There will always be something special about your first born child. James has truly been delightful since day 1. He’s the most loving, kind, thoughtful, smart, funny, creative boy you’ll meet. And now I can add that he’s the best big brother a little sister could ask for. I started this blog when he was just a couple months old and love having this journal of his early years to look back on. I cherish these early posts for that reason.
Our sweet baby boy turned 15 months on June 4th. He is just his own little guy, full of curiosity, independence, and determination. I’m so happy that he still likes to be held, but sometimes, just as quickly, wants to be put down. He loves to climb up onto the couch, and then climb back down.
His independence is fierce at mealtimes, so he feeds himself- no matter how messy it gets.
Nothing a little bath can’t fix:) And boy does he love the bath! He comes running into the bathroom as soon as he hears the water running and tries to hike his leg over the tub and get in!
Month 13 had to be one of the most exciting months so far because James.Started.Walking! I had imagined that Jimmy and I would teach James to walk by sitting across from each other in the living room beckoning James to “come to mama” but that didn’t happen. He just started walking one day right after turning 13 months and within 2 weeks, he gave up crawling completely.
Here he is just last weekend as dad was doing the yardwork. Ever tried to snap a pic of a walking baby??? And he doesn’t like to hold my hand while he’s walking. He wants to do it on his own,
We’ve officially entered the second year and I have to say it just keeps getting better and better!! Being a first time mom, I had no idea that my heart could contain such love. Now that James is a little older, he’s doing more and more and continues to bring so much JOY to our lives. Every morning I look forward to another day with him.
He’s quite proficient at climbing up the stairs and shimmying down on his belly. So much so that we finally installed a gate to prevent any accidents.
He’s also good at getting on and off of his dinosaur and riding it around the living room.
Our favorite little guy turned one! What a milestone (for him as well as Momma and Daddy)! Of course, we had to have a little party to celebrate the occasion. We kept the party small, just family, but it was so awesome that all the James’ (I, II, III, and IV) were able to get together for the first time! We have so enjoyed this first year- it is pure JOY and LOVE and SWEETNESS with baby James in our lives.
A huge thank you to A Blissful Nest for the banner at the top of this post- it made quite the impression as our guests entered the house!
Before I was even pregnant with James, Jimmy and I bought him his first toy- an adorable big-legged giraffe from the MGM gift shop in Las Vegas. I thought it was so cute and would be good to have something “baby” in the house pre-baby.
I started photographing James with the giraffe when he was 2 months old, but missed months 3 and 8 (oops!) It’s so funny to see the progression of him just sitting like a lump next to the giraffe at first and then take more interest in it. The giraffe started out much larger than James, but he quickly caught up!
How did this happen? My little baby is growing up so fast! The one year mark is fast approaching. It is SO fun to interact with James now and play together. He loves to play (alone or with us). He likes “high 5”, reading (or turning the book’s pages), all the toys that light up and play music, things he can bang on, opening cabinet doors and drawers, and playing chase in his little car. Grandma, you’ll like this post- it’s heavy on the baby pics:)
He’s all big boy in the highchair when we go to restaurants now.
Holy moly- we are approaching the one year mark! As a first time mom, I am so blown away by all the things a little 10 month old baby can do! They are actually little people with their own thoughts, desires, personalities, will, and determination. Who knew?!
My son and I have grown unspeakably close these last ten months, but he really loves everybody and will engage anyone who gives him attention. I’m thankful to say that he is still the HAPPIEST baby I have ever known! So full of JOY and LAUGHTER! And the cutest thing there ever was:)
Can you imagine being 9 months old and seeing Santa for the first time? I wonder what my little guy was thinking. He seemed particularly fascinated by all that hair on Santa’s face. He just kept looking at him. I think I was more excited. Some of this mommy stuff is still so surreal to me. Waiting in line with James to see Santa, I’m realizing that I’m taking my baby to see Santa?! When it was our turn, I just held James and made the introductions. Our Santa was so nice!! Since it wasn’t busy, there was no rush and when I thought James was comfortable,
This last month has been so fun as James’ personality and curiosity has been ever-emerging. Also, his ability to get around has increased exponentially! He moves around the house like nobody’s business and doesn’t sit still for long. Sometimes, we’ll be in his room playing and he’ll just crawl away into the hallway. Um, weren’t we playing? I feel like I’m always saying, “Where you going?”
Now, James:
Weighs 20 pounds Says “mamamamamama” Loves to zoom around the house is his little car. We call it his “zoom zoom” Thinks diaper change is the perfect time to flip over and be a wiggle worm.
This little guy is getting so physical. And he’s really intentional about what he wants to do. For example, now he will specifically crawl, and I mean, fast! toward whatever he’s interested in. Last month, he just started pulling himself up, and now he’s a master. He’s crawling all over the house, likes to climb up my leg, and he’s also already cruising around the furniture! Ahgghgh . . .
Now, James:
Weighs 20 pounds Wears size 12 months and I started buying 18 months too Recognizes Mom and Dad Loves when you clap and likes to hold your hands while clapping Loves music,
Near the end of my pregnancy, I started researching photographers in our area who could do a professional photo shoot with James as a babe. I remembered that my friend used Kristi Zontini for her wedding and her photographs were gorgeous. Kristi’s studio, Bella Babies, now focuses mainly on babies and families. We ended up purchasing four photo sessions (to use in a year), and have done two so far. A family shoot is scheduled for November, and then we’ll do the last one when James is a year old. Here are some of the shots Krisit’s done so far.
This kid is killing me with his cuteness. And his eyes. And his smile. And is joy. And his laughter. And his just. being. a. baby. He’s the best thing in the world. Keeps delighting me by delighting himself. Sometimes he laughs so hard, one of those deep belly laughs, and then I’m laughing too and I just want to record it and save it forever. Those wonderfully sweet sounds. Everything is new. Everything is wondrous. Everything is explored. I wake up so excited for each day because I know I get to spend it with him and I can’t wait to see what he’s up to next.
My sweet little guy will be six months old on Saturday. Six. Months. Old. It’s so true what they say . . . makes me glad I am able to stay home with him. A roly-poly baby is in our midst. As soon as James turned 5 months, he started rolling from his back to his tummy, usually on the right side. Now he’s also going from tummy to back. He started doing baby “push-ups” and can lift his whole chest off the floor and get on his knees. He’s “swimming” and gets around on the floor pretty well, although he goes backwards!
James’ nursery is one of my favorite rooms in the house. It’s playful and also soothing and has items in it that have special meaning for us. You can find James cuddled in my arms several times a day as I rock him to sleep in the glider. I cherish these moments as I know they won’t last forever. It’s fun to enjoy the room too. I wanted to do a play on a jungle theme with some stuffed animals and bedding, but keep it from being too “themey.” The beadboard is combined with Sherwin Williams’ Blissful Blue paint.
There is absolutely nothing better in the whole wide world than a baby. I am so in love and just smitten. My son has amazed me this last month. He’s found his toes and is fascinated by them- takes every opportunity to grab them and pull them toward his face. He’s babbling up a LOUD storm. By the way, he’s sleeping in his crib now. We didn’t have room to set up the crib in our old townhouse, so he was sleeping in his pack-n-play. His nursery is about 5 feet from my bedroom and I hear him talking to himself (so cute!) every morning at about 6 a.m.
’
Happy 4th of July! and Happy 4 month birthday to the little, big love of my life! This guy has captured my heart like no other. So much so that I’ll be a stay-at-home mommy soon:) James is the sweetest, happiest baby I’ve ever seen. He’s all smiles and giggles has has been such an easy going disposition.
So far, James:
Height – 25 inches; weight – 16.4 pounds
loves his tummy time and “swimming” on his play mat
plays with toys like plush colored blocks and round rattle, and holds things in his hands,
+051.JPG){kind=link}
