1/2 birthday

Today James is 6 mos old! It is so hard to believe that the little jellybean is getting so big, and the amount of things he can do now! He is getting much better at sitting independently, as well as moving around. He still prefers to be on his back, though has this amazing ability to scoot his head and shoulders, then push with his heels to get around. He is also quite adept at rolling. He loves to play peek-a-boo, and we have learned he is quite ticklish. He babbles the day away now, though for some reason rather than babbling in English (ba, ba, ba) he has chosen French (le bleu, le bleu) as his native tongue. He really enjoys his books, his favorite still being "Moo baa la la la". He loves music, and has started 'singing' along. He is also getting very good at reaching and grabbing objects (lesson learned after I left a full water glass in his reach). His favorite toy of the moment is his rattle, which he likes to shake shake shake and stop- listening for the sound. He also likes to eat it of course. He is not showing any interest in food yet, so we will be waiting to introduce solids until he does. I am amazed every day at how this little person, who was so miserable the first 4 months of his life, has turned into such a joyful soul. He is so interactive, and just a delight. Joe and I couldn't be happier.

science museum

We went to the Science museum today, where we met up with a few cloth diapering friends (Rebecca, Monica and their families). James had an absolute blast! He loved all of the new people, the exhibits, and especially




the butterfly garden-the second picture is him looking at the gorgeous butterfly in the third picture (I think he will be like his Grandpa, who loves butterflies!). He also showed us his mathematical prowess playing with an abacus, and he enjoyed being a little bee in the honeycomb! We had a great day!

sitting!

So he can now sit without being propped. He still topples often, but his stomach muscles are getting much stronger. This morning he also did his first sign. He signed "up" when he wanted me to pick him up. I doubt he will do this consistently at this point, but it's a start of expressive language!

give peas a chance

we should listen to the kid! world peas please! :o)

what's up doc?

yum. wool carrot in highchair. (thanks again for the svan highchair grandma and grandpa!)

sippy cup

So, after seeing some absolutely gorgeous pictures of Ellie's son Ezra 'eating' from his sippy cup (all together now...AWWWW!) I though I would stage a photo-op for James. This is the best we got. At least he had it right side up in this one! He can use it pretty effectively when I hold it for him, just not so well independently yet! He now recognizes his name, which is amazing since we have really only started to use consistently recently (perhaps that was the issue, though he may respond to buddy, bunny, poopy-bum, baby, sweetheart, darling, or princess-pants...don't ask). It was really cool yesterday while out to lunch with my friend Erin and her baby Olivia, James turned his head to a stranger (restaurant employee) when he said his name. Verifiable learning!

feet

Just going with a theme here...can you believe those tiny toes have turned into the chunkers we have today? Is there anything cuter than chubby baby feet? I think not.