Teddy’s First Halloween

20131031-215717.jpg

We are currently in a crazy time of our lives. Alex is in school and possibly one of the hardest semesters he’s had. I started a part-time job at our church and to top it off we’re moving. Needless to say a super, ultra cool Halloween costume wasn’t the first thing on our list.

But, as luck would have it, Auntie Jonna had purchased Teddy a pilot outfit for my baby shower in a 6 month size! Huzzah!! To top it off we had Boone’s costume from the year before. Seriously, our dog is pretty great.

So, without further ado, Teddy the pilot and Boome the plane!

20131031-215125.jpg

We made sure to stop by Auntie Jonna’s for Teddy’s first trick-or-treat experience. Then he headed out to a fun party with tasty chili, cornbread, treats and trick-or-treating. What a blast!

Teddy was great at the party and it was so fun to see all the kids being able to walk around a neighborhood and ask for candy. Everyone was so friendly and some of the houses were so creative!

We had such a great time celebrating Teddy’s first holiday tradition. He even waited until we got home to conk out because he didn’t want to miss anything.

20131031-215615.jpg

First Words

Five days ago Teddy started intentionally trying to repeat what I was saying while we practice our daily, “Dadas” and “Mamas”. I was really trying to stress the “mamas”, to which my mom said, “Ohhhh, good luck with that. It’s ALWAYS ‘Dada’ first!”

Then Teddy and I got sick. The lessons stopped and the cuddles, humidifier and Vicks vapor rub began. Nothing but a few coughs and squeals from our little Mr. Sunshine.

Finally, today we were just starting to feel better… And Daddy gets sick! We still had an errand we needed to run so we hoped in the car with me driving and Alex in the back. He figured, let’s give it a shot. He started saying, “Dada.” And would you believe???? Teddy started saying it!

“Dadadadadada! Dadada! Dada.”

I was driving, but luckily Alex caught it on his phone so I could watch it back later. At least I got to hear it for real. It was just the cutest thing in the whole world. I didn’t even mind that it wasn’t a “Mama” first. And even though he’s still coughing and hacking he’s been going non stop! “Dadadadada!” Alllll the live long day!

Just the cutest.

I imagine it’s hard being the working parent so I’m just very glad Alex not only got the first word, but it was “Dada.” Just melts your heart.

Teddy | 4 Months

Teddy, I know I say it all the time but you are just the best baby! You are so easy, friendly, cuddly and so darn sweet.  You make everyone feel like a million bucks with your sweet smile and you’re growing leaps and bounds. Your doctor says you have the biggest personality and you are so strong. He’s right! You are constantly on the move, squirming and scooting and rolling everywhere. You are getting very tired of your playmat and find it boring. You always have to exploring whatever I’m doing. It’s so sweet to watch you intensely taking in all my moves when I’m making dinner or doing dishes and playing with Boone.

You love to grab and pull. And you really love your puppy Boone. He dances around for you and you laugh. You started laughing some really deep laughs this month and it brings Daddy and I so much joy to hear it. Thank you so much for not growing up too fast — I love every moment I get to spend with you.

*         *          *

Teddy is now 15.25 lbs and well over 2 feet long now. He is usually in the 90th percentile for weight, but he’s dropped down to the 70th which the doctor said is probably because of all his moving around. He rolls everywhere and squirms all the time.

My favorite thing that Teddy has done more intentionally now is holding my hand and reaching for Daddy’s & my face. It is just the sweetest thing every time. He LOVES to intertwine his fingers with mine and he even finds it comforting while we drive in the car if he can hold my hand.

Some of Teddy’s favorite people are his grandparents. He LOVES to Facetime with them and we do it as often as we can.

Some new tricks Teddy learned this month was sitting up on his own. I still prop him with pillows but he sure has some strong abs! He can sit up all on his own from a reclined position. He’s using his strength any way he can, from turning over his play gym to throwing things, and kicking and grabbing. If he wants something he just goes for it!

Another thing he’s been up to this month is getting up on his knees while on his tummy. He is working so hard to crawl, but I think he’s still going to hold out until 6 months to actually do it.

Alex thinks that he’ll be crawling by the end of this month. We’ll see!

Teddy is also obsessed with his feet. He grabs them all the time, even in the bath, which makes it hard to keep him reclined. Once he’s fully sitting up on his own we will have to transition him to a bigger tub, that’s for sure! He can’t quite get his feet into his mouth yet, but he does everything he can to try. It is so amazing to see him trying to accomplish things on his own. I’m so proud!

Now, some new things Teddy is doing that are not so awesome… He has been waking up more during the night. The doctor said it’s probably because he’s so much more aware and that putting him in his own room soon would be a good idea. I agree! It’s like every sound wakes him up. And, he’s eating a lot more — which is most likely because he’s going through a growth spurt.

But, seriously will we ever get to sleep again??

The last thing that hasn’t been that awesome is Teddy’s lack of enthusiasm about the adventure chair. We started calling it that because we wanted him to like it and be excited for all our adventures. We were doing great there for a while, but now he seems to be very aware of the fact that he’s strapped in. He can’t grab for things as easily and he can’t reach his toes. He gets so frustrated! I hope that goes away soon because we drive a lot!

Overall though, this kid is amazing. He’s the best Teddy around. I can’t wait to hear his little voice in the next few months and see how he will continue to grow!

Until then, he are a few pictures from this month.

Happy 4 Months, Teddy!