James at 9 Months

James at 9 Months - August 30th 2013

Oh my goodness, can you believe that James has now been alive for longer than he was gestating - it seems crazy both that he is so big and also that I was pregnant for so long because it seems like James has been here forever. 

This month James has perfected the army crawl and scoots all along our floor, but so far he has declined to take his scampering show onto hands and knees. Even with only an army crawl though James has taken to following Jed and I just about anywhere we go.

This last month James has also learned how to get himself from on his stomach to a sitting position and has just started using people sitting on the ground as props to get himself to a standing position. James has also developed the "pincer grasp" (picking something up with only the thumb and index finger) and has been putting this skill to good use learning how to eat finger foods.

James loves playing with his toys but continues to be even more interested in various household objects. A few current favorites are a tube of Vaseline, my waterbottle, and the piano pedals. James is increasingly interested in more complicated baby toys as well - he likes to play with things that flip or spin, etc and can be amused with such toys for a long time in baby world (i.e. about 15 minutes).

James still loves jumping in his jumper and giving big slobbery kisses! We love our sweet baby!

To Grandmother's House We Go

James and I (well I, James isn't really consulted in these decisions) decided to once again go on vacation without Jed. Jed was of course invited so maybe it would be better to say that I decided to go on vacation and Jed declined to join me. James and I joined my parents and sisters, as well as my sisters little baby Daniel for a trip to Coos Bay, Oregon to visit my Grandma McCarty. While there we went to a zoo and pet a baby bobcat and other animals, went to the lake, visited Bandon and ate fish and chips, flew a kite on the beach, went to Shore Acres Gardens, went on walks, and of course ate tons of cobbler. I had an excellent time and I think it's safe to say that James did as well.

James conked out on his walk with Grandpa

At Shore Acres

Checking out the roses.

James's Great Grandma McCarty with 2 of her 53 great grandchildren

Flying our kite lovingly dubbed the sharknado.

James and Daniel with Grandma and Grandpa at Shore Acres

James at 8 Months

James at 8 Months - July 30th 2013

James is on the move! This last month James started army crawling and is now moving about the house slowly but surely. James and I are both so happy that he can get to the toy he wants now on his own instead of having to play a guessing game where I try different toys until I get it right.

James's other big milestone this month: he started sleeping in his crib in his nursery (don't judge ok). It was probably a long time coming, but when James outgrew his original sleeper right around 4 months Jed and I just weren't ready to move him out of our room so we just transitioned him to a pack and play by our beds, but now he is finally in his very own room!

James of course continues to be an absolute joy - he still doesn't sleep through the night, but he's such a happy, sweet baby all day I can live with it. James still loves to babble and play - he bangs his toys together and likes to read books, he has even started to turn the pages on his own sometimes. James loves to be held while someone dances and sings and laughs and laughs when he is thrown or spun around.


James's favorite foods right now seem to be mangoes, nectarines, zucchini and cauliflower. He is not such a fan of (i.e. hates with a fiery passion) asparagus, apricots, and any kind of meat.

To Georgia We Go

My good friend Lindsey was pregnant - I'm a bit behind so she's already had the baby now :) - and my other wonderful Beth was throwing her a shower and asked if I wanted to help. Since the shower would be on the 29th of June it was the perfect opportunity to go spend a week in Georgia and then have Jed join James and I for a long 4th of July weekend.

The shower was ladybug themed and absolutely adorable as you can see:

 It was also so nice to get to hang out with some of the amazing girls I have been friends with for so long. It's so nice when you have friends that you can get together with and just pick back up right where you left off!

While in Georgia, James also got to experience swimming for the first time.  He was a little small for his float but he still seemed to enjoy being in the water even when his Aunt Danielle accidentally dunked him. Of course after Jed got there it rained constantly so our outdoor plans for the 4th were scrapped and instead we just hung out with the extended Cronquist family at my parents house. It was still fun to see everyone though and it was nice to have a little break.

James at 7 Months

James at 7 Months - June 30th 2013

Our little James just keeps on growing. He's 18 and a half pounds and continues to be a chunky little boy.  He is babbling like crazy now with a special fondness for the word "dada". He has also taken to rolling to get around the room or to reach toys. James has also just decided to start sleeping on his stomach much to Jed's chagrin. Jed spent one night flipping him over before I convinced him that if James could flip over himself the real danger from stomach sleeping had passed.