It's been a while, hasn't it?

As most of you probably know, I've been on an internet hiatus. And my oh my, what a nice break it was!!! I could almost get by without coming on here ever again. Almost. But then I'd miss my friends, all the valuable information, and let's be honest here, all the silly mindnumbing games I've somehow gotten addicted to on facebook. :)

But in that time away from this amazing box of information (aka my computer), I got a lot done.

OK. Let me take that back. I really didn't get as much "stuff" done as I planned. But I did a lot more important things than stuff. I cuddled. I played. I read. I relaxed.

I simply enjoyed life.

What a wonderful blessing that was. And what a wonderful life to enjoy!

That time away made me cherish the moments that are fleeting...the sitting-in-the-middle-of-the-living-room-and-reading-to my-sweet-LBB moments.

The first few days I did get quite a bit accomplished...and I suppose I still got a lot done even though I didn't get everything done on my list. I made shoes for LBB. I played the Alice in Wonderland Nintendo DS game my sweet hubby got me for my bithday (that's right. My birthday. Two months ago. And this was the first time playing it. Wow.) I worked on a few things for my etsy shop. And some other things that I can't quite remember at this point. :)

So, that's the update on that.

And what did sweet LBB do while on Mommy was on an internet hiatus, you may ask? Well...lots in fact. He's been one very busy boy since I last wrote. In the past three weeks, he has gone to the zoo twice, gone to the aquarium once, got to see his Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt that live in Las Vegas, went on the carousel, started sipping from his sippy cup, gone to more library storytimes, smiled at every person he sees everywhere he goes (we are definitely going to have a nice loooooonnng talk about "stranger danger" when he comes of age), and most recently, the biggest developments all at once:

*He is going to sleep on his own. In his crib. Not in our bed. I loved the whole cosleeping concept...and I miss knowing he is right there. But I always said that when he was ready he'd let us know. And he slowly did. And now he is in his crib as we speak, sound asleep. Not to mention he is now going to bed TWO hours earlier than he used to and sleeping through the night. WHAT?!?!?! How did this happen? All I have to say is I am very proud of my LBB.

*His tooth is coming in...finally!!! Dear Sweet Hubby got his first tooth at 4 months or so. I got my first tooth at (wait for it, wait for it) 13 months. So, quite honestly, we didn't know what to expect with LBB. 4 months came and went. 5 months came and went. 6 months came and went. And still not a single sign of a pearly white. 7 months came and...almost...went. :) But, a few days ago, LBB went to go gnaw on my finger (which is a very common thing for him), and I was taken aback by a sharp little thing in the bottom of his mouth. And then...the next day, TWO sharp little things in the bottom of his mouth. That's right. All these months with no little teeth, and BAM! Two at a time.

*He is almooossstt crawling. This morning he got one arm moved and then fell. This evening he moved both arms and legs and fell. Tomorrow...who knows. But his GiGi told him she expects him to be crawling when she gets back Sunday night. :) Maybe it'll be just the motivation he needs.

*And he is almoooossstt standing up on his own! Serious! He's been pulling himself up slowly but surely. Last night I sat in the chair and he was on the floor, and he turned himself around a bit and pulled himself up. And then fell flat on his bottom. The crib is definitely going down to the lowest level now! My LBB is nearly mobile!

So, that's what is new in LBB world. :) Quite a bit, isn't it?

Another unexpected trip to the doc...

LBB is very accident prone. A month ago we were at the doctor because of a slip in the parking lot. :( Three months ago we were there for a super stuffed up little man. And then there are the monthly visits. But, I suppose since we have good insurance, I don't want to hesitate on something...I'd rather not have to worry.

So, today we had another trip to see the doc. This time for a small dent in the back of his head that I was pretty sure was his anterior fontanel. But then I called the nurse to make sure, and she doesn't seem to know what she is talking about, sending me into a worry-frenzy when she made the observation that if I wait too long his head will be forever flat in the back. And the award for most dramatic nurse on the phone goes to... (drumroll please) ...that lady.

But, I can't complain because now I don't have to worry everytime my fingers brush against that little dent. And I don't have to worry about the dry patch that I couldn't get rid of on the fold of his ear because the doc gave me a good little tip on how to treat it. And I don't have to worry about the fact that LBB bumps his head.

Every. Day.

I don't know why he is so clutzy...no matter what we do, he finds something to bump his head on...just wait till he is even more mobile. Oy.

Oh...and a little weight update. LBB weighs in at 22 pounds 12 ounces. Wowzer. That is one big boy...which a sweet little elderly pointed out to me at Target today. :)

Late Night Musings...

It's 1:04 am as I write this. And not that I planned on staying up this late, but earlier today, LBB bumped his head. Mix that with teething, and I'm one worried MaMa. :) He went to sleep in his crib no problem. And then woke up a little bit later. So, now he is sleeping in his infant chair next to me. This way I can "monitor" him. I called the nurse and she said it sounds like just a scalp wound since he has been acting normal and all that, but I tend to worry, so I'd rather sacrifice a night in a bed for a little piece of mind. :)

But, as I sit here, very tired, and trying to stay awake as long as possible, I have had various random late night musings wander in and out my head:

• I think Handy Manny is much cooler than Bob the Builder. I believe LBB had the same feeling, since he changed the channel while watching Bob. And I think it is crazy that 1 1/2 years ago I never even would have thought of this. :)
• Sleep sounds really good. And a nice soft bed. Or maybe a Pepsi. I'll take any of those.
• Maybe I'll handsew those shoes I'm making LBB. Or maybe not.
• I put way too much stuff on my plate.
• For the first time in a very long time, I took some "mommy" time tonight. I had to run to my parents house so I could borrow their paint roller, and I took our fun little family-UNfriendly car, cranked up the music, and enjoyed my quiet time. It was very needed. I feel like a completly revived mommy!
• Nothing makes me happier than when LBB says me name.
• Life is amazing. Life is good. Life is wonderful.
• I finally feel like we've found home. What a nice feeling.
• Fireworks lighting up the night sky and my son's face make my heart burst with joy.

Well, 'night everyone! Here's hoping LBB sleeps well!

Oh my! 7 months!!!!

Less than half a year until LBB turns ONE year old? Wow. I cannot believe how fast time goes with him! Everyone always said it would...but I never believed it until the day he was born! Since that moment, time has flown. I love every moment of it.

This past month has been THE most fun month of all so far! We still have the cuddliness, but LBB has turned into a very playful, very active, and very opinionated little guy! And, at 7 months, LBB:

• is sitting up all on his own! He started this days after he turned six months. I love that he can sit up now...he plays tons with his toys, loves to play peekaboo with his blanket, and "reads" his books, all while sitting up like a big boy.


• is getting even closer to crawling on his own. A few days ago, he would lean forward from sitting and try to crawl and fall flat on his face. :( But the past two days, he goes from sitting position to crawling position and holds himself up like that until he tries to crawl, then he topples. :) I know one of these days, he will start crawling when we least expect it. Time to pack up the coffee table...I don't want him to bump his head on it, and I definitely know that he'll want all the room he can get once he is seriously mobile.


• scoots like crazy. He doesn't get too far away from his starting point, but he can easily turn himself all around.


• no teeth yet, but little signs of teething here and there. I feel so terrible for him when his teeth are bothering him.


• loves taking baths in the big tub. He is crazy about bath toys, especially the tugboat that his Auntie got him.


• has been going to storytime on a very regular basis at our library. He loves the books, the songs, and watching the other kids.


• has been in his Daddy's boat! We went for a ride for the first time today. LBB did well at first, but then was not a happy camper. But, we know that a little bit here and there will help him be comfortable out on the water.


• We've gone to car shows, fun fest, fireworks, and so much more! LBB loved the fourth of July festivities and didn't cry once during the fireworks! He did so wonderful and is such a brave boy.


• picks toys out of his toy bins. I love watching him decide what he plays with!


• is slowly transitioning to sleeping in his crib more than our bed. I don't mind when he co-sleeps. But he has been stirring more, and I think he may be getting ready to be in his own bed. The majority of his daytime naps are in his crib, and he sleeps the first two hours in his crib. We are trying to incorporate more crib-time at night than bed-time. :) He is still not sleeping through the night...but like I've said before, I believe that when he is ready he will just do it. Until then, trying to convince him is just a moot argument!


• Tried Stage 3 foods a few weeks ago...he did pretty well for the first time. He got a tad gaggy after 5 or 6 spoonfuls of lasagna, but we'll try again in the next week or so. He loved having different meals to try though, that's for sure! One thing we have discovered...this boy loves sweets. :) You can tell he is my son! LOL!


• is chattering up a storm. Showing much more personality. And revealing that in about 17 months I am really going to have my hands full with a very spirited 2 year old! At least I'm prepared! He can say MaMa right now, and actually associates it with me for the most part. I love it! Except for when he is crying and keeps saying my name...then I feel like crying for him! LOL

OK...I think that is all I've got. I think. If something needs to be added, I will put it in here!

This is summertime...

adorable little swimtrunks hang drying in the bathroom.

Happy July!