Sidetracked

Posing nice for Mommy

Jack spotted something far more fun than posing for Mommy.

Jack's furry friend who is far more fun than a photo session with Mommy!

Splish, Splash Jack Was Taking a Bath

Jack has learned how to make the water splash. I walked away from Jack's bath tonight needing a towel for myself! John played with him for a bit while I dried off and ran to get the camera.

Yum! Yum! Mommy Cooked!

Lots of mommies I know are making their children's baby food. I've decided to try it. Jack got the nod from Dr. Bigham to try something other than rice cereal yesterday, so I started cooking. Jack had his first sweet potato, and he really seemed to like it. We got to laugh at a little bit of gagging, but I've read that gagging is completely normal when a baby is tasting something new. Also on Jack's menu for the next month or so? Carrots, green beans, peas, squash, applesauce, bananas, peaches, pears, and prunes. Wish us luck!

Before

After

Trying It Out (Please excuse the "mommy talk".)

6 Months Old.... Awk! Half a Year?

UPDATE: I took Jack to the doctor for his six month appointment. He now weighs 18 pounds 13 ounces and is 26.5 inches long. What a big boy!

Jack is six months old today. When I think of 6 months in terms of months, my mind can wrap around it. But, when I think of those 6 months in terms of years and I realize that Jack is now half a year old, I am astounded by how quickly time has passed.

Was it really already half a year ago that I was getting ready for my 37 week doctor's appointment knowing that it was probably the day Jack would be born? The previous week Dr. Redden told me to bring my bag and to be ready for the big event because she was on call that day and she was growing concerned about my blood pressure and I was already dilated to 4 cm, so she thought she would probably induce labor.

Was it really half a year ago that I was induced at 11:00 but told John to go ahead and go to his important meeting at work before he came to the hospital? Little did he know that I was too scared to get the epidural by myself, so even though I was quite uncomfortable I waited until he arrived. Then I kicked myself over the fact that the epidural barely hurt at all, and I could have skipped feeling those painful contractions if I hadn't been such a weenie!

Was it really half a year ago that I held Jack for the first time, absolutely amazed that he was here and that he was ours and that he had the weirdest shaped head of all time?

And yet so much has changed in that half a year. John and I have changed. Our lives have changed in so many wonderful, meaningful ways. Was it really half a year ago?

Put That On the Calendar, Mom!

Today I noted on Jack's calendar that he can sit up. He still prefers to lay on his tummy instead of sitting, but I think those days are drawing to a close. He can also roll and roll and roll until he reaches whatever interests him. Just some milestones for the calendar!

Cute Photo

I've Almost Got It!

Jack is so close to being an independent sitter. He is still a little wobbly, but he manages to keep his balance for several seconds before toppling over.

Puppy Love

The Inchworm

Jack is on the move! And this uncomfortable looking maneuver is how he does it. We've coined it The Inchworm in our house.

Fun With Mommy

An Outside Shot- After Only Two Days' Effort

Failed Photo Shoot

I decided to take Jack outside for some pictures today because the light was so pretty. It didn't work. I started with him in his Bumbo seat, but all he wanted to do was play in the grass.

So, I got him out of his Bumbo seat and let him lay in the grass. He studied the grass briefly.

Then he decided that eating the grass seemed like just the thing to do.

This face tells me that he didn't like it very much at all.

This photo shoot was a definite flop!

Goodbyes and Hellos

This afternoon, John, Jack, and I had to say goodbye to one of our favorite friends. Megan flew back to Minnesota. Boy will we miss her! Jack was so devastated by her departure that he had to find a new friend to console him. Meet Jack's newest friend!

That's right. The kid loves to play with his feet these days. Don't you just love those chunky little thighs? He gets them from his mama!

Big Eater

Grandma and Grandpa gave Jack this high chair. I think Grandma wants him to be a big eater as soon as possible so she can win him over with her baking! Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa!

You Want Me To Do WHAT With This Thing, Mom?

My Grown-up Sidekick

While most of the Johnsons went home on Sunday, I was able to convince Kathy to let me keep Megan for an extra 10 days. We're putting her on a plane on Tuesday afternoon. I don't know what I am going to do once she leaves, but I've already gotten a text message from Kevin saying that there would be trouble in paradise if she misses that plane.

Megan is such a pleasure to have here. Jack grins whenever she comes within 10 feet of him. In fact, I felt completely comfortable leaving Jack with Megan while John and I went out to celebrate our 8th anniversary on Tuesday. Megan has also helped me get back on track in the exercise department. If I disregard the fact that she can run 6 miles faster than I can walk 3, I feel pretty good about it.

Thinking about how quickly Megan has grown up makes me want to treasure every moment with Jack. Megan has been my sidekick since the day she was born. I remember that when she was small she couldn't quite say my name so she called me Ie. I also remember when she came and spent the night with me while I was in college and when she had the chicken pox and so many other memories that bring a smile to my face. I have to treasure these moments with Jack because before too long he'll be turning 17 years old too. We love you, Megan.

Pure Joy

Music City 10k

Kathy and Kevin took Megan downtown to run the Music City 10k on the 4th of July. After finishing in 45:40, Megan still had the energy to walk all over downtown Nashville to see the sights. She didn't poop out until the next day, and Jack was all too willing to take a little snooze with her!

Hog Wild

John rented this Harley to ride with Kevin, Jake, and Matt. Today they rode to Lynchburg to tour the Jack Daniels Distillery. Don't the boys look tough?

Aunt Kathy and Jack

Family Portrait