Easin' on Through

I used to have a neighbor who had the best reply when you'd ask him how he was. "Hey Ben, how's it going?" I would ask, to which he would reply "Just easin' on through." Well, that's a pretty apt way to describe our life these days. We're just hanging out and easin' on through. Life with a baby has definitely settled into a routine and the day-to-day care no longer feels so wearing. I guess I don't really know how to describe it, but things just feel easier in a way I hadn't expected. I feel like I'm out of the stress/fog that comes with being a brand new mom. I have much more free time these days (which is a good thing because I finally caved to the evil temptation that is Pinterest).

So, these days Georgie is really into toothbrushes, looking at books, and pointing out my nose and eyes which can be a little painful. I showed him how to knock on the table the other day so now he balls up that little fist and knocks on everything and then laughs to himself. :) He's able to get himself into a sitting position and pull up to a standing position, which can make settling down for nap time a bit challenging. I laid him down the other day and after about 30 minutes of silence, I turned on the video monitor to check on him. I fully expected to see my baby sound asleep but instead I found him sitting up in the middle of the crib quietly looking at a book that I'd left of the ledge of his bed. It was really precious.

At a Round Rock Express game (AAA baseball) - he loved it!

He couldn't bear to part with that spoon after breakfast.  

Sometimes that big noggin gets heavy.

He LOVES books these days. 

This makes the English major in me very happy.

Going for more.

Blue-Eyed Boy

We Had a Birthday Party!!

AHHH - He's one! Immediate family and a few close friends gathered at my Mom & Dad's house in Galveston to celebrate George Michael's first birthday! We had such a great time. But this whole turning one thing feels very bittersweet. On one hand I miss my baby (especially that sweet baby smell) and on the other it is just amazing watching him turn into a little person. And what a sweet little person he is.

We had his one year well baby check today. He weighs almost 27 pounds (80th%), is 30 inches tall (60th%) and has a head size of 50.5 cm (97th%). I'm glad Daddy was with us because the shots this time were pretty rough. It just about broke my heart in half. And he was moderately anemic so we have to start an iron supplement and recheck in a month. Other than that he is healthy and happy.

My Sweet Boy

Oh, this boy. He's just so much fun. Eleven months old already and I can still just stare at him all day. I'm so amazed at what God has blessed me with and motherhood remains an overwhelming and awe-inspiring endeavor. He is growing so fast and I'm filled with such joy that I'm able to be right here with him day after day to watch him grow and learn.

I've been busy planning his first birthday party - and even as I type that I still can't believe it. My goodness, how fast this year has gone by! We're having a small get-together at my parent's house in Galveston which just goes perfectly with the nautical theme of the party :) I've had so much fun planning this and making decorations. My craftiness seems to have been reawakened which is so exciting! I've been sewing banners and hot gluing nautical themed ribbons and anchors on just about anything that will stand still. I can't wait to see it all come together and I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures to post.

And speaking of pictures - here's what we've been up to the last few weeks:

Pop and his grandbabies. This was at Ms. E's 4th birthday party. 

Too sweet.

First swim in Barton Springs!

Playing in the dirt.

Happy baby.

I'm sure he's going to just love all these bathtub pictures one day.

It's not an illusion - he really is bigger than his 4 year old cousin.

Being tortured by Aunt Sara. 

This is his new scrunchy face - it entertains me endlessly.

Lazy bones.

Eating Cheerios and cheese - yum.

I love this.

Ten Months!

Nine Months and Counting

My sweet boy is almost 10 months old! My goodness. We had his 9 month well baby check up a few weeks ago. He weighs 25 pounds, is 28.5 inches tall and has a head size of 49 cm. Speaking of that noggin...our pediatrician was concerned with just how big it is. He ordered a cranial ultrasound to rule out a condition that causes excess fluid around the brain. I was, of course, very alarmed but was able to get in for the ultrasound the next day and the doctor called me with the results that same afternoon. Baby G is completely fine and has now been officially diagnosed with a big head. :)

He isn't crawling yet but he is standing up really good (with some balancing help, of course). He is also starting to take longer naps which I have been looking forward to for a loooong time. He loves to play with new toys, read books with Momma and still loves to be held and cuddled. He is just so sweet and easy going.

Here are some pictures from the last few weeks:

First swim! 

First swing in a big kid swing!

I lovingly shelled and pureed these fresh, organic English peas - and then this happened:

Buddies.

Oh, this face. And check out the curl.

Too sweet.

He loves the teething biscuits.

Look! First little teeth!

Found this picture in Daddy's phone. 

Can't leave out this pretty girl.

My beautiful sister and niece at her first dance recital. Precious.

So Proud of My Best Girl

My best friend, Ms. Erin Barker, was featured in the Lake Charles American Press. She is wonderfully talented and I'm proud to know her. I love you EB.