Pass The Turkey, Please

And the dressing, and the green bean casserole, and the sweet potatoes, and...the list could go on for Jack. We celebrated Jack's first Thanksgiving at the Cibula's house in Florida. This might be Jack's favorite holiday so far. He got his two favorite things...food and undivided attention. On Thursday Jack got his first taste of real food...turkey and dressing. He dug his hands straight in as soon as we put it on his high chair. Most of it made it to his mouth, he's getting pretty good with those pincher fingers, but a lot of it adorned his cheeks and bib by the end of the meal. His seat at the table gave him a perfect view of the turkey, which was almost a big as him. That didn't deter him though, he was fascinated with such a large piece of food...gobble, gobble! The rest of the holiday week, Jack played with family members on both sides. He got to see GG, Uncle Jim, Jon, Uncle Mike, Grandaddy, Nini, Aunt Linda, Sonja and of course Grammy and Grandpa. He had a very important playdate everyday with Grammy. She played all kinds of entertaining baby games with him. She almost had him crawling by the time we had to leave town...I don't know how with that full tummy. But yes, Grammy's games (and her dog) were so entertaining that Jack would bend over, pull himself up on his knees, and start rocking. Once he saw his own strength there was no stopping him. Grammy said she gives me about two weeks to "baby proof" my house. I better get busy...maybe we'll have a Christmas crawler!

Meg, Miller, and Munchies

What else could you ask for? Today Jack and I didn't need anything else. We met over at Heather and Meg's house for a little impromptu play date. Erica and Miller showed up shortly afterwards to join the fun. The babies played and the Mommy's chatted and munched on snacks. Erica brought some pumpkin dip and apples...it got us all in the mood for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday...yum! Jack wasn't left out this time. He did a taste test and of course moaned for more. Slow down, don't' over do it buddy! Once he was distracted by the giant Elmo he was okay. Jack and I got see some great toy ideas for Christmas. Poor Jack, he is so deprived at our house...he has very few toy choices. I thought I was going to be somewhat of an "anti- too many toys" Mom until I saw how engaged he was with the plethora of options. Okay, so I changed my way of thinking and have decided that Jack NEEDS toys. Yes, he needs them! He was reaching, bending, pushing buttons, and observing every toy. I could see the wheels in his mind turning away. And although he isn't mobile yet, he was doing everything in his power to get what he wanted. Luckily, Meg is a mover, so she hand delivered toys to his lap. He was very grateful for her assistance. Jack let me know that he had enough stimulation for one afternoon when he started rubbing his eyes...nap time. It worked out perfectly because our house is only a couple of miles away from the Dahlby's. We loaded up and headed home and Jack got a well deserved snooze. Thanks ladies and babies, we'll have to do it again soon. Maybe Jack and I can host next time...we better get some toys first though!

Sneak a Peek

The first year of Jack's has been amazing so far. Clay and I can't believe how much he changes from day to day. That is why we are so excited that we made the decision at the beginning of Jack's life to capture every moment with pictures, hence the purchase of a good camera. However, both of us are still far from being professionals behind the lens. And again that is why we are so excited that we chose a photographer we LOVE to capture the milestones in his life. Lisa Russo first came to our house when Jack was 19 days old. She tool beautiful endearing images of him all around our home. She captured moments of our family that we will never be able to return to except through pictures. We asked her to come back for two more milestones...when Jack was sitting unsupported and eventually when he begins walking. Last weekend she came over to take his "sitting" pictures. She sent us a "sneak a peek" a couple of days ago of just a few of the shots. I was in awe, I fell in love with my baby boy all over again. For the next few days I couldn't wait to see the full slideshow. We just received it and as you can imagine, I am so torn as to which ones to order. I want them all! I love the pictures of his curious face...that is just so Jack! But, I also love the images of him laughing and the ones with Cosby and the ones of our family and the ones of him playing with Daddy. Decisions, Decisions!! I have included the link to our slide show below, just click on it, wait a few moments (it takes a while to load initially), and then tell me what you think. I could really use some advice, because if it is left up to me, we are ordering all of them! (Note to family--if you click on the shopping cart at the bottom of the slideshow you can order too:)http://www.lisarussophotography.com/Slideshow/Jack

Seven Month Birthday

Today Jack is seven months old. Everyone said it would go by so fast and I kind of believed them. Now I really do! I know it sounds so cliche but, they really do grow up fast. And that probably won't be the last time you hear me stating that observation. It amazes me that last year at this time I was just barely 4 months pregnant and 7 months ago today Jack was just coming into the world. It is truly amazing, but it is too fast. I have learned to enjoy every minute with Jack...the good and the challenging. Thankfully today has been one of the "good", unlike yesterday which would have fallen into the challenging category. But, that's okay...that is what keeps motherhood from getting mundane or boring. So far, seven months has started out super. Jack woke with a smile on his face, still hungry, but a smile none the less. Between feedings and naps, Jack has talked to me...a lot! He has told me all about his peaches at breakfast, his colorful toys, his reflection in the mirror, and how much he loves me. (I know he was telling me that because he hugged me right afterwards.) We've sang a lot of songs today too. Jack pipes in just when I need his harmonious voice. Can you tell we miss music class? We also went for a stroll and soaked in the warm sunshine. It doesn't look like it will last long so we are enjoying it while we can. We topped our afternoon off with a cozy nap. Jack even babbled his "7 month self" right to sleep. I sat outside his door and listened to the most entertaining one sided conversation I had ever heard. Being Jack's mommy is the best. I love him more than I could have ever imagined. There is no way it gets any better than this. How could it possibly? I know people always tell me, "if you love him now, just wait" or "if you think this is your favorite stage, just wait". I don't believe them...yet anyway!