Monthly Milestones

Henry, you are 6 months old!

You've grown so much in this past month, both physically and developmentally. 

Physically, you are very healthy.  This morning you went to the pediatrician for your 6 month check up.   You've grown 2" in the last two months, and you now weigh 15 lb.  Long and lean. 

Also, you had your check up with the surgeon a couple weeks ago.  While the hole in your incision remains open, he was very pleased with how it's held up.  If we can keep the opening free from infection until you are 8 months old, he hopes to remove the patch all in one final surgery.  We'll be meeting with him again next week to set a date for the surgery. 

 

Developmentally, you're alert and active.  In fact, the physical therapist from Early On checked in with you last week and was very pleased with your progress.  You're doing better with tummy time, and you're playing perfectly for a 6 month old.   She even mentioned that both verbally and socially, you have exceeded expectations.  She joked that by next month, you'll be speaking in sentences. 

Henry, you've been through so much these first six months of life, and yet you are truly the happiest person I know.  We love you so much and look forward to what these next six months will bring!   

Walking

 { Celebrating the Final Days of Fall }

A Sticky Situation

"What happened to Henry?"

That's the first thing I thought to say when I found Henry like this:

Well, it's not too tough to figure out what happened. 

Our sweet daughter was making her brother, "so beautiful".

Sorry Henry.  I'm afraid you have years of this to look forward to.

Halloween {Part II}

What a great weekend!  Here's some snapshots of our Halloween visits with family.

First stop on Saturday was at Great Grandpa and Grandma Sternberg's house. 

They win the prize for the most unique Halloween giveaway: a 40 lb. hurricane lamp stand.  (Don't worry - They had plenty of chocolate, too!)

Also, they win the prize for the most ironic book to be found. 

Here's Joe reading it: "I AM JOE'S BODY". 

Next stop: Great Grandma Haverdink. 

She wins the prize for having the most toys in the smallest space.

Our final destination for the day was Grandpa and Grandma Sternberg's house.  Here's my attempt at getting a picture of the kids in their costumes.  As mentioned in a previous post, Andrew's a bit camera shy.  Well, this picture says it all!

Grandpa wins the prize for the best story time,

and Grandma wins the prize for the funnest trick-or-treat game.

Sunday we visited the Puplis'.  Grandma was busy making pizzas at their shop, but we were able to visit with Grandpa, Great-Grandma, and of course, our four-legged friend, Bailey.  They win the prize for the most creative cooks in the kitchen, and consequently they also win the prize for the best bean soup.  Yum! 

On Monday, we closed out the Halloween season with Grandma Rosen (Grandpa had to work late) and Great Grandma and Grandpa Nash.  Another fun evening!  Great Grandma and Grandpa win the prize for best trick-or-treating neighborhood. 

And Grandma Rosen wins the prize for best trick-or-treating partner. 

She didn't even try to take any of Claire's candy.

Unlike myself, who tried relentlessly, but faced strong opposition. 

She's one tough princess!

**Prizes awarded do not indicate anything worth monetary value.  They are purely superficial.  But we love you all, nonetheless!

Halloween {Part I}

The kids in costume:

Claire as a princess and Henry as Tigger

A couple pics of our pretty, pretty princess:

[I'll try to post pictures of our weekend festivities soon.]

'Twas the Night Before...

{Halloween}

Halloween Party

Every Tuesday morning, the kids and I attend a group called "Mom's Time Out" at a local church.  Claire loves her kid's class, and I relish 2 full hours of adult interaction.  This morning we had our Halloween party where the kids parade around the church and collect little goodies.  Claire caught on quickly to the magic behind the 3 little words "Trick or Treat". 

The kids of MTO

Claire is near the center in her pink princess dress.

(I mean, really, was there any doubt she'd choose to be a princess?)

 Story Time

Claire listened well, but the real joy of this picture is the little boy

on the right side who has the orange bucket over his head. 

Henry in his Halloween jammies.

Love him!