4th of July in Ohio

We took our first 'family of 4' flight to Ohio for 4th of July.  I was a little apprehensive to make the trip; envisioning hours of melt downs from missed naps, accidents, spills, crying and chaos, but the boys proved me wrong.  They were absolutely awesome. No tears and pure excitement from both of them the entire trip.  It was a precursor for the whole weekend.  We had such a good time visiting with Mimsie & Popsie.  Everett loved being outside and getting loads of love from family.  James and Popsie were attached at the hip;  swimming, fishing, play trucks, exploring...the list goes on.  The kid never stopped smiling (well... either did Popsie:)  We had perfect weather; warm during the afternoon and cool at night.  We relaxed, talked, and enjoyed just being together.  It couldn't have went any better.

1st stop Well Check! 

Next Stop Tickle Time with Popsie

It's such an amazing thing to see your kids enjoy your parents.  It's like looking back in time; a view through the looking glass at life when you were little.  I can instantly see 30 years lift off the grandparents when grand kids are around.  I'm sure Mimsie and Popsie collapsed in pure physical exhaustion for days when we left, but I know they loved every minute...as did we.

4 generations

Playing "hammer ball" (aka Croquet)

 Happy 4th of July!

Fishing!

PJS Sr. Jr. & 3rd :)

Till next time Ohio ;)

Bye Bye Paci, Hello Fire Truck

We have been hesitant to get rid of the Paci because it is James's most valued and loved possession, his "lovie", his comfort.  However, lately he had been talking about his Paci and asking if it was only for babies and if he was a "Big Boy" yet.  To which Pete and I explained that yes, he was in fact a big boy now and that paci's helped babies feel better and that soon he wouldn't need his anymore.  He mentioned giving his paci to a baby... and with that, I jumped into "Operation No More Paci" mode.  We told him we would take him to the hospital to choose a baby from the nursery to gift his paci to.  As a reward we would take him to the fire station to meet a real live Fireman and see a Fire Truck.  FIRE TRUCK! That was all it took....he talked about it for days so that following Thursday, we skipped school early and headed to the hospital.  James walked right up to the Nursery window where he choose a baby boy, (because he likes "babies boys best") gave the nurse the gift bag with his beloved paci and promptly asked "Now, to the Fire station?"

His eyes lit up upon our arrival to the fire station and his head whipped from side to side as fast as it could trying to take it all in.  We met the nicest fire man (Randy) who gave us a great tour.  We we so lucky that the fire station was running drills which included full gear and a house full of fireman and equipment.  It was truly James's heaven on earth.

That night (and most nights since) he simply asks about the paci...but I think its his way of asking us to re-tell the story of our adventures at the fire station.  You're a big boy now! So brave.  Mom and Dad are so proud.

4 Months

Sweet Sir Everett you're 4 months old (well 4.5 because I'm so late in posting this)! I can hardly believe how quickly these months are ticking by.  I'm thrilled as each new milestones is met, but a bit sad as I realize that my newborn is gone and a little boy has quickly replaced him.  You are a dream; happy almost always, quick to smile and always good for a laugh.  You love your big brother more than life itself, although I saw for the first time this month a little angst over sharing toys ;)  You were not very happy when a toy was "rapidly" removed from your tiny but fierce grasp!

A lot of first this month.  The biggest first is that mommy went back to work and you are officially a Creme de la Creme student with your brother.  You are loving your class and settled happily into your new routine and have attached yourself quickly to your caregivers.  They tell me you rarely cry and give everyone who enters big gummy grins.  You're sleep schedule has been a bit disrupted as you're only taking 2-3 cat naps (approx 1-2hrs/day).  However, this has resulted in great night time sleep heading to your crib around 7:00pm and waking at 6:30am.  Sometimes you'll wake early around 5:00am to eat and head back to sleep in the swing till 7:00am.  You are still sleeping in your swaddle but we have 1 arm out as we start to make the transition. We're working on this slowly (over the past month) and hope to have both arms free by next month.  You refuse a paci but love sucking on those fingers to soothe.

Another first this month was cereal which you took to great and are having 1 meal of cereal at lunch after your 10:00am bottle.  Feeding schedule is still the same; every 3 hours 5/6 oz per meal. Working on the 7,10,1,4,7 and getting pretty close most days.

Still not rolling much, although you can go belly to back if you want to.  You most often just ask mom for help ;) You are grabbing those toes, handling toys with both hands, and are able to pull your self to a sitting position in your chair.  You also went swimming this month.  Daddy dunked you and you didn't care a bit.  You love to kick and splash in the pool. Our 2nd little fish!

You love your bath, sleeping in the swing, walking in the baby Bjorn or the double stroller with James.  You like to chew on your Sophie and lay on a blanket outside.  You're doing much better in the car- praise the Lord!

Your stats this month:

16.75 lbs (81%)
25.5 inches (74%)
16.75 Head (83%)

You are the calm to our storm, you are the lightness in our crazy, you complete us :) I love you to the moon and back.