Growing up

Dancing with Papa in July 2006

Fishing with Dad

Playing with Grandpa and Rene

So, we're back from a trip to the East. Last Monday, my grandfather, known to me my whole life as Papa passed away from cancer. He was 84. We all made the journey home last week and I am so thankful that we were all able to go and spend time with my family. I enjoyed remembering him and am so incredibly thankful and blessed to have truly grown up knowing my grandfather and seeing him weekly. I will definitely miss him.

On a lighter note, Liam is changing so much! Just yesterday, after several more wakeful nights (not to mention the time zone change of 3 hours) I rubbed Liam's bottom gums and FINALLY, I feel the sharpness of 2 little teeth coming through! Yay!! I felt so proud of him. I can see just the tops, no doubt they'll all be out soon. Also, last night, after not having rolled over for almost 2 months, Liam decided he could roll over again - so no more tummy time - he just rolls right over onto his back. Still not rolling over from his back to his tummy, but he has come close on several occassions. Just a few updates!


So, just posting a couple of pictures and fun videos. The computer is overheating now, so best be going!

New Pictures

Just thought I'd post some new pics I took this week. We have been having fun with Liam playing while he sits up. He is getting so strong in this area, and I think he enjoys the change as well. We also bought a little bouncer so he can have a bit more fun. He likes to bang on the toys. We haven't put all of the toys on it yet, nor have we put batteries in - we'd like to change things up in a couple of months for him and surprise him! Anyway, we are doing well. I am sick this weekend and working hard not to spread it to Liam. So, we have had a low key, sweatpants kind of a weekend. Hope all are doing well. Thanks for stopping by!

Springtime fun

Blooming cactus in Joshua Tree

The yellow flowers were plentiful at this time!

His favorite thing...chewing on his fingers!

At the beach for some baptisms for church

Playing and laughing with Daddy!

The new color - Brian's creativity!

At the beach for some chilly baptisms!

So, I haven't been good at keeping up with this blog as of recent, but I hope to begin posting again weekly. We have been busy! Last month we went home for a short but very sweet visit to Lynchburg, VA. All of my siblings came into town and we enjoyed a nice weekend together and visiting with grandparents. It was a great visit and I got to introduce Liam to my sister and I got to meet her new little girl, Anna. Our flights there and back were pretty good and all in all, Liam behaved so well! Way to go, little guy!

Liam is now almost 7 months old...wow. He has been doing well, still waking up about twice during the night. Not bad I suppose. I think I am learning to just let him be himself and not compare his behavior to anyone else's child! In lynchburg he actually slept really well the nights we were there. Maybe we need to travel more! I changed my diet to eliminate the most likely culprits if he was allergic. I have since added back gluten, nuts, and sometimes caffeine. He did really well on a gluten free diet, but I was not convinced that was the reason for his good days and nights. Probably was just my wishful thinking!

He is "talking" more and more and making us smile simply all of the time. He is also getting stronger and can balance sitting up unsupported for about 20 seconds now before he does his topple over. I haven't started him on solids yet, but will probably by May1st, unless he needs it sooner. He is still content with breastmilk at this point, and his doctor said I don't need to rush it - it helps decrease allergies to wait a little while anyway. He is now 15lbs 3oz (as of March 21st), gaining at a much slower rate now, but moving along with the curve and is appropriate. He is still not quite on the curve for height for a 6 month old, but we give him a little slack for being early. :)

So the 19th of March was our 3 year wedding anniversary! Brian took the day off and we just did some errands, had lunch out and made a nice dinner and watched a movie. Then that weekend, we did a little day trip to Joshua Tree about 2.5 hours due east of LA. One of our favorite places and I hadn't been there since last February. We drove a lot, but enjoyed the flowers blooming in the desert. I took my film camera there and got some great shots - will post those later.

Other than that, things are moving right along with us. We repainted Liam's room a little over a week ago and last Sunday moved him into his very own room! He has done well, and Brian and I enjoy not having to tip toe around the room afraid of waking him up! He's a big boy! This morning I hosted the mommies in a mommy group I am a part of. There are five of us moms, all with one boy except one girl who just had her second and is a girl. Liam watches lots but isn't quite yet able to participate! Soon enough. It was nice to have the play date here. Makes me see where I'll need to child proof the house! We really do love being in this apartment and have enjoyed getting it almost settled.

So, I could write more, but must be getting to posting those pictures I know you all are wanting to see! Sorry I have been so slacking, I know you all aren't getting your Liam quota. Hopefully this helps. Thanks for your thoughts! Will hopefully post again next week or sooner.