Ian's first culinary adventure

On the 25th, Ian had his first experience outside the world of breastmilk and formula. He loved it! After weeks of watching Casey and I eat, he got to try it out himself. He grabbed the spoon out of my hand instantly, as if to say "I know what to do with this!" Casey grabbed the camera and set up our webcam to record this milestone. Ian was so focused on the grub that he didn't even notice the paparazzi:) Check out the video below. Warning - the cuteness level might bring a very large smile to your face.

On the 26th, Apesen turned 4 years old. She wasn't too enthused by my rendition of "Happy Birthday" that I sang to her, but she definitely paid attention when Ian started to chime in. I love it when he sings along with me. We have great sing-alongs in the car - he is a great back up singer. I can't wait until we can have dance parties too! Back to Apesen, she is loving the new house and all the room for her. She has favorite sleeping spots, the basement and living room window, and has turned the entire house into her personal race track.

On the 29th, Ian had his 6 month check-up. He was such a trooper! Casey was able to leave work for an hour so he could join us. Ian weighs 14 lb. and 11 oz. He is 26.25 inches long. Dr. Sperry said he is on par with everything, but would like us to bring him back in a month to check his weight. He assured us there is no great concern - he would just like to see him gain a couple more pounds (too bad I can't give him some of mine...what can I say, I'm a giver!). The dr. said we should be generous with the portions so we have started 8 oz. bottles regularly. We are going to get some "trainer" handles for his bottle this weekend to help him control the bottle himself. He handled the shots well, with the help of Tylenol, and caught a little nap on the way home. He was all giggles for the rest of the night. We are blessed.

Check out the album below - a sample of our favorite pictures from the past couple of weeks.

Ian Walker - July 2008

More Baby Love...

Congratulations to the Green Family!

Nathan Louis Green

arrived July 25th, 2008 at 12:42 PM.

7lbs. 11oz. and 20.75 in. long

Happy 6 Months, Ian!

182 days - they have been full of laughter, tears, giggles, cries, stress, and joy. It is hard to believe that those things can also be felt in a 15 minute time frame, at least that is how I recall my first night home with Ian. Thanks to all my girlfriends who told me it would get easier each day - you were so right (although I didn't believe you then). He is crazy fun - now our days are mostly full of laughs and giggles. Thank to Ian...for teaching us something new everyday and bringing a smile to our faces when nothing else in the world can. We love you and look forward to each new discovery!

Baby Love

Congratulations to our friends, Kate and Colin Courtney!

Eleana Christine Courtney

7.20.08

9:05 PM

8 lbs. 5 oz.

21 inches long

We are so excited for you and your new family - welcome to parenthood!

Rock out!

As you all know, I love music! I can only hope to pass this onto Ian (along with my straight teeth) over the years. While he was in utero we went to many concerts - Feist, Hold Steady (twice!), and Flogging Molly. So I decided to make a mixed tape...online.


Click on the link below and check out the mixed tape I made for my little man - a few faves from the concerts we went to, then I had to throw in a song to celebrate Mamma Mia!, and finally the Blind Melon song that I love because it reminds me of my little family that I am so blessed to have.


http://www.mixwit.com/melissadandrews/solar-powered-cars

I was also able to snap a shot of those teeth! Finally. The debut of his bottom two are below.

It is so hard to believe he is going to be 6 months old next week! The same day my friend, Kate, is due to have her baby. Ian is so excited to meet his new playmate! Stay tuned for an announcement...

Ian finally fits into his stroller and he loves going on walks! We try to take one each night, but some evenings are just too hot. It was 99 degrees on Tuesday at 6 PM. We decided to pass and save our walk for tonight. It was a gorgeous day. The only thing that could have made it better was if Casey could have joined us. We will have to sneek one in over the weekend!

Several sightings, but no proof yet

Ian loves the camera - literally. I have spent many a day trying to catch a glimpse of those teeth. He has shot me many a toothy grin, but each time I pull out the camera he freezes. He stops all expression on his face and reaches for the camera, thinking to himself "I haven't tried chewing on that yet!" I promise to post as soon as I get one. I couldn't resist posting this one though - love it!

We had a nice 4th of July. We made homemade ice cream - cinnamon walnut. Yummy! We took it over to Kate & Colin's for an imprompu BBQ. Good stuff. It was a gorgeous day, which made a great night for fireworks. Ian finally gave in to the sleepiness around 8 PM. Kate's Mom was so sweet and offered to stay home with Ian so we could see the fireworks without disturbing him. It was a nice treat. However, the show wasn't that great. It isn't easy to impress us though. We come from a family of firework lovers and have seen some pretty awesome stuff over the years. I can't wait for Ian to check out some Door County firework shows!