Happy SEVEN Months, and Happy New Year!

Blake Denver - SEVEN Months

• He knows his name, and will grin when you call to him.
• He enjoys playing peek-a-boo; has started pulling his blanket over his own face and then pulling it down to play too.
• He can sit up unsupported...this is crazy to think our little baby can do this!
• He is starting to put weight on his legs, and will stand holding onto something.
• He is starting to push with his legs when he is on his tummy.
• He is a chatterbox; he enjoys yelling and making silly sounds.
• He love to play with his toys now; everything goes into his mouth. 
• Favorite Toys: Teething rings, soft books, any toy that plays music, and many more.
• He is working on teeth! Drooling and chewing, but no sign of any popping through yet. :)
• He sat up in the tub for the first time...with mom backing him up.
• He sleeping much better at night (AMEN!): He only eats once; if that during the night.
• He likes "wrestling" and playing.
• He really enjoys 'real' food. Mom and Dad made a lot of it on our own.
• New foods this month: sweet potatoes, prunes, carrots, barley cereal, oatmeal, pears, peaches and green beans. His favorites are the veggies!
• He will hold his own bottle when he eats...the other night he just took it from Jason and fed himself the whole thing.
• He tried drinking juice out of a sippy cup...we are going to keep working on this. :)
• He traveled to the beach after Christmas with the Bernard side of the family; spent lots of play time with his cousin Cayden :) It will be so neat to see them grow up together.
• He is learning how to clap...so close!
• He laughs when tickled, and will try to push away when he is done.
• He rode in the cart sitting up at the grocery store for the first time.
• He has started with a little separation anxiety...hoping that doesn't last or isn't too bad for him, because it is pretty sad for us parents.
• He spent his first weekend at home alone with mom while dad was gone for Men's Retreat with church; we made it! 

After creating the list of accomplishments for this month, and reminiscing with Jason about all the changes, I can't help but get a little teary.  I am one proud mama, and my sweet little boy is only 7 months old. It is hard to imagine being more proud, but I know the moments will come as he continues to grow and develop. At a play date this last month a friend and I decided that we are choosing to rest in the moment now, because our little boys are just growing up so fast. Someday I want to be able to look back on these moments of firsts and remember how they felt.

Loves looking at animals.

Great Grandpa Bernard

Happy Birthday Grandpa Nolz

Blake amazes me, and it is already evident to me that I am wrapped around his little pudgy fingers. When his whole face lights up when I say his name, when he snuggles in, when he is getting sleepy or when he opens his mouth big and wide for some carrots my heart swells. I never knew I could care about and love someone so much. It has been a blessing getting to watch Jason become a wonderful dad, and to live out my dream of being a mom. What an amazing responsibility and gift having a sweet baby has been. Excited to see how Blake and our family will continue to grow and change in 2013.

Happy Seven Months, and Happy New Year!