Bowman's 6 Month Check-Up

Today we went for our 6th month check with Dr. Cabiness. For the time being, Bowman was actually healthy, though he did have some fluid in his right ear. If he gets any cold symptoms we need to go back in...most likely this will turn into an ear infection, which means Bowman will get to meet Porter's favorite MD -- Dr. G!! But, if he remains healthy and there's still fluid in his ear at his 9 month appointment, we'll still have to see the ENT...the fluid can affect his hearing and we certainly do not want that! Anyway, besides all that drama, Bowman checked out A-OK. In fact, he was happy to do a few tricks for the doctor which is always a plus. Dr. Cabiness seemed impressed with his motor skills and, though Bowman's not sitting up on his own yet, he definitely is eager to be on the move. I have a feeling crawling may not be far behind sitting up!! Here's how he measured up:

Weight: 17 lbs, 5 oz (50th percentile)
Height: 27.5 inches (85th percentile)
Head circumference: 44 cm (60th percentile)

All in all, he's pretty much in the same place on the growth chart. He is shorter and chunkier than Porter was at this age, but I think that has to do with the fact that he can already finish off a jar of Stage 1 baby food in one sitting...Mommy loves her Chunky Monkey!!!

Whirlwind Weekend

This past weekend, Porter and I had a wonderfully busy weekend. It began Saturday morning with swim lessons; Porter is taking lessons with Mac King every Saturday morning. Adair and I are participating too, and it's fun to watch the boys learning to kick and put their face in the water. Porter particularly loves the safety drills; climbing out of the pool and then jumping back in -- what fun! Coach James has been great with both boys; wonder if we have any Michael Phelps's in the making??

After swim lessons, Porter and I met Grammy and his cousin Maylee at the zoo. She was in town with Uncle Jonathan, and both kids seem to enjoy playing with one another. We rode the carousel andthe train, played on the playground, and Maylee even rode a pony; Jackie and I had to laugh...we were at the zoo for almost an hour and a half before we saw any animals :) The kids had a wonderful time, and it was nice to have a day with Porter (Craig and Bowman stayed home.) The weather was perfect...time to get a little color on my skin!!

Maylee headed down the slide first with Porter right behind!

Grammy with the kids, riding in the caboose!!

I tried all day to get a cute picture of the kids together, but one of them always seemed to move as soon as the flash went off. I did get a few from behind though. The aquarium was, as usual, a HUGE hit. They both loved looking at all the fish, and were excited to discover a scuba diver in one of the large tanks. Another exciting discovery...Nemo (and his daddy!)

On Sunday, we all went out to Chapin for lunch. Again, it was a beautiful day, so Pop-Pop loaded us all up (minus Grammy and Bowman, who again stayed behind) and we went for a nice ride on the boat. Maylee and Porter both love being on the boat; in fact, Porter kept begging Pop-Pop to "go faster!!" The water is still entirely too cold to swim, but the nice breeze on the water made for a perfect afternoon.

Maylee checking out the lake

Lots of turtles sunning on the logs!!

Craig enjoying the ride

Porter loves driving the boat. Thankfully, there weren't too many boats out...he hasn't quite mastered a straight line. But, he sure knows how to blow the horn!!

Uncle Jonathan and Sioux

Though the water was still chilly, we took the kids to the boat ramp to "swim." Both kids enjoyed splashing in the water, and actually got pretty brave with how far they would venture out. Grammy bought each of them a tiny net, so they set out to catch some minnows.

It was a great weekend, and Porter was exhausted!! No arguments from him on Sunday night; in fact, he actually asked us to go to bed...here's hoping for many more wonderful weekends this summer!!

6 Months and Counting!

Well, Bowman, here you are at 6 months...and what a difference a month makes!! One night, about 2 weeks ago, something just clicked and you started sleeping all night long...anywhere from 10 - 12 hours a night. Thankfully, if you do decide to wake up around 5:30am, you have no problem snuggling in with Mommy or Daddy and catching a few more Zzzz's until your big brother wakes up. But, sleeping until 6:30 or 7 am is the norm, so I don't mind those few early mornings, especially if it gives me an excuse to snuggle with my Little Man. You've started communicating more...I can totally tell your mood just by the little noises you make. I must admit, you are one happy baby; even your teachers at school are amazed with the constant smile on your face. Sweet Bowman...you are honestly just happy with life and are content to go with the flow, which is definitely a good thing since your older brother is quite the opinionated 2 year old! Speaking of Porter, you still love to watch every move he makes and honestly think he is the funniest thing! You giggle at him all the time, and have taken to reaching out and giving his hair a tug. Porter doesn't seem to mind; he just moves your hand and continues on his way...you two are developing a wonderful relationship!

Sitting independently is coming! You can sit up with just a little assistance except in your tub -- you are completely on your own during your bath! I have a feeling you'll be sitting up with your toys in no time...maybe 2 more weeks?? Though I can't see or feel any teeth, I do often wonder if they're starting to grow. You love to chew on things...especially your WHOLE hand and your washcloths. Hmmm...could turn out to be a very interesting month!

You are becoming more and more fond of food. You are definitely a messy eater...your breakfast and dinner end up all over you AND your high chair. Oh well. You are so eager to open your mouth and gobble it all down...so far, you've had sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, applesauce and bananas. I think carrots are your favorite; you never leave any in your bowl. Bowman, you continue to make Daddy and I smile every day; we cannot imagine life without our little Bowman O'Neil!!

Lazy Days...

I love that the weather has changed...longer daylight hours and 80s in the early evening. Both changes mean more time with the kids after dinner. Porter and Craig have discovered the hammock is a new favorite place to hang out...and enjoy a popsicle or 2!!

Just Because

Just a few pics of Porter and I before a birthday party...I thought Aunt Leslie would get a kick out of Porter's new RED Converse shoes!!

'Bouncing' Baby Boy

Good times!

We had fun last night cooking out with the Tibshranys and the Leightons (minus Kim, who was at home preparing for Charles's 2nd birthday party today!) Porter enjoyed his picnic dinner with Bill and Charles...see you all this afternoon!!

Easter Fun

The Easter Bunny arrived bright and early Sunday morning...and Porter must have known because he too was up before the sun! Both boys were left generous baskets, and Porter wasted no time digging right in!

The Easter Bunny brought Porter a new Thomas the Train movie, goggles for his swim lessons, Mickey Mouse bubbles, a new book, and much more. Porter loved everything, and had to be persuaded to eat breakfast before he could open his eggs; no worries...he was digging in to jelly beans by 8am!

Bowman got some goodies too! Applesauce to try...yum!...a swim shirt for the beach, 2 cups, a new book, and a fun toy. We had fun showing Bowman all his new goodies and, though I'm in no hurry for him to grow up, I can't wait to see the excitement in his eyes when he realizes the Bunny has visited him!

Later that morning, we headed out to Chapin to spend the day with Craig's parents. Porter quickly discovered that the Easter Bunny had left both boys a few treats at Grammy and Pop-Pop's too. We had a great day visiting with Craig's parents...including a yummy Easter meal! It was a wonderful day with beautiful weather!! Pretty close to perfection...even if we were up before the sun!!

Porter and Pop-Pop

Grammy and Bowman

All Aboard!!

On Saturday, my parents were in town for Easter -- well, they came in before their BIG trip to Disney World with my sister and her family -- so we decided to take the boys to Winnsboro to ride the 'Egg-spress.' Essentially, it's an hour train ride through Winnsboro that includes a visit from the Easter Bunny. Porter has been an avid fan of trains for as long as I can remember, so I knew he would get a kick out of riding the real thing! We decided to go for the early departure, so we were ready with our tickets by 9:15 am. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait long before we heard the conductor shout, "ALL ABOARD!"

Bowman not only stayed awake for the entire ride, but seemed to really enjoy looking at everyone and everything. Lately, I think he's developed an aversion to the camera...or maybe just the flash! I swear, his expression changes the minute we take a picture. Oh well, he still looks pretty cute!

Porter loved watching the world go by from his window. His favorite part of the ride was when we went through the 'tunnel.' He was glad to discover the ride included two trips through his favorite place!

Once the train was on the move, the conductor came around the take everyone's ticket, and even punched a few "special" ones. Porter was surprisingly brave; he eagerly gave the conductor his ticket without a moment's hesitation!

Then the Easter Bunny arrived! Bowman was a HUGE fan...Porter, well, NOT SO MUCH! He liked him from afar, but as soon as the furry guy got close to our seats, Porter shrunk behind Craig. Oh well...we had fun nonetheless!!

Who's Who????

Sleep, Glorious Sleep!!!

Last night, Bowman slept from 7pm - 6:30 am!! Oh, how I would love this to be the moment we were waiting on!! Though I can honestly say I didn't mind getting up with him once at night (well, every OTHER night...my dear husband would get up the other nights!) I am glad to know he can do it. Craig gave him his night bottle around 6:50pm...we spent the majority of the day outside, enjoying the unbelievable weather so everyone was tired. Little Man was out by 7:05pm. I decided to try a dream feed...we've tried this tactic in the past, but it never seemed to help. Bowman only lasted maybe an hour longer, so we decided it wasn't really worth it. But, for the past month or so, he was waking up, sucking down 7 ounces, and then going back to sleep for about 5 more hours. So, he was honestly hungry. Craig and I decided to see if we could catch this hunger early, so at 10pm, I gave him a bottle and he drank 5 ounces, AND SLEPT UNTIL 6:30 THIS MORNING!!! Please, oh please let this continue...Mommy and Daddy sure got some great sleep last night!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

I am so excited for one of my oldest and dearest college girlfriends...Beth and her husband Jimmy are expecting Baby #2...a sweet baby BOY!! Welcome to the Boys Club guys!! We know Betsy will be the best Big Sister ever...especially since she was the 1st to tell us the news in February...ha ha!!

We can't wait to meet Sweet Baby James in August!!!!

On Sunday, two of my favorite "guys" did something I've always wanted...planted me a garden. Porter was so excited to help out Daddy; he jumped at the chance to go to Home Depot, don his "work" clothes, and get his hands dirty. Well, kind of dirty...he insisted on wearing my gardening gloves for most of the time. I think Craig found himself quite the little helper; Craig would rip out old roots and Porter would diligently carry them to the woods. Not too shabby for a 2 1/2 year old! By the time they were done, I had tomatoes, cucumbers, and 4 different herbs. Now we just get to sit back and see how everything grows!
Shoveling dirt off the walkway

Picking up roots

Heading to the woods!!