Sunny Autumn Day

I've been at the Parental Units all week working.

[For those who don't know, the three of us have an adult foster care home. My parents have two senior women who live there with them, and I come in and give them a break. It is a fairly ideal working situation for me, since John gets to hang out here, too. In some ways he makes my job easier (something about babies that brings out the best in people), and some ways makes it harder (for example, his internal clock that moves him from content to cranky right just as I'm trying to put meals on the table...which isn't unusual or new, but hard when trying to do it on a schedule), but overall, I'm thankful for the opportunity to bring income in while being with my son.

The weather the last couple of days has been clear, and the crunchy leaves and the beautiful sunshine have been calling to me. My grandma came over to watch John for a while yesterday and I was able to sit just outside the door and work on a bible study I've been trying to do while he's sleeping (which doesn't work so well now that he's decided that naps aren't quite necessary, so it was a special treat to have 15 minutes to focus on just one thing). It was wonderful to be able to enjoy the sun. A little later, when one of The Ladies was out with a friend, and the other was snoozing in her chair, I grabbed John and I introduced him to crunchy leaves. It was the stillest I've seen him in a long time as he sat in the pile and explored the textures and sounds (and tastes) of autumn. It was so fun to lay on my belly (in the sun!!) and watch my son enjoy on of my favorite things in God's beautiful world. It was one of those moments in time I hope to remember as the days get shorter and when the snow starts to fly.

Teeth Aplenty

Here are some pictures we took tonight. John has four teeth as of today (the right top one has barely popped though, but we're countin' it)

Okay, that last one was taken when we went out to get wood in July.

CUTE STORY ALERT

Just now I was uploading pictures and feeding John applesauce from his highchair (he is in his highchair, I am at the table typing...just to clarify). As the pictures finally popped up, he got a huge grin on his face. "I know that kid!....and there's my mom!" He grinned and gave a giggle and looked back and forth between the computer screen and me. He's starting to really figure things out.

Holy Time Warp, Batman!

John's 6 1/2 months already, and have we been busy!! I just got an e-mail from babycenter that warned that my baby would be turning over by now, so I should be ready. Whatever!

John's been busy getting ready to walk...he's pulling himself up and standing at every opportunity, crawling like crazy, ready to pop out his second pair of teeth, exploring his world and play with anything he finds within his reach...especially if it is paper or an electrical cord. We have a great time rolling around on the floor, and when I need to be extra busy, he enjoys standing and chewing on the top rail of his pack 'n' play (Thanks again, Walt and Kim!)

Here are some more pictures of his antics over the last while:

This was taken at the mall in Kalispell. John and Jason came up with me while I had a booth at their Baby Fair to sell my toys. John and I hung out while Jason ran errands and came back to check on us. While I was taking down the booth at the end of the day, John started getting fussy, so Jason, like the Superdad he is, whipped out a bottle and fed our little man. What a guy!

This was taken awhile ago, but is just so cute, I had to include it. He's my Mini Cooper!! (Thanks for the adorable shirt, Carmin!)

My grandma came up to visit...John loved it!

Swing Baby

John had such a good time trying out a friend's swing.

I didn't post the video...what was I thinking in even taking it?!? Made me a bit queezy watching it. You'll have to settle on John's big smile (which is so brilliant it is impossible to feel like one is just settling...but I'm biased). It is so much fun watching his world expand.



Coming very soon...crawling!



[That sound? Oh, that's my knees knocking together. I'm not ready for infant mobility!]

My guys

Jason is on a fire in California right now, but I realized that I haven't posted many pictures of my good lookin' husband. Well, today I'm not just going to show you one handsome guy, but, get this....if you look at this picture in the next fifteen minutes, I'll throw in an extra (albeit shorter) tall drink of water. That's right folks, that's how convinced I am that this is something you're going to love as much as I do (well, maybe almost as much).

Remember, this is a limited time offer. Look today...don't delay!

Check out this blog!!

In a moment of complete randomness, I stumbled upon this blog. This family from Walla Walla, WA, is biking across the US (WITH kids!!)

How cool is that?!?!!! They update daily or so. Join me in following their progress! Talk about a great experience to share as a family. The kids seem like they're having a ball.

http://shut-up-and-pedal.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Grands!

Somehow we have been blessed with two family birthdays today!

Happy Birthday to Grandma Lori (who needs to schedule a photo shoot with her grandson!)!!

And Grandpa Hugh!

[And Sir John is 5 months-old today]

Yay everyone!!