Brrrr! It's cold out!

Even at the pharmacy, to pick up his cold medicine, in the 20 degree weather, while teething... Ethan keeps on grinnin'!

First tooth!

Yesterday, Ethan's first tooth pushed through!  And to help gnaw it free, what was his first choice?

Yes, that's right.  The coffee table.  An astute observer might see the many TOYS behind him.  Toys that he scooted past as he army crawled to the furniture.

And the sweetest husband award goes to...

When I awoke to change Ethan's morning diaper... I found a surprise in his nursery.  Spot it?

Chris had surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of roses that he ("and Ethan helped") picked up for me.

Last week,  I had felt so left out.  Ethan had his big 6 month well check up with his pediatrician and being at work, I wasn't there to join him and his dad to find out how big he had grown or ask my thousands of questions on sleeping, nutrition, development, (and much more!).  I knew Chris had it more than covered, but I couldn't be part of the process and had to wait for a summary.  (It was a pretty great summary, including the doctor calling him the "Picture of health"!)

My heart melted when I saw this unexpected surprise and I thought the sentiment behind it was just a little pick-me-up.  Chris then explained at length that it was to show the appreciation for what a wonderful mother I am and how I he recognizes all I put into being the best parent I can for Ethan.

I'm so grateful for Chris and that Ethan has such a good role model.

Ethan's first time eating solid food

After getting his doctor's blessing, this little family of three excitedly prepared for the big day!  High chair assembled, books on baby foods read, plastic bowls and cups washed... it was time to give little man his first meal!

 Ethan concentrated with all his might on a toy while sitting in this new and unfamiliar chair.  Little did he realize what was in store!

Chef Chris prepared the gourmet concoction: just the right blend of whole grain organic rice cereal mixed with Mommy Milk.


Watch his first bite!


His Mommy wanted a turn.  One of my biggest wishes is for him to be a healthy eater who loves diverse and nutritious foods!  I wouldn't wish picky tastes on anyone!

He thought about it for a minute...

then loved it!

While we were at it, we gave the man his first sip of water from a big boy cup.

"Dad, you know that's not milk right?"

"Well as long as you guys say it's alright, I like it!"

Now, in the last six months, he had grown from 5lbs 12oz, 18.5 inches in height to 19lbs and 27 inches, just on milk alone.  Never a drop of formula or a taste of rice.  He's already wearing 9 month old clothes, how fast is he going to grow now?!

If you can imagine, there are even more pictures of our big adventure here.  We can't imagine anyone else is as into it as we are, but just in case!

Happy Half-Birthday Ethan!

Today you are officially 6 months old!  What is your big present to celebrate this occasion?  Cereal!  Time to introduce a spoon to you and a mop to mom and dad!

Ethan's Baptized!

This Christmas, Ethan was baptized!  His Godparents, Uncle Nick and Aunt Kate, did a great job and my Aunt, Grandparents, and Cousins looked on so proudly. 

The proud parents.

Afterwords, his Grandpa treated everyone to a delicious celebration!  Ethan was just excited to have somewhere else to go all dressed up.

You can view more pictures of the baptism and the video here.

First Christmas as a Family of Three

The 22 hour drive was worth every minute.  We had the most incredible visit with our family in Florida; filled with laughs, great food, and love! It was the first time for many to meet Ethan, and he loved every minute of the attention!

Ethan's Aunts showered him with love and tickles.

He was shocked at how many gifts he was showered with! 

Someone must have told the family that he had been a very good boy!

 

Opening them all really wore him out!  Good thing his Godfather Nick nearby.

As Italians, we of course had to celebrate the occasion with a delicious feast. 

But, the best part was when the boys did the dishes.  

All tuckered out, it was time to return home.  To see more of our holiday memories, view album 1 or album 2.

Ethan typing to his mom

It's been hard leaving the little man every morning going to work, but we've both been adjusting.  Today he just made my heart melt.  Chris put him to the computer to write his mom a message and he pounded away.  "yvt 7thnivt c ftd," he said.  I read that as, "Mom, I love you, thanks for working hard for us and I understand."