Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails....Happy Halloween!!

When trying to pick out Jameson's costume, Darin and I went back and forth for days (OK, I went back and forth for days). I first thought monkey since I call him monkey probably more often than I call him Jameson, but decided against it since that is a pretty popular costume. Then I thought how can I make a "bean" costume. Quickly ruled that one out because I didn't want to torture the poor kid by making him a lima bean or something ridiculous for his 1st Halloween. Pumpkin was tossed around since he is so wonderfully chubby. Saw a cute cow costume, but in light of Braden's recent encounter with a cow, that was vetoed. Then we came across a puppy costume and thought it was perfect, seeing as how Hoyt can bring a smile to that child's face even in the middle of the most epic meltdowns. I think we did pretty well...definitely two of the cutest puppies I have ever seen!

Jameson Reed Gets Baptized! ......Quite awhile ago!

I neglected to dedicate a post to Jameson's baptism, so I am retracing my steps a little here. Jameson Reed was baptized on May 29, 2011, my golden birthday, which made that day super special! It was definitely a bittersweet day though, as we had once thought both Jameson and Lauren would be baptized together when the time came. But, I know she was smiling down on him and the rest of us that day. He was baptized at Second Presbyterian Church by Pastor Chip Hardwick (one of my favorite people!). J did a fabulous job - was awake and alert through the whole process and then passed out on me immediately when we sat back down and slept through the whole service. And, he made it through the whole day without ruining his pretty white outfit (which was my biggest fear since that was kind of his trademark at the time!).

We had a little party afterwards at my parents house and we are thankful to our family members who came and shared in his special day. He received a lot of meaningful gifts and it was fun to celebrate with everyone! Here are a few pics.

J was excited that he was about to get baptized!

Getting baptized by Chip.



Getting introduced to his new church family.

 

That was exhausting!

His pretty cake...Ayden even helped decorate the bottom corner :).

Hanging out with his Ray at the party afterwards!

Sweet little face.

J and his proud Papa.

Best birthday gift ever.

6 Month Photos!!

I wanted to post a few of my favorites from Jameson's 6 month photo session with Sarah Rogers Photography. OK - it is more than a few, but I couldn't pick! She did a great job with a baby who wanted nothing to do with looking at the camera because he was so interested in the grass, the cars driving by, the leaves on the ground, the people at the park, the suitcase straps...you get the idea! The family ones are wonderful and his facial expressions are priceless - thanks Sarah!

He looks so proud of himself!

So deep in thought.

I love how he is playing with my hair! This is a perfect shot.

Darin and his mini-me!

My sweet little bean!

So happy!! I love this one!

Go Illini!

My absolute favorite - love his facial expression.

So cute.

Love it!

Another one of my favorites.

Trying to recreate our wedding picture - this time with a cute little baby!

7 Months!!

Ahhh, we are now on the downward slope to being 1 year old! Yikes!

Here are some fun things about me from the last month:

• I weigh 21 lbs and am about 28 inches long (I was really squirmy when Mom and Dad tried to measure my length!).
• I finally cut my first tooth. And second. It was a long teething process and I had a lot of uncomfortable moments, but now I have some pretty pearly whites and am a happy camper! Hope the next ones are less painful...for all of us!
• I started saying syllables that sound like actual words. Mama was the first (Mom was super happy about that), Gagagaga was second, and then I said Dada! However, Mom and Dad swear I said cookie one night, so I think they are going to claim that as my first word!
• I got to go to the zoo with Grandma Debbie and Braden. I think I liked looking at the scenery and people more than the animals, but I had fun!
• I started Kindermusik! I have so much fun and am so glad Mommy signed us up. Kristy and my buddy Jonah and Christina and Carter also go, so it's fun to see them every week too.
• I finally got to try some other foods. We started with sweet potatoes, then carrots, then squash. I loved them all! I still get most of my nourishment from Mommy, but I am loving being able to eat big kid foods! I also started using a sippy cup. I mostly chew on it, but it's still a step in the right direction!
• We took another road trip up to Chicago to meet Baby Cliff. My Mom and his Mom, Megan, joked about how we are going to be college roommates just like they were!
• I had croup for the first and hopefully only time. It was pretty miserable - it hurt to cough and it made it hard to sleep at night. But, I was still my usually happy self most of the time. The cough has been lingering for a few weeks, but I feel much better.    
• I can stand on my own if I am leaning against something. I can also pull myself up with little help. I think I may just skip the whole crawling business and go straight to walking.
• I went to my first Illini tailgate! It was so much fun! 
• I had my first and second sleepover at Grandma Debbie and Ray's house! Mommy and Daddy stayed the first time because they just couldn't quite leave me! But, then I got to stay all by myself when Mommy and Daddy caught the stomach flu.
• I got to hog Grandma Kim all to myself a few different days, which was fun! I just love being spoiled by my grandparents!  
• Not to toot my own horn, but I am pretty smart. Someone can show me something and most of the time I can do it right after them. And, I definitely know who to look at when Mommy and Daddy say, "there's your puppy!".  Duh, I know Hoyt is my puppy!
• Mom forgot to mention a long time ago that I like to play with my ears when I am sleepy. It is my form of self-soothing and it's really adorable. She just wanted to make sure to get that in writing!
• I LOVE to be hugged and held. I wouldn't say I am clingy, but I certainly like to be hugged, kissed and loved. But, I know everyone who loves me has NO problem with obliging :).
  
  

Obviously, Jameson had quite a busy month of growing and developing. We love seeing it happen before our eyes and I am just holding my breath until he starts really talking and becoming mobile. Until then, I am going to enjoy my cuddly little boy who still enjoys sitting on my lap and snuggling!

"A baby has a special way of adding joy in every single day." ~ Author Unknown

My 1st tooth!

Look at me standing!

What's up?!

Homecoming Tailgate!

I love my cousins!

All tuckered out after the Worldwide Day of Play party.

Mmm, I love sweet potatoes!

More please!

Too many cute pictures from our photo session this morning, so I made a collage! Can't believe how small that bear is!