5 Months

Baby E/Evie/Evie-Pants/Everett/Bubba,

All the sudden you're 5 months old. Another 30 days flew off the calendar and another monthly sicker photo shoot complete.  It is true what they say that time flies faster with each child.

The 5th month has been so much fun.  You are rolling over both ways.  Have flipped onto your tummy at night and naps (resulting in much better sleep!).  You are almost sitting up; so strong but a little wild with the head ;) I would imagine in a few weeks you'll get the hang of it.  You are eating great.  Having 5 bottles a day (5-6oz/bottle) and eating 2T of cereal at lunch.  You have become quite the "dive bomber" and grab and dive trying to get a hold of whatever you see that intrigues you ;) - toys, hair, James, Charlie...mommy must HANG ON TIGHT! You are still mouthing and chewing everything you can find.  Everyone keeps telling me teeth are on the way, but I think we are still months away from that (given your family history).

You are taking 2-3 naps a day approx 1-1.5 hrs and are sleeping from 7:30-6:30 most nights.  Every once in a while, we have a middle of the night wake up call for an extra feed.

As I write this you are sickness free...but this is the first time in 4 weeks.  July started out with Hand Foot Mouth, followed by 2 nasty colds and an ear infection finale.  It's been tough but you've been a great patient.  Your sleep has been very disrupted (up every 2-3 hours) but you're still such a happy boy during they day.  I forgot how awful the first few months of day care are on your immune system. I just take comfort in the fact that you're building it up and we'll have more healthy days to come.  Last time at the doctor you weighted in a whopping 18lbs 1 oz!

You're still a very content baby, but are getting much more active and curious everyday.  You smile constantly, will go to anyone and are starting to "talk" more and more.  Your little personality is really starting to shine.

Each month is better than the next. Can't wait to see what month 6 brings! xoxo my darling.

Love, Mom

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.