A Few of My Favorite Things, Vol. 1

There are so many things about Cade and Luke that I don't ever want to forget. While I look forward to all of the milestones and hurdles we will see as they age, there is something so special about these early years...and because they are SO early, I know I won't be able to remember everything that I want to. And that makes me incredibly sad. Here a few things about Cade and Luke that I hope to always remember:

• The way that the second we open Cade's door every morning, he immediately jumps up with the BIGGEST smile on his face...I have no idea how ANYONE could be THAT happy at 6:15 in the morning, but I love, love, love that he is!
• The way that Luke stares into my eyes and tries to communicate with me. Sometimes the sounds get stuck in his little throat because he's trying so hard to get them out.
• The way that Cade climbs into our bed each morning and says, "I wanna watch a little TV."
• The way that Luke reaches up and strokes my face as he nurses. His little hand is so soft and smells so sweet.
• The way that Cade dances in his high chair when we tell him to chew his food well.
• The look on Cade's face when he roars (very loudly) like a dinosaur.
• The way that Luke squeals and kicks his legs when he gets really excited.
• The way that Cade says, "Don't go, I have something in my pocket...for you. It's a garbage truck." as I'm leaving his room some nights at bedtime. The garbage truck is imaginary, of course.
• Their smiles. They both smile all the time and it still melts my heart every time.
• Lukey's crazy hair. I thought Cade had crazy hair...until Lukey came along. It's long and curly, and I love it!
•  Snuggle Bear. Cade, you will die of embarrassment about this when you get older, but sometimes you pretend to nurse Snuggle Bear. You put my Boppy pillow on your lap, pull up your shirt and hold Snuggle Bear to your tummy. :) You also put him in all of Luke's baby gear - his jumperoo, bouncy chair, swing, etc. You're going to make a great dad! But we'll leave the nursing to your future wife.
• Lukey's breath. There is no better scent in the world.

 From Daddy...

•  Lukey's happiness. He is such a happy baby and smiles so easily. He gladly goes to anyone and is content in most situations.
• Cade's humor, wit, questions (this morning out of no where you asked..."Where do alligators live? What do they eat?", and your surprises (you will say the funniest, sweetest things at the most random times - like today, you were giving me a bit of a difficult time as we were shopping for new shoes for you, then out of no where you jumped into my lap and said, "Mommy, I love you!".)

As crazy as life is right now, I remind myself almost daily to cherish it because I know there will come a time when I would give a limb to be able to squeeze, smell, hold my sweet 6 month old Luke and 2 year old Cade. We are so blessed!

re

6 Months Old

Sweet Lukey...it's your half-birthday!! I can't believe you are half-way through your first year. At times it feels like you were born mere days ago and at other times it feels like you've always been a part of our lives. We are so proud to be your parents and I can't help but smile when I think about you. Being your mommy is truly an honor. Here are your 6 month stats:

• You weigh 19lbs, 1.5 oz (74%tile).
• You are 28.25 inches long (93%tile).
• You wear size 12 month clothing and size 3 diapers.
• You love to eat!  You still nurse around 5AM, 5PM, 7:30PM, and sometimes around 3AM.  While you're at Ms. Debbie's you eat three 5 oz. bottles of breastmilk.  You also eat rice cereal, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, pears, apples, and carrots.  You eat solids in the morning and at dinnertime.  You started drinking water from a sippy cup this week and you love it!
• You're sleeping pretty well.  Your nights vary.  You usually go to bed around 7:45. Sometimes you will sleep until 5AM, and at other times you wake up several times a night...usually just once though. You're an unpredictable sleeper!  You love to sleep on your tummy.  Your crib is still in our bedroom.  I get so sad when I think about moving you into your own room, but I know it needs to happen soon.
• You are a happy baby and don't cry too often.  You smile a lot and will usually smile every time we smile and talk to you...unless you're tired or hungry.
• Your favorite things include Mommy, Daddy, and Cade...especially Cade, drinking water, exploring things with your mouth, playing in your jumperoo, playing with Cade's toys...which will soon be your toys, reaching for and playing with balls and other toys, and anything with an element of surprise (like peek-a-boo, for instance).  
• Things that you're not too fond of:  having your nose wiped, anything covering your face, having to wait for the next bite of food, being tired.  

You make us soooooooooo proud and happy Luke!  We love you!