These Little Moments...

Last Thursday, Sean and I were able to observe Gracie's dance class during "Observation Week". It's always interesting to have parents present because we serve as a great distraction to the little girls. Gracie kept peeking at us through the mirror, but stayed mostly focused on her teacher. They performed their ballet and tap routines while we watched, then we saw their recital costume for the first time. I was very proud of Gracie! I can tell that she truly enjoys her class, and really seemed to have fun during the tap routine! I am looking forward to her first dance recital in June! My little guy started pulling up last week. Sean and I weren't home when he did it for the first time, so I've been excited to see him for myself! Sure enough, he's pulling up on everything possible now and has started standing while holding on with only one hand! He actually has pretty good balance, so it will be interesting to see when he realizes he can cruise aroun...

After what's easily become an entire year of not sleeping through the night (given that it's nearly impossible to sleep soundly during those final months of pregnancy), I decided it was time to implement the dreaded "cry it out" sleep training method. I've tip toed around this topic for weeks (and weeks ) now, hoping that maybe, just maybe , a miracle would occur and Ethan would stop waking so frequently during the night. But, as I secretly already knew, little dude enjoys the luxury of an all-night snack bar, and the comfort of Mommy's arms. We tried sending Daddy in to rock and soothe him back into a peaceful sleep, but discovered it only enraged this tiny, half-sleeping child, making things much, much worse. At Ethan's 9 month appointment, I was asked by both the nurse and the doctor if my son was sleeping through the night. When I gave a reluctant shake of my head in response both times (while also thinking, can't you tell I'm not getting a...

Ethan's 9 month appointment was this morning. He looked absolutely pitiful, you would have thought we were there for a sick visit. In the 30 minutes before we left the house, he fell and bumped his head twice on the hardwood floor. Add in his snotty nose, one red eye (a result of his relentless crying during a failed attempt at nap time yesterday), and the fact that it was his morning nap time... Yeah, he was looking pretty rough. The good news, however, is that we have a perfectly healthy, happy baby boy. It is a blessing I do not take for granted. He's growing, which we can easily tell. 17 pounds (10th percentile) and 30 inches (95th percentile) long. I always go back and look at Gracie's weight and height at his age, and at both the 6 month and 9 month appointments, they have been the exact same length. I didn't expect any shots today, but I had forgotten he would need the second part of his flu vaccine. Funny thing is, he was so mad about being laid back and held do...

After Ethan's nap one day this week, I opened the blinds and discovered a lovely afternoon light filling his room. I went for my camera, hoping to sit back and practice with a few settings while watching him play happily. In doing so, I also discovered that A) my hope chest, which was both built and hand painted by my grandfather, makes an incredible background and B) capturing my baby's smile brings me great happiness.  I've looked at this picture 100 times and his smile makes me smile every time. Ethan is 9 months old today. I'm celebrating yet another month that went too quickly, but also a blessed month that has brought an immeasurable amount of joy. If I could slow down time, I would, but since I can't, I'll just enjoy each God given second with this little boy, one of two insanely bright lights in my life. Ethan, you are very mobile now. You love to crawl and you're getting increasingly comfortable with pulling up to your knees anywh...

I want to post more often, I really do. It's tough to find the time, though... I did want to add a few pictures that I've taken with my phone over the past week or so. It's much easier for me to capture little random moments that way. Looking back at them makes me smile. :) So, here ya go!

Ethan started crawling last weekend. It was neat because we were all together when he made those first official moves. He's been scooting around for a while, so we knew it was coming. There was lots of cheering and clapping for our boy. He seems to be getting quicker by the day. Sister still gets excited when he starts out across the floor. "Look! He's straight up crawling!" :) She cracks me up. Sometimes she says things and I think, do I say that?? He's also started pulling up to his knees and is working on getting both feet under him so he can pull all the way up. It's amazing to watch all these changes, which seem to be happening over night. I really do love this age so much. I remember it well with Gracie. The funny noises they make, the mimicking of sounds, the crawling, pulling up, the dancing and clapping... I love watching him react to new things. He's so curious about everything around him. This is the age that forces you to see the world in a who...

Sean will be home tonight. I am so happy. The iPhone has honestly made it easier to feel connected, with picture messages, videos, and FaceTime in the evenings, but I have missed him so much! Not much longer now! I'm feeling so lucky today. The weather is absolutely gorgeous! I've been up since 5:45, but I feel so good somehow! Ha! The kids and I were at Target soon after the store opened, picking out the newest member of the My Little Pony collection for Gracie. The deal was, she listened and helped Mommy out while Daddy was away, and she could choose any pony she wanted. I love how hanging a $5 toy over her head all week made my life a little easier. Bribery, I know how to use it to my advantage. Don't judge. :) While at Target, I grabbed a Caffe Mocha just because I wanted one (maybe I'm still running on that caffeine boost?), then dropped a client's picture disk off at the post office before heading to meet my mom and sister for lunch. It's been a fun, ...