First Foods

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Look what I made, Ma!!!  For the past 6 months I've exclusively nursed this cutie pie.  I am so proud.  I feel very blessed that I have physically been able to do so and had the life circumstances that have permitted me to do so. I recognize not all moms have the physical ability or the life circumstances that allow them to nurse exclusively, so I am grateful that I can.  Having said all that, Mr. Russ turned 6 months on Sunday, so we celebrated with some first foods.  Russ started with oatmeal (pureed), which he rejected wholesale.  Just like is big bro! Then we moved on to applesauce, which went over a bit better, but he still wasn't entirely sure about it, hence (as you can see in the picture) more of it landed on his face and bib than in his belly.  The next night he tried a banana, which was a huge hit!   Butternut squash and carrots are on the menu for later this week.  This foodie Momma is delighted to start making baby food again.  Now if only I could get Mr. Henry to try some new foods...

As for other updates, Russ is like a rolly-polly potato bug and can roll himself half way across the room now.  He's quite the escape artist too, wiggling out of the Bumbo the other day.  Sad to have to retire it so early, but for safety, I might have to.  He doesn't quite have the core strength to sit up on his own yet, but he easily sits with just a bit of assistance.  I bet he will master sitting by the end of January.  Standing is one of his favorite positions and can do so easily by just holding onto a couple of fingers.  Hopefully this doesn't translate into early walking, otherwise I am in trouble! He is still drooling like a St. Bernard, but no teeth have arrived.  He frequently squeals with delight and is constantly "talking."  My mom routinely tells me "Wow, he's a noisy baby!" He's generally a happy little dude, but he fights sleep with all is might, which is how he acquired his nickname "Fussy Russy."  Unlike his big brother who had a love affair with his pacifiers and could self-sooth easily, Russ hasn't found many self-soothing solutions, so he usually protests naps and bedtime (sometimes with screeching, to make extra sure everyone in the house knows he doesn't want to go to sleep, but really NEEDS to go to sleep).  Speaking of sleep, he continues to be an inconsistent sleeper.  Sometimes he is only up once in the middle of the night, but other times (seems to be more often than not recently), he's up three, four, or five times in the middle of the night.  So glad, this phase is temporary.  Sleep deprivation makes a person a little nutty!  Russ also enjoys reading board books and engages more and more everyday, playing with his baby rattles, cars and stuffed animals.  Two of his favorite "toys" are Mommy's hair (which he pulls every chance he gets) and sweatshirt strings (which instantly go into his mouth). 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!  We had a fabulous Christmas season, celebrating with those we love most, our friends and family.  We are so grateful for all your love and support.  Cheers!!!

Baby Boy

Those big beautiful eyes are nothing but trouble!  He already knows how to give me "the eyes" and manipulate his world through flirtation.  Watch out ladies!!!

Mr. Russy's smile melts my heart.  I can't get enough of it.  Lucky for me, he's generous with the smiles.  Makes my day, every time.

Much like his brother did as a baby, Russ enjoys sitting on the counter while Mama cooks or does the dishes.  He's getting close to being able to sit up on his own, but for know, the Bumbo is a lifesaver.

Handmade Gift

Henry made Mommy and Daddy a calendar at school for Christmas. I totally love it! Each month has a handprint creation. I stole it for my office before Ryan could even think about hanging it anywhere else. I cherish my first homemade gift from Mr. Henry.

We are in such a sweet chapter with Henry right now. On Friday, I visited his classroom for a little holiday party and gift presentation. He loves his school, his teachers and his friends. The inner geek in me is excited that he enjoys school so much. He was so proud to give me his handmade calendar, introduce me to his best friend Arfon, and to show me how the sink and soap dispenser in the classroom work. I am so glad I took the day off of work so I could participate.

Christmas Cookies

We have a tradition in our house of making Christmas cookies to share with our neighbors.  This year, Henry was strong (and coordinated) enough to grind up the walnuts all by himself.  He was so proud of himself. This year's treat box included blondies, coconut macaroons, and frosted sugar cookies.

It is thrilling to Henry to be able to lick the dough off the mixer paddle.  I think everybody has fond childhood memories of licking the cookie dough spoon clean, I know I do!

Sugar cookies make an epic mess of a kitchen, but they are SOOOOOO worth it! Henry and I had so much fun cutting them out (cowboy hats and fire hydrants included...those are Christmas shapes, right!?!) and then frosting them with various colors, but Henry insisted that I not make any "girly colors."

Visiting Santa

After waiting an hour in line to see Santa, I wasn't sure if either boy would have the patience to get their picture taken with Santa, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one.

Henry was shy at first, but after a few minutes, he warmed up to Santa enough to tell him he wanted him to bring him a marble run. We'll see if Santa thinks he's been naughty or nice this year...

Calm before the storm.

Just as our turn was about to end, Henry finally decided Santa was safe enough to stand next to, but Russ decided he was D.O.N.E taking pictures. Perhaps I have a twisted sense of humor, but I find this protest picture with Santa funny, especially given how happy Santa and Henry look.  Real life captured!