More Photos

More pictures have been attached to the Tucson post... scroll down to check them out!

6 months old today!

I can't believe this much time has passed. So many big changes have been happening all at once at this age. I remember having the same feeling when Lucas was 3 months old and exiting his "4th trimester". At that time he was really waking up to the world around him and starting to establish a natural routine to his day. Now at 6 months, Lucas is working hard on gaining more independent mobility and exploring EVERYTHING with his hands and mouth. He's also starting to really communicate with us in more complex ways. He has so many facial expressions, reaches for what he wants, and turns his head while using his hands to push away what he doesn't want. It's so cool. For a while now, we've been able to see if he's hungry for a bottle just by showing it to him and seeing if he reaches for it with his mouth open. Other new developments are teeth, and first solids meal! Those will be separate posts as soon as I cull through the 73 pictures (no exaggeration) that Laith and I took as he investigated smashed banana on his tray. Stay tuned for more, I have a feeling crawling is just around the corner!

Visit to Tucson

This past week Lucas and I visited my Mom and Paul out in Tucson. Last time they saw him he was 7 weeks old so they were chomping at the bit to have Mr. Squirmy Smiley Pie in their arms.Paul had a row of toys waiting for Lucas when we arrived which was a good thing because this little guy likes action! It was so nice for us all to see eachother and spend time together. Lucas had all the attention he wanted, got lots of kisses from Sierra the dog, and went swimming in the big pool for the first time!
In between baby care (Lucas went back to nursing every 2 hours in the dry climate) and naps together (he wouldn't sleep independently on this trip), I had the chance to catch up with my mom while going for walks around the neighborhood and relaxing on her beautiful back patio. Thanks for a great visit Mom and Paul! Can't wait to see you next time- when he's crawling! Ack!

Crazy Legs!

Lucas has been exercising diligently in preparation for all the tasks those fat little thighs will need to accomplish in the next several months (crawling and walking!)






Whew, after all that activity, I need to re-hydrate!

So, Is He Sleeping Through The Night Yet?

Here's a typical scene from 3:00 am to answer your question
Add to that his voracious eating habits. All I can say is that when Laith gave me 5 hours to myself for our anniversary present, I seriously considered using it to get 5 continuous hours of sleep!

Visit to Knoxville

The last weekend of March I flew down to surprise my best friend Karen with an unexpected visit. Her husband, Matt and I planned it all out and arranged to have Karen's parents pick me up from the airport.

Here we are on the tarmac, delayed for an hour. Luckily, we have an empty seat next to us and Lucas is familiar with the plane since this is his 3rd round-trip flight!
When we arrived in Knoxville, Karen's parents (Bill and Pat) picked me up. Unfortunately I don't have any photos of them but they enjoyed meeting Lucas! They dropped me off around the side of Hortons' house and I snuck around to the front door and hid from the peep hole while I rang the bell. Karen was really happy and surprised to see me standing there. It was so great to see her again and have these next 2 days to spend time together!
Here Lucas is experiencing his first live recording on a local radio station! This was a great folk/bluegrass band and we all loved hearing them play.
We also went to a nature center that had extensive trails and a beautiful lake. The weather was perfect for hiking and enjoying the springtime. Lucas slept the entire time while Karen and I walked and chatted.

My sister-in-law Laila, brother-in-law Doug, and niece Gabby all live in Knoxville as well so one morning we met at Panera to catch up. Gabby was so cute and well-behaved the whole time. We must have sat there for almost 2 hours and she was happy just playing with my cell phone and Lucas' car seat. :)


Here's Lucas playing with a new stuffed toy from Karen and Matt. A Horton Elephant! He loves the nose-- perfect for teething on!
We had a great visit and hope to come back again soon!
We miss you Karen, Matt and the Yoders!

I love my handknit jacket!

Big boy