First Christmas Season {Photo Shoot}

The day after we went to the Christmas Tree farm, we gathered together again to have our awesome brother-in-law take photos for our Christmas card. Thank you Keith for our little photo shoot!

First Christmas Season {Christmas Tree Farm}

It certainly brings a different experience when you have a child to celebrate the Christmas Season with. It was definitely fun in a new and exciting way. Although, we didn't do much, given that Ezra doesn't really have a sense for what's going on, it was fun to have a family of three (plus Zeus) to be a part of our family celebrations and traditions. 

Starting the Christmas Season off right, we went to a Christmas Tree farm, the day after Thanksgiving. And, of course, our day wouldn't have been complete without the low temperatures! Although we didn't buy a tree this year, it was fun to go with family for their tree, and for us our wreath, with our Little Ezra J.  

                             

                                  

All about Zeus

Zeus, 

Even though you weren't sure about this new brother (and sometimes bother) of yours, you sure have taken a liking to him. When E first came home, you wanted to smell, lick him and sit near him all the time. Papi wasn't so sure about all the licking but we let you do it anyway as not to make you think that you couldn't interact with Ezra too. We noticed you become more protective, by barking more, when strangers came--especially when they were holding him. You love to say good morning to Ezra with lots of licks on his hands, arms, face, just about anywhere you can get. You like to be near him and now that Ezra is staring to try and interact with you more, you will even sometimes take him your toys so he can play tug with you. Whenever he does grab your toys, you are right next to him trying to take them from him. You've always tried to be soft with him and have never done anything to hurt him, even when he grabbed your hair and didn't let go until mama rescued you. When come home, you are right there at the door waiting for us and one of the first things you do, is to find Ezra in his carseat, making sure he is there. You are a typical "brother", making sure that when Ezra is being played with that you are right there, getting attention too. 

We are grateful for you and the way you love Ezra. We are excited to see you two become even better friends in the years to come. We love you Zeus!

Growing on up-- 6 and 7 months

Our Little is growing--6 and 7 month update

It's hard to believe that months 6 and 7 have come and almost gone (8 months next week). Eek! Where does the time go?!

Here are some things that mark Ezra's time somewhere in the 6 and 7 month

- laughing at Zeus when Zeus sneezes. 
- playing with rubber ducks in the tub
- standing up (assisted) as often and wherever he can
- enjoying food. He's had rice and oatmeal cereal, sweet potato,   applesauce, spaghetti squash, broccoli. He loves food and would eat it for every feeding if I let him. 
- weekly music/story time at the library
- watching people wherever we go
- continuing to charm people wherever we go
- running with Papi and Zeus
- rolling around all over the floor
- playing with Zeus' toys while Zeus tries to get them back
- reading more books
- playing pee-a-boo
- telling us about his day
- making movements towards crawling--getting from a sitting position to a kneeling position (on on knee) and rocking forward (this is new in the last few day)
- looking at the Christmas tree lights
- looking in the mirror at his reflection 
- playing fetch with Zeus. He loves watching Zeus chase the toys and even ttys to get the toy when Zeus brings it back. 
- watching Zeus
- making noises with his throat 
- smiling
- having people talk to him
- "grandma Lee" and the dum-dum suckers she gives him
- being outside
- eating dead leaves
- papa making animal sounds
- trying to feed himself
- his toothbrush (gum brush really)
- throwing his neck and head back when he doesn't want/like something
- the sounds things make when he scratches them with his fingers
- things with texture 
- pushing his swing with his feet
- mama's red flip flops


He does not like:

- the feel of the sidewalk
- having others hold him besides mama and papa(stranger weariness), at least for very long
- taking long naps
- staying still when he's getting dressed or his diaper changed