Meal Time

In the last week, Nathan has started eating some finger food, most importantly, Cheerios! He is still working on refining his pincer grip--his first few tries consisted of using the pointer finger on one hand and the thumb on the other hand. Needless to say, that didn't work out too well! :) Now Nathan's getting better with every try, and he is loving the world of food. He's had little pieces of pork, turkey, bread, graham crackers, egg, cheese, cottage cheese, and so far they are all a hit. If he sees one of us eating something, he immediately wants to try it. I hope that throughout his life Nathan continues to be willing to explore and try different foods; we'll see how that goes!

In addition to food, Nathan also likes to chew on his high chair straps--because they're tasty or because he's trying to escape??


Mmm... sweet potatoes are still a favorite.


Hi Mom!


Video of Cheerio consumption--such a cutie!


Nathan's continuing to become chattier with each passing day (definitely his mother's kid in that respect!) and he has added Da Da to his repertoire. I was able to capture a brief snippet on my cell phone's video camera.

Weekend fun

This weekend was a really great balance of being productive around the house and being social. We had a lowkey evening on Friday, just logging some time as couch potatoes. Saturday we put some much-needed energy into cleaning the house--it had been way too long, and it feels SO nice to have it clean now! If only it would stay that way...

Saturday evening our friends Michael and Janine came over for dinner with their two kids Mikayla (3) and Noah (15 months). Nathan was super excited to have big kids in his house, and just watched, fascinated, as they raced around the house. Later that night, Lindsey came into town and stayed the night with us. It was really great to spend some one on one time with her this morning. Have I ever mentioned that I really miss having all my friends live close by???

The reason Linds was in town was to attend Annalee's baby shower this afternoon. She, Jen, Patti, Nathan and I all caravaned down to Annalee's parents' house in Three Rivers. The house is absolutely beautiful, as is the glowing mommy-to-be!

This evening Stuart and Erin stopped in to say hi on their way back to Chicago after spending the weekend in Ann Arbor; Nancy and Dan came over too.

Now my baby's in bed, my hubby's working out in the shop, and my blog is up to date--time to snuggle up with a cup of tea and my sheepdog!

Annalee opening presents.


The girls (and a cute little boy!): Jess, Lindsey, Annalee, Jenn, Patti


Dan and I


Aunt Erin and Nathan


The fam hanging out

Isn't he just adorable?? :)

Big Bath Tub

Nathan is finally steady enough sitting up that he has graduated from the infant bath tub to the big one! He loves to splash his hands in the water, which means that the person bathing him is often soaking wet by the end, and play with his bath toys. Such a cutie!

Northport Weekend

This weekend we went up to Northport with Dan and Annalee. Our visions of spending the entire weekend sunning, swimming and boating were foiled by 60 degree, drizzly weather. While this was a bummer (we haven't been out in the boat once this summer!) we had an absolutely fantastic time just hanging out at the cottage. On Saturday we went to Leland to dine on the peerless pretzel bread sandwiches from The Village Cheese Shanty. Sunday the sun came out for a little while, so we took a walk over at Timber Shores.

It was so great to have an entire weekend to spend time with Annalee and Dan. There was enough time for the deep conversations and the silly ones. We also had a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa, which was lovely as well. Going up in smaller groups allows for more one-on-one time, allowing for good conversation and a relaxed atmosphere. Nathan woke up really early both mornings we were there (I guess he hasn't figured out that sleeping in is the way to go while vacationing!) so he and I were out on the porch with Grandma and Grandpa while the others were sleeping. I think they liked having some time with Nathan all to themselves. :) Below are a few pictures from the weekend. Although there is no photographic evidence of it, I was also there for the weekend!

Grandma and Nathan test driving the umbrella stroller that she got for him to have up at the cottage.


Trying out the tricycle that Grandpa Basil restored. Nathan will be the third generation to ride it!




Snuggling with Grandpa


Playing on the floor with Deuce.


Daddy introducing Nathan to Fishtown in Leland.


Annalee discovering why it felt like she kept running into branches while walking through the woods! :)


All lounged back and enjoying nature!


View of the Grand Traverse Bay from Timber Shores


Hanging out on the porch, where we spend most of our time.


Daddy's tongue is funny!

Nathan's professional photos

The sneak peek of the photos Becky took of Nathan are here!!! I am overwhelmed with Becky's talent as a photographer, and I think her subject is pretty cute too! :)

http://www.beckyandersonphotography.com/2009/08/flashback-friday-blue-eyed-nathan-edition-ct-childrens-photographer/

Eight Months Old!

It's hard to believe, but Nathan turned eight months old on Monday! He is SO busy these days! He really, really wants to sit up and move on his own, and is getting frustrated that he can't figure out how to crawl--the commando rolling does the trick but is too slow for Nathan's taste! I have a feeling that it won't be long before he puts together all of the strength and movement he's discovered with the coordination that allows him to crawl. Below are a two videos taken this week.

Hello!

Last Friday (8/7), Nathan waved for the first time! When Todd went to pick him up from daycare, Nathan gave him a big grin and a full arm wave!! Needless to say, Daddy was thrilled! Now Nathan waves at just about everything and everyone--people, Deuce, Ozzie, the handsome baby in the mirror--SO adorable! We've been trying to capture it on video. Below is one of our unsuccessful attempts, and then I finally caught the action this morning (2nd video).