Six Month Stats

John visited the pediatrician for his six month checkup today. (we just spent the weekend celebrating his half-birthday, his baptism, and the Olympics-- more to come on the festivities)

Here's his stats:
Length- 28 inches, 94th percentile!!
Weight- 17lbs, 6oz, 52nd percentile
Head- 17 inches, "average"

He has only one inch to go before he's at the height limit for his carseat! Maybe he's taking after his namesake for height :-)

He impressed everyone with his strength doing "baby crunches" whilst being measured, and rolling over and holding his head and chest high when the doctor was there. (btw, she said he has a "nice, round head")

She said we don't need to be concerned about the spit ups since he's clearly growing and happy. Also he said he can try drinking some water (up to 8 oz a day).

We'd taken a break from the cereal when he got a cold just before our two week trip to SC (plus it was so easy not to be bothered by pumping, mixing cereal, finding a place to seat him to feed him, etc. while traveling), so we need to get back to that.

We also discussed sunblock. She continues to recommend Neutrogena Sensitive Skin brand and also likes "the organic ones." We'll continue to stick with the zinc and titanium and steer clear of the chemical-based sunscreens. She also encouraged us to have both boys wear hats and sunglasses when outdoors.

John got the next round of shots (he eagerly gulped down the oral rotovirus vaccine this time!), and didn't cry too much. He did pass out in the car on the way home.

James was a proud big brother and so well behaved. He enjoyed standing in the stool to watch John's check-up, and to play tic-tac-toe with me while we waited.

Both boys are now napping upstairs. (James's first nap at home in ages!)

"I want to go to bed."

I think we can count on one hand, with fingers left over, the number of times James has willingly trotted off to bed at night. Well, on Saturday night James actually declared his desire for sleep! We'd left the beach that morning, hit the Summerville Farmers Market (to see Wabi Sabi Farm in action!), gone to lunch with Aunt Maggie and Uncle Joe, then met up with our friends from Furman for a cookout. James had a blast playing with their son, and just as we were about to get in the car, he tripped on a tree root (while running full tilt) and scraped his face. I knew it really hurt because he actually cried and admitted pain (not the norm at all). When we got back to the hotel to find some yummy treats (thanks, Mag!), James ate half a cookie, had a few sips of milk, and then requested(!) bed!

We didn't get much fuss after the baseball game Sunday either. And last night he fell asleep on the way back from our visit to the farm, not even waking up between the parking garage and our room!

We had another jam-packed day today-- breakfast with Auntie Maggie and Uncle Joe, swimming, packing the car, lunch with Daddy, a long afternoon at the children's museum (which included A LOT of dress-up!), and gelato with Daddy. Now we're in the car on the way to Nana and Pops. We didn't even get out of Charleston County before James was fast asleep, his "cold, refreshing drink" clutched in his hand.

Happiness

If you know me, you know how I love my family. My sisters are my best friends, and I normally talk to my mom on a close to daily basis. I also have some great extended family and have shared plenty of laughs and good times with my uncles, aunts and cousins.

Somehow, I also managed to marry into a wonderful family. Last night i was just overwhelmed by the realization that Dan's aunt, uncle, cousins, and cousins' kids have welcomed me (and my fam) into their clan, and that I just love them so much.

After supper last night, we went out ghost crab hunting. James was having soooooo much fun! They all were. They were running around with flashlights and glow sticks, "Found one! Over here!" and they'd squeal and laugh and chase it around and jump up if it came toward them. So, so, so fun. There was also a moment when we all were doing our best crab imitations-- running along sideways with our "pinchers" waving over our heads. It was hilarious.

It was such an idyllic, wonderful experience. Watching the kids have so much fun. Being on the beach. Seeing so many stars overhead. Feeling so lucky to be part of this wonderful family.

Family Fun

Today we took a little post-lunch jaunt down to Ben and Jerry's. Just the four of us. Very fun. And yummy! Note: when it's pushing three digits on the ol' thermometer, go for a cup (like Dan and James), not a cone (like me).

Things I Love

Getting up to run while everyone else is asleep.
Salt air.
Snuggling.
Seafood.
"Vacation-Dan".
My sisters.
A post-run cup of coffee.
Baking.
Ice cream.
Family time.
The Olympics.
Playing Bananagrams.
The Atlantic.

Three Bears in the Bed

Beach Baby

John made it out to the beach in the late afternoon yesterday and hung out with me in what Kim has dubbed the fortress of solitude (a shade tent thingy). He did splash around in the water before we headed back to the house.
He and I are back in the fortress of solitude II (our first shelter ripped its seams in the time between when we left the beach and when Dan came back to retrieve it after dinner-- oops). John's presently snuggling in for a nap in my lap (thus the fussy face in this morning's photo).

Beach Boy

This morning I was able to spend some quality time with my older boy while Grandma stayed up at the house with my sleeping babe.

At some point it seems, James has grown up. He just looked so big to me! We had so much fun jumping over and kicking in the waves. Then he was boogie boarding!! (thanks, Jimmy!)

Last night we had a great time just hanging out and catching up with everyone. Of course, Dan was playing poker with the gang. John slept soundly while I enjoyed a drink and some good stories and laughs. James had a blast with Nate and Jenna. They all stayed up late, went to bed with no fuss, and slept in this morning.

What a great start to our vacation!

Happy Summer

James is done with school now, and we're so happy to spend our days together.