8 months

It's been quite a month for little J. Between an ear infection and getting his two front teeth for Christmas, he's basically been sick all month. 

He's also learned so much this month! He's gotten better at his wave-changing it from flailing his whole arm around wildly to opening and closing his hand, although it's usually pointed at himself. 

He's army crawling all over the house (and usually heads straight to the dvd shelf or dog's water bowl), clapping (kinda), really getting interested in standing, although he hasn't pulled himself up yet, and laughing more than ever. He's starting to say "Mama" "Dah" (dog) and "Baba"and is experimenting with finger foods. 

He is all about Abby and wants to pet her every chance he gets. He thinks Avery's the coolest and wants to do everything she does. He gets so excited to see Daddy when he comes home and gives his sweetest hugs and kisses to Mama.

Jonah really enjoyed his first Christmas! He liked all the wrapping paper as much as the presents, and will be switching to his big boy car seat he got, soon. He totally recognizes and loves anything Mickey or Minnie and loves playing with anything that has buttons, lights up or plays music. He's started really splashing in the bath and has officially graduated to the big tub. He thinks baths with Avery are the most fun thing ever!

 

 He's really starting to be at a fun age and I just want to freeze him here for awhile before he starts running around in a few months. 

I can't believe it's 2016 tomorrow! I think 2015 was probably the best of my life so far and I'm sad to see it come to an end. Here's my slideshow of some of this year's best moments, set to the song that's been stuck in my head all year! Haha.

https://youtu.be/lYITYxLxYX0

Love my little family so much, and am so blessed to spend my days with my 2 adorable angels. Cheers to many adventures in the new year!

Our Christmas

We've had such a great month of Christmas activities and it's left me wishing for just a few more days of Christmas fun, but just like that, it's over for this year. What a good Christmas we've had though!

We hosted the Mercer side this year, and spent the week prepping food, cleaning and baking. It was great to have everyone over and the kids were all spoiled beyond belief. We got Jonah in bed at his normal time and were still able to enjoy time with family before completing our final Santa prep and getting Avery in bed. 

Painting Ornaments with friends!

Looking at lights!

Making Santa's Cookies

Great Grandpa Al helping Jonah with his bottle

Trying out this finger food business

Playing with her cousin, Tyler

Puppy Surprise!

Mimi helped Jonah open presents

Avery wouldn't put this toy down! 

With Cousins Tyler and Greyson

In the morning we had to wake the kids up around 8:30, because we were just too excited to let them sleep in any longer. They were both so excited to play with all their new toys from Santa. Avery got the "Barbie what rides a horse" that she asked Santa for, a Power Wheels truck, and lots of little toys that she's asked for throughout the year. Jonah got a push and ride Mickey car, new sippys, bowls, teethers and a stocking full of Puffs that that he has really enjoyed getting to eat. He also cut his two top teeth this week, so has still been a little sick as a result, but is hopefully on his way to relief!

We were supposed to be heading to Oklahoma to spend time with my family, but once again the weather has ruined our travel plans. The storms here and ice/snow heading there have us postponing our celebration with them. It feels so weird to not see my family on Christmas, but it was also nice to have no plans or anywhere to go yesterday. Hopefully it all works out for everyone to get together soon. 

We had a wonderful Christmas with our little family and hope you did too! Having kids definitely makes this season so magical and fun.

7 months

Jonah turned 7 months old last week and I took his photos, but have been too busy to blog about it. Here's what's been going on the past few weeks. 

Thursday before Thanksgiving- I pick Avery up from Mother's Day Out and she is totally in a funk. I can tell she's about to get sick. 

Next day- runny nose and cold starts setting in. No fever-I'm hopeful it's allergies and the cold front coming in. 

Saturday- head to my grandparents' in Oklahoma for pre-Thanksgiving since Jon will be working all weekend. Jonah's nose starts running now-both a little fussy but acting fine otherwise. Avery plays non-stop with cousins in windy, 30-40 degree weather. No one gets much sleep. I accidentally take an allergy pill (don't ask), further drying my diminishing milk supply.  I gain at least 5 lbs from junk food and I'm pretty sure Avery eats nothing but candy for 2 solid days.

Monday-head home. Jonah has a 102 fever. This lasts 2 more days. Avery's nose and congestion is getting worse. 

Thursday (Thanksgiving)- Jonah is feeling better; Avery's feeling worse. My head hurts. Her fever sets in. Bedtime is a nightmare. I get sick in the middle of the night-there went my Thanksgiving feast--didn't need those calories anyway. 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday- Avery has a high fever, eyes are non-stop goopy. Jonah seems ok, but they are both so fussy and want to be held all day. My head still hurts. He screams anytime I try to nurse him and only wants bottles. Can I have a nap?  

     2 sick, thumbsucking babes. 

Monday-to the doctor we go. Avery has a sinus infection. J has an ear infection. Antibiotics for all. Ohh and Jonah is 16 lbs 4 oz (yes, only a pound bigger than he was 3 months ago. But he's gained back all he'd lost and more. Lol)

Wednesday- everyone is finally starting now to feel better. We finally get out of the house! 

Thursday- antibiotics make Jonah's tummy upset and consequently he has a mad diaper rash. He is officially on 100% formula now. 

Friday-I think he's also teething again. 

Saturday-Jon is sick now. Except he got a stomach bug. Please God-- don't let the kids catch this! 

Today- Daddy is slowly getting better, diaper rash may be fading and we are hopefully on our way to a healthy and happy rest of the year!! 

At 7 months Jonah can wave, say "hi", drink water from sippys and straws, and "Dada" definitely has meaning. He's trying hard to become mobile, and has scooted a couple of times, but is still far off from crawling on his hands and knees. He is tries to clap and will really be doing it soon! 

https://youtu.be/1lg989i1hq4

https://youtu.be/EoSjxJgUH_s

He's the happiest little guy and starting to finally snuggle and enjoy being rocked, which makes me ok with stopping nursing. I was trying so hard to hold onto that bond, because it was the only snuggle I would get, but his little hugs, head nuzzles and kisses now are just as good! 

Right now J's favorite things are Abby, the remote, his jumperoo, his piano,the wipes package, Mickey, trying new table foods and Christmas lights. 

He still hates getting in his car seat, when his food is gone, changing clothes, getting his nose wiped, sprayed and picked, and mommy leaving the room. 

Funny Jumparoo video: https://youtu.be/ZQETnQRhs4M

18 days until Christmas and we are doing a Christmas activity each day this month. So far we have done:

Sticker nativity and Christmas books,

Seen the trains at Northpark Center,

Visited Santa,

Bought a tree, 

Decorated inside and outside( this took 3 days and we still aren't done) and 

Stuffed our Christmas cards. 

We have an elf, Twinkle, keeping an eye on Avery and bringing her some surprises now and then, too! 

I'm about 95% done shopping and my goal is to start (and finish) the wrapping this week. I'm so excited for lots more Christmas fun in the days ahead!!