Good Eats!

Oh... how my little son loves his food! He takes eating very seriously and beware if you try to do ANYTHING in between bites! Scratching your nose or wiping his face is NOT an option! Slowness with the spoon is not tolerated at our house!

Green Beans

Carrots

The extra fallout is obviously still a problem, which is why we have resorted to naked eating! I no longer have the daily bowl of Oxy Clean sitting on my counter for the overnight soaks.

Better late than never!

This is a few weeks past due, but I wanted to make sure to remember this fabulous weekend. This July 4th was spent with the Colburn five and what a fun few days we had! We swam, ate, spent some time in the mountains, and of course lit the traditional fire works. We love this cute little family and are so grateful that they make the trek to see us, even when it's out of the way. Love you guys!!

A very good day

My thoughts are kind of jumbled tonight. I'm not quite sure why. I just got home this evening from spending a wonderful day with my little family in the mountains. Our day was so fun. We need to do it more often. My baby is in bed and has been for hours. My husband is out with the boys. I'm here with my little dogs at my feet and for some reason can't quite put into words how I feel right now. Yesterday was an interesting day. I spoke at a Laurel retreat about my trials. I think about these events daily but for some reason tonight, all that I have been through in the last few years seems a little unreal. Sometimes now, I almost feel like I am lying when people ask me about my story and I tell them what happened. Was I really that girl that was sick for so long? Did I really have to shave my head and walk around with a wig and scarves on? Did I really worry every day that I wouldn't be able to have a child? I know that I was that girl and that I did do all those things, but today, after spending such a wonderful day with my little family, it's hard to remember. Today, for the first time in a really long time, I guess I just feel like myself. I feel like the girl that I hoped I would be when I was younger. I feel like I have finally made my way back to the path that I started on with my sweet husband when we got married. We have had a SUPER long detour and have experienced many great and amazing things, and some that have definitely not been so nice, but today, I think I am back to where I need to be. I'm not the sick kid anymore. My loved ones don't have to worry about me every day. I can go to the doctor and not worry. My mom doesn't have to hold her breath when I call to report what he said. Time really does heal all wounds and Heavenly Father really does bless us most greatly through our trials. Not only do I feel like I am back to being me, I can honestly say that I am a better me. I am a better wife, daughter, sister, and mother because of the things I have learned over the past few years and for that, I will be forever grateful.

I love this little boy more than I ever could have imagined and I know that he was sent here to our family to help heal the hearts that have been hurting for a very long time!

Drake's first trip to Oma's house!

Two weeks ago, my mom and I packed up the baby and headed off to Ohio to visit all of our family. My mom and I were both a bit nervous about flying with the babe for the first time but after only a few minutes of screeching on the plane, he did great! We stayed for eight days and had so much fun! While we were there, Drake...

... tried new things...

... was just so stinkin' cute...

... played with Grammy...

... watched Omie's birds come and go all day long...

... visited the bakery and saw where I used to run around and play...

... played with Omie and Te-Te...

...met Matt, Uncle Mike, Aunt Becky, Uncle David, Aunt Linda, Tante Martha, Annie, Auntie Norma, Uncle Don, Aunt Debbie, Katie, Emily and the boys and all of Aunt Sally's family...

...learned to play with his toys...

...helped Omie cook and watched me, Grammy and Te-Te chow down on the best food in the entire world...

... and went for a walk with Omie every day!!

Five Months!!

I can't believe another month has come and gone. It seems that my sweet little one is growing faster and faster with each passing day! We love him to pieces and are still amazed at how much he has blessed our lives!

Things to remember about Drake at {FIVE} Months:

* He has a serious attitude problem! He has perfected the full blown shrieking wail and practices it whenever he is not getting his way. We could be in for a lot of trouble with this one!

* His blow-outs are seeming to be less frequent. Thank heavens! Size three diapers are a little big still but they contain the waste much better.

* He is still on Prevacid.

* He has started to throw-up much more frequently. He still gags himself with his fingers but is throwing up more and more often for no reason.

* He has just started to reach for things. He will grasp his toys and he tries to grab onto anything that is within reach.

* He recognizes his bottles and his cereal bowls and cries until he is fed.

* He only rolls from front to back and still hates tummy time.

* He still sleeps from 9:00 pm until 9:00 am.

* He loves the dogs. He smiles and laughs whenever them come into the room. He watches them constantly.

* He still loves to be outside.

* He refuses to look at me when I am trying to take his picture. I catch him occasionally, but it's becoming more and more difficult.

* He is so smiley and happy most of the time.

* He is constantly moving and is definitely not a snuggler anymore. He never lays his head on my shoulder.

* He is still swaddled like a burrito every night and he still tries his hardest to get out. He has learned to raise and lower his legs until the blanket is scrunched up around his neck, which frees is arms and legs.

* He is a momma's boy.

* He is constantly gnawing on his hands and still tries to stuff his whole fist in his mouth.

* He loves to be tossed in the air, not high of course!

* He has started to throw a fit when I dress him. He just can't be bothered with clothes!

* He loves his rice cereal, tolerates pees, and loves squash.

* He loves when Oma sings him the German nursery rhymes. He smiles and giggles every time.