Playing and Laughing

Must Reach

Derek is getting very good at reaching for things, mostly blocks and the dogs. He leans and leans and then gets it. If he still can't reach it, he is getting quite adept at rolling to where he needs to go. He is working on his creeping skills as well. He is not crawling yet, but he is up and rocking. He is learning to pull himself to a standing position as well. So far he can only grab our hands to do it but he is starting to work at pulling himself up using furniture.

Derek has been sleeping a ton lately...13 or 14 hours at night. We are not quite sure why he needs the extra sleep quite yet. He is eating more as well. He is eating solid foods twice per day. Our little guy is growing up. If you look closely you can even see his hair coming in. We are still not sure on his hair color yet, but so far it is looking either blonde or strawberry blonde. Either way, he sure is a cutie! Watch out girls, here is our social and adorable boy.

Fun Weekend

We had a fun weekend. Mommy made me sweet potatoes. I think I like them but I am not sure. It was fun to eat outside though I like staring at the trees. Then Mommy set up my tent outside and I played in it. Mommy knows I don't like the sun and she thought I would like the tent. Actually Mommy had a play tent growing up and she loved it. I think it is lots of fun.

On Saturday we took the doggies on a long walk. That night we went to the drive-in. I surprised Mommy and Daddy by staying up and watching part of Wall-e. I finally fell asleep. Because I fell asleep so late I really slept in. Mommy and Daddy brought me in to their bed in the morning at 7 and I slept until 9:15. Mommy slept that long too and so we almost missed church. Daddy was already at church helping out and he didn't think we would make it either. After singing, Mommy took me to the nursery with the other kids. I had so much fun. I played the whole time and was still happy when Mommy picked me up. Yeah for me! I think I will try it again next week.

Well I am playing in my crib as Mommy types this for me. I want her to play with me now so she needs to go.

7 months old

Dear Derek,
You are 7 months old today. It is crazy. You are lots of fun. You are such a happy baby. You enjoy playing with your toys and moving them between your hands. You are becoming more independent in your play as well. You love books- mostly eating them. Everything goes in your mouth right now. You are enjoying eating solid foods. So far you have tried apples, pears, bananas, avocado, rice cereal, yoghurt, and cheerios. You get so excited when you eat. Your arms and legs flail and you start panting.

You are very social and love to "talk" to people. You enjoy other people holding you. You love Daddy, Mommy, and the dogs very much. All of us make you laugh a lot. I love the grin you get when you see your Daddy; it melts my heart. Your Daddy loves you so much and is great with you. The dogs love to lick you and smell you. I enjoy all the time I have with you. I love being your Mommy!

Mike's home!

Mike's flight arrived on time Saturday morning... with his luggage. These two things rarely happen when Mike travels. God really provided for Derek and I when Mike was gone, but it is so nice to have him home.

Saturday afternoon we went to Portland for Sand in the City. Each summer for one weekend, they turn Pioneer Square into a giant sandbox. Companies sponsor a competition. The results are amazing. They have also turned many of the side streets into a fair. It was lots of fun.

Sunday we went on a long hike after church. We had a great time. Derek slept for part of the hike again. The dogs- back to feeling normal- were enjoying their time in the woods. Mike spotted a hawk's nest. We even saw some of the babies. It was great to be outside.

Now it is a normal Monday. I like normal!

Picking Cherries

After a rough morning (see previous post) I decided that a fun activity was needed for the afternoon. Derek and I went cherry picking at our friend's orchard, Sherwood Orchards. Actually, I picked the cherries and Derek hung out. He was great. I picked 8 pounds of sour cherries; enough for about 4 pies. It was nice to be outside and do something new. After we picked the cherries, they were cooled for about 15 minutes and then pitted for us. What a fun afternoon! I feel like a real Oregonian.

My life as a sitcom

For 12 hours this morning, my life was like a sitcom. It may have been hysterical to watch, but in real life I had to laugh or go nuts. It all started when Derek woke up at 1 AM to eat. Okay I can handle it. After he went back to sleep, Lucky woke up and wanted out. I told her to go back to bed because I thought she was playing. She wasn't. After 2 hours of sleeplessness, I went back to sleep. Fast forward to 5:45 AM. Both dogs woke up and wanted out. On my way back from letting them out, I found out why Lucky was so agitated. 5 piles of nastiness awaited.

Later after breakfast in which both dogs got in a tiff over food (no injuries), Alex started her part of the disaster. We went on a walk and she puked up breakfast. I guess whatever gross stuff they ate was affecting them both in different ways. Later at home, she was sick 3 more times. I called the vet. No food or water for dogs today and only rice tomorrow. So not only do I need to clean up after the dogs, I now need to make them rice. The good thing is that Derek is not sick and is quite happy. Somehow he finds the dogs hysterical and is laughing at them.

Our house if definitely a disaster area. Hazmat should be called. Good thing Mike is coming home tomorrow.

Read the next post... the day definitely got better.