these are a few of my favorite things

Why do we even bother to buy kids toys? Here are a few of James's favorite "toys." A computer cord (all cords for that matter), Grizzlies koozie, remote control (only the one that works), a shoe horn, ANY of George's toys, (not pictured) my house keys.

Added to the list today...a fly swatter.

I realize that quite a few of these are not very clean, but I'll take my chances for 10 minutes of a independently play time!


Little James is beginning to push the limits a little. We have told him "no" and "stop" more times than I care to count to keep him from...falling, pulling lamps over, getting into dog food, etc. Yesterday, he was quietly playing and this is where we found him. (There is a lamp cord behind that table that he LOVES). I recognize that getting the camera is probably not the right reaction...but, you can't help but smile at his "caught in the act" face.

Just another reminder that we are all sinners; even little James wants what is fun and exciting for him. No one likes to be told "no," even 8 1/2 month olds. I find myself praying more and more for his heart, that he will never know a day when he didn't love Jesus...and that we, as parents will know how to train him in the way he should go. It is a task too big for us alone...

Can I come over??

One of my favorite things about my job is feeding therapy. Without getting into all of the details as to what exactly it is and why I love it, I will tell you that I have been using all of my "skills" with James lately. I must be pretty good at my job (or James inherited a great appetite). 

Today at lunch...black beans, cantaloupe, and yogurt. 

 Does he look happy or what?!

He also devours: cheese, soft bread, any kind of small cereal, goldfish, all baby foods (yep, even the yucky green ones), peaches, banana, beans (most kinds of beans), corn, graham crackers...the list goes on. I'm still working on cooked carrots and avocado. 

James is also very much on the move. He has discovered electrical plugs and is quite fascinated. He also entertains himself by sticking his hands in George's dog food and water bowl (this gets quite the reaction from me). Wouldn't you just love to have him over?! I'm sure his teachers are loving this silly goose. He started Parents' Day Out at Second Baptist 2 days a week while I work. He is still "adjusting!"

And a little picture to end on...this was right before he reached for the laptop cord!

And here he is after his second day of "school"

Notice George in the background staring at the squirrels in the neighbor's yard. Quite the protector!

James is crawling!

After spending a few days with his older cousin, Swinton (10 months), James decided he needed to increase his mobility. After a few days at home practicing, he is quite mobile.

Out highlights from July include:
- crawling
- 4 new teeth (all on the top)
- fever virus and the stomach virus (2 different weeks)...we are loving daycare!!
- eating more and more table food (veggies from pot roast, creamed corn, avocado, graham crackers, cheerios and much more)
- we are desperately working on independent play...not going so well
- finger feeding
- pulling to stand on the bed (the crib was dropped today)
- fun times with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents
- swimming, splashing, and floating in the pool
- growling (yep, he growls) and "talking..."no babbling yet, please don't think of it as a reflection on my professional skills, James is limited to vowel sounds unless he is crying, then he sounds like he's saying "mama"
- sitting in the shopping cart (without needing to be propped up

It has been a full month. Her are a few pictures

 Nana with James and Swinton

 Check out those teeth!! Beware, he bites.

What a crew...James (8 months), Rachel (4 months), Burton (2 1/2), Swinton (10 months) and Sarah (almost 4)

We are feeling the HEAT

Not only are we feeling the 100+ weather, James's internal temp is up too. The week has been spent with a lot of Motrin and Tylenol. Apparently, James suffered from the "summertime flu" and on top of that, has not 1, not 2...but THREE teeth coming in. It's always baffled me when women said "oh, he must be teething," but I now understand that every one of those pearly whites comes with pain (not just for the child but for the parents too). So, I would be happy if all of his teeth came in at one time and it was over.

So, after a few days not working and cooped up together indoors. James and I were delighted to have an outing today to....Target! Does it get more exciting than that?!

As I was feeling sorry for myself and how exhausting it is to care for a sick child (thank you mom for all your years of patiently nursing us)...I ran across this blog. I think I'm tired...check out these women's schedules. She is featuring a variety of working mothers and their daily schedules. It's pretty interesting. Made me tired just to read it.
http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/

4th of July

I have been a terrible documenter lately. When I have my camera, I don't use it and when I want it, I don't have it with me.

Saturday, we loaded up and drove to Pickwick for the day. James was zipped into a gigantic "infant" lifejacket (wish I had my camera). We had to unzip it so he could see out of the top. He bobbed in the lake briefly. Gerber puffs kept him going for a while but didn't keep the tears away. We had one major meltdown on the boat before he fell asleep from exhaustion.

Sunday, James looked pretty handsome, so I took a picture. This kid is going to think he was always alone with a camera, since we seem to only take pictures of him solo!

Backtracking a little...below is a fabulous party favor received at Allie Callicutt's 1st birthday party. Please ignore the drool.

 And here we are all decked out in patriotic colors, ready for the neighborhood "parade." James napped through most of the festivities, which I did not wake him up for! So, we made it in time for a few patriotic tunes and a quick chat with a neighbor.

 The weekend ended with Isaac cooking dinner and James relaxing in the swing.

By the way, is he huge or what? This week at daycare, he has been placed in a room with older kids. Some of the them are crawling and walking, and they are all either the same size or smaller than James. What happened to that tiny baby?!

Summer Reading

For my birthday, I bought myself a Kindle.

I have put it to good use this summer and find I read much more. A couple of clicks, a few seconds and you have a new book loaded and ready to go! 

So, here is my summer reading recommendation list. Please, no judgement...no highly intellectual books here. This truly is a "good beach read" kind of list. 

1. The Paris Wife (Paul McClain)

I read this before seeing Midnight in Paris. They are a great combo. It will make you want to plan your European vacation.

2. Room (Emma Donoghue) 

3.Unbroken (Laura Hillenbrand)

4. Bossypants (Tina Fey)

I couldn't help but laugh obnoxiously loud so Isaac would ask what was so funny. 

I'm working on one right  now but don't have high hopes for it making the recommended summer reading list...

Go Rebs

Many people frown on putting a baby in non-baby clothes (e.g. bold colors, patterns, etc). Well, James loves to wear his big boy Ole Miss jersey. I must admit he looks pretty good in it too. He cooperated and posed for a picture, which was framed and given to his grandfathers and Isaac for Father's Day.

If you look closely, you will see 2 teeth on the bottom. Beware, he will bite, and it hurts!