Luke is 6-months!

Love that smile!!!

On September 17, Luke turned 6 months old.  It is hard to believe that he has been with us for half a year already.  It seems like yesterday that he joined our family.  I periodically find myself remembering that moment when he was born and the instant, overwhelming love I had for him.  It was such a special moment and I love the bond we share.

Luke is the first child that I have exclusively nursed for 6 months.  Because I stay at home, it has been much easier to manage then it was with the others and I feel proud that we have never had to supplement with formula.  Obviously, I don’t believe there is anything wrong with giving formula—all my others had it, but I feel proud of myself for reaching my goal. Thomas is encouraging me to go for a year, so we'll see what happens.  He says it's because Luke's immune system seems so strong, but I think that not having to get up at night at least partially weighs in on that...

But, enough about me, on to the main attraction!  One of the best things about Luke is that he is a wonderful traveler.  He still loves to be out and about.  He is generally very happy to sit in his stroller and observe the world around him.  I am writing this from our Williamsburg rental; we have spent the past two days carting him around and the only times he’s even whimpered (not including nights, but we’ll get to that) is when he is hungry or tired.  Even those moments are few.  He is pretty good at entertaining himself and loves playing with his feet and blowing bubbles, especially when he is outside.  He is an avid people watcher and will stare at someone until they make eye contact.  At that point, he flashes them a toothless grin that could melt even the surliest Grinch’s heart.  More than one stranger has called Luke a flirt.

At home, his favorite toys are his laptop and a little ball.  He also really loves his jumper.  When we found out we were having Luke, Thomas and I decided we weren't going to buy as much stuff for him as we did for the others.   However, that has gone out the window and he is a typical, spoiled, youngest child.  In fact, he has more stuff then the others, and they had to share it amongst the 3 of them!  We have 8 different choices when looking for places to put him, an insane amount for any family.  But, on the positive side, we could host one heck of a baby play date for Luke and 7 of his closest baby friends!

Luke and his laptop, I tried to take a picture in his jumper, but he wouldn't stop jumping, so they were all blurry.

Luke’s sunny disposition is sometimes tested at home.  He still doesn't really like to just relax at the house; he wants to be out where he can see people and he isn't afraid to make his displeasure known. I think the highlight of his day is going to the bus stop, where many of the children will give him a hug and/or kiss before they get on the bus.  He also likes to watch the cars whiz by and it is fun to see his little head moving to and fro.   One thing he does enjoy at home is pounding the keyboard if I am trying to do something on the computer.  That is probably one reason I am so behind on blogging.

Luke still adores his siblings.  All 3 love him in return, but I believe he and Kara will share a special bond.  She never misses a chance to talk with him, sing to him, and just generally show her love.  It is very sweet to see.  Jack and Anna are also very good to him, but it is a bit different with Kara. 

The only thing I would change about Luke is his sleeping habits.  I believe the last time I blogged about him, he was sleeping through the night.  That ended abruptly in late July.  Now, he gets up anywhere from 2-4 times a night.  I am exhausted!  He still sleeps in a pack and play in our room, but we will be moving him to a crib in his room in the next week or so.  I think that will help.  If he hears Thomas or I moving, he wants to be up with us.

Luke also likes stuffed animals, particularly little beanie babies.  He will laugh if someone makes an animal “come to life”.  He has a very hearty and wonderful laugh.  He also loves to have his belly tickled and will laugh almost every time.  His laugh is my current, favorite sound.  One other Luke likes is pulling hair, a habit I am not quite as fond of. 

Luke talking to "Tracker" on the deck.

We have started giving him some baby food.  He really likes to eat and seems to enjoy the different flavors we've offered him.  So far, his only dislike has been avocado.  He is still strong and sits up very well.  He can roll, but almost never goes from back to stomach, probably because he still hates being on his tummy.  

One other like that we recently discovered--the swing!

In summary, at 6-months I would describe Luke as agreeable, friendly and cheerful.  He is a wonderful baby.  I think the only reason he doesn't sleep at night is because then he would be too perfect and where would the fun be in that?  

First Day of School 2014

I've sat down to write this blog numerous times and have never been able to finish.  With Luke's 6-month appointment, Jack and Anna's birthday, the start of t-ball, and all the Fall activities looming on the horizon, I am determined to get this done.  Since it is now so untimely, I am going to make this primarily a picture post.


School started on a Wednesday.  After going to bed on Tuesday night, I realized I hadn't made their signs.  I decided to get up a few minutes early and add that to my already busy morning.  Feeding Luke is a new addition to the routine and the morning went by very quickly.  I first wrote Kindergarten on all the signs, so I had to redo Jack and Anna's.  Somehow, we still managed to head outside a few minutes early to do the pictures.

After I took the first picture, I realized I had put the year 2015 on them!  There was no time to redo them again, so I had to resort to a sharpie fix.

I know their eyes are all closed, it was still the best picture of the 5 or so I took.  

After doing the pictures at home, we headed to the bus stop.  Although this looks like a lot of kids, it isn't everyone.  I think when everyone is there, there are 19 kids that get on the bus from our neighborhood!  

Finally, the bus came and they were off!  The year is off to a good start.  All of the kids like their teachers and find something positive to say each day.  No one has really complained about going to school.  Jack has even proclaimed that first grade is better than kindergarten, although he misses his teacher and still visits her daily.  In Anna's class, they get to sit on exercise balls, which is perfect for someone like her with lots of pent-up energy.  

On an unrelated note, Jack received his first love note.  It is from a girl in his class: 

We can make out, "Dear Jack, I love you.  You ????,  You are sweet to me.  I love you."  Her name is Kaitlyn.  Jack said that whenever it's carpet time, she always tries to scoot and sit next to him. But, he said he doesn't really mind.  Although, sometimes, he lamented, he would rather just be able to sit with Savannah.  Our little Romeo!