What's so funny??

Tomorrow we are going to a Stroller Skate Off......not sure what to expect but I hope it involves me in roller skates and JJ in the stroller....I think we will BOTH enjoy that :-) The other way around would be just too silly!

On the work front: I am doing LOTS of research on how to build my own website/blog. I am so excited to work on this. Since I have cut back on my hours to see patients, I wanted to make sure I was still "working". The website has needed updating for over a year....and I have been dying to add a blog on PRACTICAL tips for healthy families. There are some wonderful resources available but I think many of the gurus are so over the top that families don't have the time/money/fortitude to stick it out. .....that's my two cents.....

On the Knitting Front: I am knitting a few hours here and there. Working on the Great American Aran Afghan. I have started the first square and am about 20 rows in....only 60-ish to go :-) I also need 19 more squares.....my goal is to have it done in time for JJ to take to college with him ;-D

I am also knitting on a shawl that is to be a gift to the midwife who delivered JJ. .....any other ABC mamma's out there....SHHhhhhhhhh! It's a surprise!

Well, that's it! Just had to share another LOVELY photo of my boy!

Family Picture Day-

JJ will be 9 months old in just seven days.......my how time flies.....and how full our hearts!

Growing, Growing...

and for your viewing pleasure:

Photo Day!Today we went to get photos of JJ with his cousins. It was fun! Chaos.....but fun!

Do I have the most beautiful nieces or what?

Here is Mr. JJ just as cute as can be!

EIGHT MONTH UPDATE!

Jj is officially 8 months, he is more amusing and adventurous every day.

He is over 20 pounds and so we have taken out the infant car seat and upgraded to the Britix rear-facing. It's SO much easier to move him in and out and not that huge carrier...I got tendonitis from lifting it in and out of the car...so it HAD to go!.....but I do miss how easily he used to sleep in the infant carrier and how it attached to the stroller.....but we are moving into "big baby" toys and activities now which is good for all of us.

JJ loves to crawl, explore and pull to standing on EVERYTHING. We still struggle with sleeping but it is SO much better than it was a few months ago and I am sure in a few months this will be behind us as well....replaced by new challenges.

As parents we are struggling to balance our new life (work, baby, marriage, friends, hobbies). But I feel we are doing great. JJ hasn't had to go to daycare or a babysitter. He is cared for by loving family always. I hope we can continue this for him as long as possible. It's such a blessing for all of us.

My practice continues to grow and JJ is now enjoying coming along with me a few hours a week:

Mommy! I'm helping out at the office!

And we try to get in a family adventure at least once a month. This time we picked Peaches and made homemade jam:
Yeah, yeah, that one on the left....Peaches for me and a few for mom and dad.

YUM! Fresh from the orchard

Oh No! He has been corrupted forever......ice cream.....

We are making other adjustments as well in response to JJ's growing capabilities:
Time to lower the crib! We also had to move some furniture, remove the changing table from the pack-n-play, remove the diaper organizer from the pack-n-play, move baby toys out of the playroom to make room for bigger toys, remove the fireplace tools from the hearth......there are new things each day that have to be moved or adjusted.....it's awesome! he is growing so fast.

Little Explorer

I LOVE bathtime.....FINALLY! JJ was afraid of the pool and bath for a few weeks but now he giggles and plays with his ducks. We haven't been in the pool in a while...it's been so rainy. Hopefully this weekend we'll swim with the cousins.

Miss Ellie, wearing the dress I knit for her......isn't she precious?!