Chapters

Life comes in many chapters. Some are little, some are long. Regardless, we have to finish one before starting the next. ~ ~ ~ Each new one brings about new characters, a new storyline, new places and adventures. The old ones still linger in our memories, leaving behind an impression of what once was. ~ ~ ~ Sometimes, new chapters bore us. Other times, we can't wait to get through them to see what happens next. Often, we are so captivated and wrapped up in it that we don't want it to end. ~ ~ ~ The new chapters bring about anticipation and excitement, all wrapped up with the fear of the unknown. Old chapters are left with fond memories, tears, and still, happy times. ~ ~ ~ Life is full of these... days that turn into weeks, then months, then years. Chapters that turn to novels, then series. And the best part of it? No story is the same. Each one has its own twists and turns, ups and downs. ~ ~ ~ Almost 6 years with the love of my life, we've had many chapters. Some wonderful and breathtaking. Others trying and difficult but brought us closer than before. Short chapters and long chapters. We've had them. But not all. ~ ~ ~ As we enter this very next chapter tomorrow, I wonder what this one will be like. Will it be the kind we enjoy? Will it be the one we can't wait to finish? Will it be the chapter that leads to the next big thing in our lives? Will we leave it in tears or have them the whole time? Will it be a blessing? We can't say. We don't know. ~ ~ ~ Chris, I wish you the best of luck tomorrow. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for our family. I love you more than words, and cannot wait to see what type of chapter will unfold.

Month 5

Weight: 18 pounds and a few ounces (according again to the Wii)

Height: 27 1/4 inches

Don't you just love this face? His personality is really shining through these days. He is so laid back and cracks us up! We don't have an appointment this month, so stats are based on my measurements. Give or take a few based on me trying my best but who really knows. We've started baby food this month. He likes carrots, loves sweet potatoes, and we'll have to try green beans again at a later date. That's all we've gotten to so far. We'll try squash and corn before too long. Fruits? I'm excited about those, but trying to give him a varietyof vegetables first. That applesauce is really tempting though...

Things We've Noticed:

~ He can roll from his tummy to his back. He doesn't do it much. I think he might be lazy.

~ For the first time, today actually, we found him completely backwards in his crib from how we found him. Don't know how he made it there, but he's moving.

~ He LOVES his Roundy-Round. Since Jamie and Laura called it that, it kind of stuck. He will stay in there for hours at a time. Well, at least until it is nap time.

~ He loves to be outside. The trees mesmerize him. When we walk, he just watches and looks around. He liked the carrier, but the weight was too much for me! Now, he relaxes in the stroller.

~ Anything and everything he can get his hands on goes in his mouth. He has been drooling and chewing like it's his job. Still though, no teeth.

~ He's discovered his feet. Like everything else, they go in his mouth. They are also very ticklish.

~I've been waiting this whole time and it has finally happened. He knows Rush exists! He actually realizes that there is something else there and that it has ears he can pull. Rush isn't too keen on Cutter knowing he is there, but he'll get used to it.

~ He doesn't like to wait for me to get a bottle to him. He grabs it and puts it in his mouth himself. If he can't grab it, he'll lean over and try to put his mouth on it.

~ Since he likes to hold his bottle, we got a sippy cup with handles. The water in it is a surprise to him, but he likes it. He just needs a little work tipping it back but he's doing fine!

~ He gets a stern "Uh uh- no sir" on a rare occassion. He likes to scream every once in awhile, especially when we set him down if he doesn't want to.

~ He travels VERY well. We went to Indiana and back in 4 days over spring break for my grandfather's 80th birthday. He was tired afterwards, but pretty much stuck to schedule and was awesome!

~ He likes to talk and wants to move. I fear what it will be like when he can actually do those things!

~ Leslie and Allison can make him laugh more than anyone I know. He thinks they are absolutely hilarious!

~ He goes to bed so well. We literally lay him down and walk away. He talks to his stuffed lion and holds him, most of the time falling asleep with it on his chest. He's now sleeping from about 7:30 until 6 in the morning. Give or take some.

~ He sleeps through the night, but we don't always. He does this crying/moaning/grunting thing quite often and can't always settle himself back down. It takes a hand on his chest or a paci to calm back down. He doesn't wake up during this though. I think he's working on some skills in his sleep. Once he can roll over both ways, I think that should improve. Hope so, because I was enjoying my 8 straight! ~ He wears a size 3 diaper and 9 month outfits. Some of those are a little snug lengthwise, so footless pajamas and 2 piece outfits work best for us.

We cannot believe he has been here for 5 months already. Time is flying by! He is a solid chunk and acts older than he is. I know he is a baby, but just doesn't seem like it anymore! I love his sweet snuggles, little laughs and the grins I get when we first wakes up. To know that he knows us and recognizes us when we walk in a room brings me such joy and excitement. I can't wait for 6 months- even more exciting things to come and 6 month pictures to take!

(This is the best silly face we got.)

Diaper Drama

Didn't you know? Diapers at this house cause some of the greatest drama. Yes, overreacting on many accounts can do this. We've had some recent memorable and noteworthy experiences I have decided to share with the world.

Lesson #1: Late night laundry isn't the best idea.

In a rush to get 4 loads of laundry done before retiring to bed, I was rather hasty in my loading of laundry. All of Cutter's hamper was dumped into the machine and started. This being in the "Diaper Drama" post, you can imagine what happened when I opened the lid. Yes, clear gel began to fall from each article of clothing I picked up. Unfortunately, the hamper is located right beside the Diaper Genie, and well, one of us missed. In my haste, I did not see it as I loaded the washing machine. Thus, one load turned into 4 in great attempts to get rid of the clear goop. Lesson learned.

Lesson #2: Boys will be boys and do boy things.

There are many lessons to be learned from this, but is mostly here to entertain all. There are two sides to every story, but I will try to tell this one as impartially as possible. Start with a Sunday afternoon, after Cutter's lunch feeding. He takes a dump, like all boys do. In stride, I take him back to Chris who is ironing, like few boys do. I hand him to Chris and ask him first to hold him for a second, and then to change his diaper. Yes. I did it. I broke all rules of diaper changing. Mind you though, it had been done to me before. Payback.

After a few moments of temporary disagreement in which Cutter might or might not have been sat on the bed until it was resolved, Chris went to change him. Baby monitors were still on. I counted down from 10 and waited for the exact moment when it hit.

"Taryn... come here quick! (gag). Aw, it's awful (gag). Taryn... (gag) you better come quick (gag). I can't hold it!"

I might have sauntered down the hall as opposed to rushed down it, but I made it there. Barely. Chris jetted out the door and barely made it to the restroom in time. I barely finished changing the diaper because I could not stop laughing!

Needless to say, we learned a lot. Don't eat a huge lunch before Cutter does. Don't have a mesh trash can as the only solid container standing beside the changing table. Don't do mean and dirty things to Taryn as they will be done back to you! Lesson learned.

Month 4

Weight: 17 pounds 6 ounces (90th percentile)

Height: 26 1/2 inches (90th percentile)

Head: 16 3/4 inches (55th percentile)

If time really does fly, it went at warp speed this last month! Factor in full work weeks and cereal at night... we are non-stop around here. Little man is not quite so little. It amazes me how much he changes and grows DAILY. He loves life and in turn, we love it more as well. He makes us laugh and keeps us very entertained. Just ask Chris about a recent memorable event!

Some things we've noticed:

~ He loves to laugh. Even more than before, if that is possible.

~ He will turn and look at you if he recognizes your voice.

~ He thinks it is funny when I sing to him. Sometimes though, he just sits and stares.

~ He is in a size 3 diaper, and in 6/9 month clothes.

~ He LOVES to play! The Mathews gave him their "Roundy Round" as the girls call it. He loves the music and travels around the base of it backwards. (Thank you!!)

~ He really does like Bible class. He sits in the big chairs the whole time, and will laugh and smile as well.

~ He is sleeping 8 hours a night. Hopefully, we can stretch that out even more here soon.

~ He loves cereal. I cannot make enough, shovel in enough, fast enough. I can't wait to see him with fruits and vegetables!

~ Bath time is still a favorite!

~ He likes walks. The stroller is a hassle, so we strap him in a carrier and go. He falls alseep on the way back, but he loves to look at the trees in the park.

~ Little stinker thinks he's got us fooled. If he fusses, I'll give him a look and he stops and laughs at me. Really? Already?

~ He tries to play me as well. He thinks I think he's lazy on his tummy. He'll just lay his head down for me. But put him on the carpet with Chris and he's all over the place! Guess who does tummy time now...

~ He has the roundest face with the cutest little ears that poke out from his head just a little.

~ His hair still has a strawberry blond tint to it. His eyebrows and eyelashes are light, so I wonder if it is going to stay.

~ He chews on his thumb occasionally. He did this in one ultrasound.

~ He has found his hands. And thus, everything he can get them on gets to his mouth.

~ Drool! We can soak a shirt in NO TIME!

~ No teeth yet, no signs of them coming through. I have a feeling it won't be long.

He has us spoiled rotten. What a blessing he is to us and those with whom we can share him! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful child. We learn more and more every day and are excited to see what each new one brings!