Just a few summer pics since it has been a little hectic here lately. Just a few things going on, all exciting, but that's for another post! The boys and I have been busy, busy lately and now that Jude is on the go, I'm equally busy at home trying to keep up with these two!
Our little guy is growing up WAY too fast! You can see he is now fully indulging in all things baby food. In fact just this morning, I turned my head for 3 seconds and he had flipped Jonah's bowl of (thankfully dry) Cheerios and stuck a fistful in his mouth. This kid is trouble!
And now with Jude full-blown crawling, often times when cooking dinner, I hear giggles and padding on the floor and turn around to something similar to this scene:
And my big boy, but my little ham! He calls this his "Old McDonald" hat and now likes to wear it everywhere. Goes great with the (ahem) gloves! And I wish so much that he hadn't been naked when I video taped him shaking his booty and singing to his new favorite song "Scream" by Usher. "Oh baby, baby, Oh baby, baby" Consider yourself lucky if I see you in person and can share it with you! It's hilarious!
Has it really been half a year? Wow! We are now closer to having a 1 year old then we are a new born! They say the second child grows up too fast, and they were not lying!
We had Jude's 6 month well visit today and we of course, received two thumbs up from Dr. L. At one point during the visit, as Jude literally was crawling off the exam table, Dr. L looks at me and says, "You know this is not normal for this age?" Meaning, this child's freakish mobility!
And speaking of mobility, Jude is now comfortable sitting up for moments at a time on his own. But heck, who wants to sit still when you can crawl over to big brother's toys or try to take his waffle off his plate? Not this guy!
Stats were as follows:
Weight 16 lbs, 13 oz
Height 28 inches
Foiling my attempts to hold off on solids and follow more of a baby-led weaning process, Jude had other plans. His serious interest in food (read: tears food from Mom's hands and then cries when removed. Or: follows Dad's fork to his mouth then plate and back for minutes at a time) we decided to give veggies and fruit a try. He knew exactly what to do upon first try! He now eats fruit/cereal for breakfast and a veggie for dinner. I am anxious for him to get to table food in the next few months and enjoy dinner with the family.
This dude takes 2 good naps a day; usually at 9 and 2 for about 2 hours each and has pushed his bedtime back closer to 7, which is much more doable than the previous 6 pm! Night feedings are still a bit of a battle, but I think my body would go into shock if I actually slept more than 4 hours straight.
I told Dr. L that Jude is the child you forget you have! And I mean that as the highest compliment. He is so easy going and happy that you often forget he is in the room! He adores Jonah - I'm mentally preparing myself for Jo Jo to be his first words! And has taken a new-found interest in the dogs. At this point they are like "whatever!" Babies are old news to them.
Jude, I don't know what it is about you? Maybe the super chubby cheeks or those expressive eyebrows? Maybe it's how super snugly you are or how you giggle at ever.y.thing? But you have me wrapped around your finger! I can't get enough of you, even if it is 4 in the morning and you're screaming like a banshee! You are the sweetest little guy and I am so glad to be your mom! We are looking forward to watching you grow up!
Unfortunately, these videos are already outdated! It still amazing me how one day Jude can't do something and the next he can! But, nonetheless, you can see the little guy in action!
I figured while wrapping up Jude's 6 month post, I needed to post a little about my oldest, sweetest, smartest, funniest boy, Jonah! Jonah has taken to big brotherhood like a champ. He dotes on Jude constantly and Jude equally adores him! But the real apple of Jonah's eye these days is Daddy. He is ALL about his Dad. In fact, Ryan has taken over snuggling duties at night - a task previously reserved for Mom only. I love that these two have such an awesome bond. I am also looking forward to Jude growing up and being able to enjoy the wrestling and tickling matches these two have!
Jonah and his favorite guy!
The curls!
One hot day last week, prior to haircut, Jonah's hair was getting in his face. I put it in this lovely ponytail and sent a picture to Ryan waiting to be reamed for making his boy look like a girl. Instead I get a text back, "This is so awesome! My son looks like a samurai"! Oh Ryan, one of the million reasons I love you!
Ooops is right! I uploaded all these images from Easter weekend way back when and forgot to add commentary and publish! They were/are worth showing, sooooo, here they are.
We hit the Easter egg hunt at Veteran's Park. It was a little crazy and a bit overwhelming for Jonah.
Here comes the helicopter for drop off. Definitely the highlight of the day for Jonah.
Dad's hat!
Me and my BIG boy!
On Easter Sunday we decided to take advantage of the perfect weather and hit the zoo. It was pretty deserted, which was great. We finally bought a membership this year, and so far it's proven to be awesome and totally worth it.
Funny story, Ryan says funny things like "super market" instead of "grocery store", "supper" instead of "dinner" or "buggy" instead of "shopping cart" and well, "britches" instead of "pants". So Jonah, wanting to emulate his dad would obviously repeat everything out of his mouth. Problem was when Jonah talked about "his britches" he dropped the "r" sound and it sounded like he was repeating lyric from his very own rap song. Soooo,moral of the story, Ryan now calls them "pants", exclusively, no exceptions.
Back to my smarty pants. Here's a video of Jonah "reading" all his shapes from a new book.
And on to screechy britches. I've mentioned on several occasions how Jude has this war cry, or pterodactyl screech that he likes to do at, ummm, 5 in the morning. It's definitely a happy sound and I can't help but laugh when I hear it. Jonah likes to tell me "listen Mom, Jude's being crazy".
Jonah never sucked his thumb. He doesn't need a blanky, nor does he care about any stuffed animals. He spit out pacifiers with disgust as a baby. Now, at 2 1/2 years, he has found his obsession. His new best friend. His gloves.
I've posted so many darn pictures of Jonah wearing these gloves; I don't even notice them anymore. These things go everywhere with us - our neighbors have even started to call him "Mr. Gloves". I figured it was time they had their own post.
Seriously, if it was up to Jonah, we would have them somehow permanently affixed to his hands. But, because I don't believe in eating with dirty gloves (or any gloves for that matter) or sleeping with gloves, we've had to convince him that these stinking green gloves are now "outdoor" gloves. It's gone over fairly well so far, however, he needed "indoor" gloves too (duh Mom) so Ryan reluctantly turned over his fleece Nike gloves until we can find a suitable replacement. And when no gloves are available, like say, first thing in the morning when he wakes up - my child improvises and puts his socks on his hands like gloves! I kid you not!
We can't figure out why he is so obsessed. Maybe it's his need to adorn himself? Maybe it's a comfort thing? Maybe it's because everywhere we go people tell him "hey, cool gloves." I just take a deep breath and tell myself this is yet another phase of toddler-hood. It is, right?
When I was growing up, people liked to sing the "Jenny, Jenny" song to me. You know, "867-5309". That is if they weren't referring to me as "Jen-nay" thank you very much Forrest Gump. Ahh, the cruel, cruel high school years! I can only imagine in a few years, Jude will hear the Beatles tribute sung to him for the millionth time. In fact, we sing it multiple times a day, because well, it's an awesome song. Jonah being Jonah has his own version of the song when he sings to his brother. I kinda like it. And if anyone can figure out what "boots" are, I'll give you a million dollars!
It also just came to my attention that I am dishing the words to Jonah incorrectly. So for that, I apologize - especially to my mother who knows ever word to ever Beatles song ever written. Sorry to let you down :)
Speaking of Mr. Jude, he happens to be 5 BIG months today. Wow! So in celebration of those months, here's a video of Jude doing what he does best: Screeching like a pterodactyl, sucking on his feet and smiling and laughing at his Mama.
We were so excited to end the month of March with Uncle Chris in town for a visit. The weather was perfect the whole week and we took full advantage, showing Chris all the great things to do in Birmingham. So, you know, in case you want to get a residency here, I'm just saying, it's a happening city.
Things "jumped" off to a silly start (ok, that was lame) at the botanical gardens. Jonah inspired us all to jump off the rock and looking back at these photos I'm not sure if it's more embarrassing that I took them or that I am posting them on the Internet!
And can I just say - Ryan TOTALLY wins best jump!
I think it took 24 hours before Jonah announced in the car "I love Uncle Chris"!
Babl Boys x3!
Leading the way on the boardwalk at Railroad Park.
Sometimes I forget about this kid because he is so darn sweet and quiet!
King of the Rock!
We finished out the week with our playgroup Easter party. Jonah was a little young last year to participate in any egg hunts, but this year he jumped right in and seemed to know exactly what to do. We'll be hitting up another hunt this weekend with Ryan in tow, so more hunts and goodies to come.
It's impossible to get enough of this little guy! Four months have come and gone, along with his last monthly doctor's appointment. He weighed in just over 15 lbs, still hanging around the 80% mark. Just a note, Jonah was 12lbs 12oz at his 4 month. Funny how the same two people make seriously different kids!
Jude just might be the easiest baby on the planet! Not only is he easy going, smiley and perma-happy, he is also a super eater and sleeper. He takes two naps a day, usually about 2 hours each. Just lay this guy down in his crib and he is out in a few! My only wish would be for him to drop one feeding at night. On the plus side, Jude is all business - he wakes up, eats and falls right back to sleep.
He has been rolling back to belly since about 3 months. This last week we conquered belly to back and he can spin himself around on the floor to get a good look at Jonah, Mom, Dad, the tv! He is getting really good at push ups and on multiple occasions, he has gotten his knees underneath his belly. Scary!
Push Ups!
So many people ask me if "the second" was/is harder than the first and my answer is "Heck No!" Jonah rocked our world as we entered the unknown realm of parenthood. With Jude, we are old pros, more confident, less obsessive and all-around laid back. From the moment we brought Jude home, he adjusted into our lives (contrary to our lives adjusting to Jonah, thank you first born!) and fit in perfect.
Needless to say, I am head over heels about this guy! Make that all three of my guys :)
Oh, wait, it only feels like summer. We have spent what seems like every waking moment outside, soaking up the sunshine and sneezing our heads off during the day and enjoying cool evenings sans mosquitoes.
This Old Man still has some spunk!
Sweet, sweet face :) I love this action shot of Jones kicking the grass.
This little one seems to discover something new every day. Today: the feeling of fresh grass on our hands and feet. Nothing as sweet as brotherly love.
King of the Rock! 
