Month 7

I can't believe we are already halfway between 7 and 8 months that Luke has been with us.

He is really fun! He's nearly crawling (he can move, but it's more of a military crawl where he uses mostly his arms), he smiles a lot, and is making lots of noises. Sometimes when we sing to him he sings along in whatever key he deems appropriate. He's eating solid foods very well: pureed bananas, mangoes, sweet potatoes, peas, and prunes, all mixed with baby oatmeal. His sense of humor is pretty good -- he laughs a lot and seems to understand some jokes, and perhaps even plays some on us.

Last weekend we went for a two-night camping trip, which went really well. Our car was packed with stuff to simplify baby care, eating, and sleeping.

Here are a few selected pictures from the last two months:

Month 5

Luke is now just over 5 months old, and he has -- FINALLY -- started sleeping better. Not wonderfully, but much better than before. Of course, even as I type this he is whining a bit about being down for a nap.

He's going through a lot of changes. Lots more vocalization and interaction, grasping, a bit of rolling... and Luke is now going to daycare a few half-days per week (in preparation for school starting next week), and this morning he had his first "solid" food!

Here are the requisite pictures.

July!

Summer in Texas is hot, but Luke is still cool. We spent a weekend with our good friends in Iowa. There, Luke met another baby just his age, and they had a good time hanging out together.

Finding his feet!

Month 3 pictures

This month Luke has grown a lot. He's smiling a lot, able to be happy by himself, and his sleep schedule is starting to regularize a little bit. Sanity is being restored in our household. We are visiting California, where Luke got to meet his Aunt Sue, Uncle Tim, and great grandmother Meme for the first time.

 

Luke meets Meme for the first time (in San Diego).

 

Luke hangs out with Jim & Sarah in Waco.

Luke likes to help daddy mow the yard.

Smiley boy!

Luke has become very smiley, and a much better sleeper. He's only getting up to eat once a night now, instead of 3-4 times. We're all thankful for the sleep. When he sleeps we've found the Kidappotamus swaddling blanket to be the easiest and most secure way to swaddle him. Also, letting him sleep in his swing helps lull and keep him to sleep most reliably.

He's been going with us to church for the last three weeks, without incident. It's been nice to reconnect with our church family. He just sleeps through the service in a sling on Greg's chest.

He has been able to find his hands for sucking on, and he has a lot better control over his arms and hands. He's been grabbing things on his bouncy seat -- sometimes with both arms at once! During tummy time, he can really lift his head and hold it up.

Here are some more recent pictures.

Two months old

Luke is two months old today, and he passed two milestones today. First, he seemed to repeat a sound that Greg made (we think). Second, he flipped himself from stomach to back -- twice! When he landed on his back, he was pretty surprised, and cried. But we were pretty happy.

Luke has been making a lot of different new sounds lately -- coos and grunts and other types. He's been batting at things, reaching for toys above his chair. He's really looking at lots of stuff. The most fun thing is his smile. He smiles a lot now, especially in the mornings. His smile is *great*. :)

Here's a picture (taken by Ivy):

It's summer (almost), so we've been able to spend some more quality time with Luke during the day. If you haven't yet met our boy, you should! He's growing up fast.