, scared, mad, embarrassed, or sick.  She'll come running to me, tears streaming down her face, yelling, "Mommy! Huuuuuug!"  She turns the word "hug" into an eight-syllable word.  Then she'll burrow deep into my legs until I squat down and wrap her in my arms.  Those moments are among my favorites when it comes to motherhood.

But recently, she's learned the fine art of manipulation because she'll ask for a hug when I am playing with Ian, feeding Ian or cooking dinner.  Basically, if I am doing anything other than paying attention to her.  I can just read her mind: "But mommy, you said you would never, ever, say no to a hug from me!"  I pity her future husband.

Ava's First Bike

Stefan surprised us by taking yesterday off from work, after being in Florida for five days.  We had a fun and relaxing day, and in the afternoon, we got Ava her very first bike.  We live in a cul de sac, and every afternoon, our neighbors' kids all get together and ride bikes, scooters and motorized cars in the nearly vacant cul de sac.  Some of the younger ones just toddle around with toys, etc.  All of the kids are within a couple of years of each other in age, so everyone gets along great and has a lot of fun together.  Ava has been pushing her doll in her stroller while the older kids ride around, but yesterday, she got her first bike.  Stefan put it together as quickly as he could because Ava was so excited to try it out.  We took her outside during Ian's evening nap, and Stefan taught her how to ride it.  We quickly learned that Ava's legs are just a hair too short to push the pedals the whole way around, but this summer, she'll be able to reach them just fine and will no doubt be zooming around our cul de sac with finesse.  In the meantime, we'll keep trying until she gets it.  We really don't mind pushing her - it's fun to see her face light up, not to mention great exercise!

Daddy helping Ava onto her new bike

"I'm officially a big girl!"

Daddy and Annie coaching Ava on pedaling.

"Look at me go!"

"I am pretty hot on this bike, aren't I?"

My Mother's Day

This morning, I got both of my babies out of bed with kisses and a "thank you for making me a mommy."  Our day was filled with our normal schedule, and I thought about how much I love my job.  For a few minutes today, I rolled around on the floor with both Ava and Ian, tickling them, wrestling with them, zerberting their bellies and tickling their toes.  I relished in their giggles and squeals, laughing right along with them, and then I realized there is nothing better in the world than hearing your child laugh.

A year ago today, I found out I was pregnant with Ian.  I woke up early that morning and took a home pregnancy test, although I already knew the answer.  Ava lay sound asleep in her crib - just 17 months old - still dreaming away.  Stefan was in Florida for The Players Golf Tournament, and so it was just me and the pregnancy test.  When I took the test with Ava, I covered the stick and waited the prescribed three minutes for the test to develop.  I wanted to be surprised.  But with Ian's test, I sat there and watched it develop, knowing full well I was going to see that beautiful second pink line.  When it showed positive, I cupped my hands over my face and whispered "God Almighty!" about 40 times.  Ian wasn't planned, but I was beyond elated nonetheless.  On Mother's Day 2008, I became a mother of two.  And today, 2009, I played the day away with them.  I am overwhelmed by all of the goodness in my life.

I remember a time several years ago, when I was in college, that I actually thought about not having children.  I didn't think I would make a good mother.  But now that I have children, I don't know how I ever existed before them.  They are so much a part of me that I can't bear to imagine life without them.  They are my soul - walking around outside of my body - with precious faces, curious hands and eyes so deep you could get lost in them.  I'm so thankful God chose me as their mother.  They are the ultimate gift.  They make it Mother's Day 365 days a year.  I love you so very much, Ava & Ian!

Ian's Big Weekend

Last weekend was a big one for Ian.  On Saturday, we brought up Ava's old jumperoo-exersaucer combo for Ian to try.  He loves it!  And on Sunday, he had his first cereal feeding and did extremely well.  He's had cereal in his bottles for the past month, but now he's eating it with a spoon and chows down.  I'll keep the post short and just let the pictures do the talking.  Enjoy!

  

Content and Entertained...

First Bite!

  

I love eating my cereal like a big boy, mommy!

Recipe of the Week: Pasta with Turkey Sausage, Spinach & Peppers

Adapted from Martha Stewart's Good Food Fast cookbook, which is a dandy.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound short pasta, such as radiatore, corkscrew or farfalle (bowties)
• 1 pound turkey sausage, casings removed
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 4 yellow (or red) bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 bag baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Coarse salt and ground pepper, for seasoning
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top at the table

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook pasta. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups pasta water; return pasta to pot.
2. Meanwhile, cook sausage and 2 tablespoons water in a large covered nonstick skillet over medium until fat renders, 5 minutes. Uncover; raise heat to medium-high. Brown sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, 7 minutes.
3. Add garlic, bell peppers, red pepper flakes and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; cook until peppers soften, 6 minutes. Add 3/4 cup pasta water and butter; swirl to combine.
4. Transfer to pot. Add spinach; season with salt and pepper. Toss; add more pasta water as desired. Serve with parmesan cheese.

Ian is Four Months Old!

Our little boy is growing and changing so fast!  At his four-month well-child doctor's visit yesterday, Ian tipped the scale at 12 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 24.75 inches long.  He has caught up to full-term babies, although I must admit I was disappointed when the scale didn't even come close to the 15 pound mark.  With Ian's recent eating binges, I was certain we were going to see a larger gain.  Even my sister said he felt heavier than that.  But regardless of my silly expectations, the great news is that Ian is right on schedule with growth and ahead of schedule in terms of motor skills - a direct result of sleeping on his tummy for over a month now.  The doctor put Ian on his tummy to test his ability to pull up, and not only did Ian pull up, he creeped and scootched all the way to the other end of the table.  The doctor said, "Whoa, now there's one busy baby!"  I didn't confess to her that my boy sleeps on his tummy, but I'm sure she knew.  And unfortunately, Ian sustained four shots and an oral vaccination before we left for the day.  That's the worst thing ever for mommies to experience!

Ian has been giggling and squealing nonstop, and sometimes I can't get enough, so I keep tickling and playing to get more giggles out of him.  Then, of course, it backfires and I realize I pushed the envelope too far when he goes from giggling to crying in 1.2 seconds.  But it's worth it to hear those gut-busting laughs!  He holds his rattle and adores lights and music.  He's my little kickin' chicken - as I've nicknamed him - because when he plays, his legs go a mile a minute.  He sits with very little support for extended periods of time now and has fun playing with his toys.  And he still gets the biggest joys from watching big sister Ava play and run about.  He is mesmerized by her every move!  And the best part?  He's been sleeping through the night (7:45 p.m. to 7 a.m.) for a month now!

But we weren't able to escape this month without challenges.  Ian came into his fourth month like a lion, and I hope he'll go out like a lamb.  He hit a growth spurt a couple of weeks ago and has given us a run for our money ever since.  Fortunately, he still sleeps through the night, but until a few days ago, daytime naps were nonexistent.  He would cry for hours on end, and there were days when I wanted to scream.  But after making adjustments to both his schedule and his bottle, we seem to have reached a golden zone of great naps and solid nights.  Quick, someone knock on wood!  Enjoy these pictures I took on April 22nd, his official 4 month birthday.

Baby feet are irresistible.

Such a big boy!

I look just like my sister!

Me and my crooked smile.  (So cute!)

"Whoops!  I was bored, so I rolled over."