nine months ...

It's only days before Hunter is going to be 10 months!!  Figured, I should post his 9 month blurp before then (just following the same "behind" pattern for every other month *face palm*).

It's been a HOT month!  I don't think there was one full day this entire month that I kept my clothes on all day ... it was awesome!  And, I got my taste of "the river" (as my big brother Judah calls it).  Not only did I get to feel the cool water on my feet (almost every day!), but also, I lapped up as much as I could into my mouth.  The river's got to be one of my favorite things now, for sure.

This month, I also figured out why Judah loves to play with trucks & BALLS.  Sometimes, he even plays them with me!  And, I'm catching on why he loves food so much too.  We went to my very first stampede breakfast and I got to eat some pancakes - delicious!  I'm going to stick close to my big brother for more tips like these ... he knows what/where the good stuff is at.

I am officially not the youngest cousin (on one side of the family) anymore.  Once my new baby boy cousin, Jaeger, can walk (or walk on furniture like I now do!!), we are going to take this town for a ride!  I just know we are going to be the best of buds and can't wait until we can play together.  Because he was born, we got to spend a lot more time with our cousins this month too.  They even slept over!

Speaking of sleep, before we went on our big camping trip, mama was so proud of the progression of my sleep.  She would tell e v e r y o n e  how I was now sleeping through the night and I loved getting that praise.  But sleeping in that tent trailer was hard, and some of those habits didn't really stick as a result.  I'm still working to get back to the same place, but still doing pretty good only waking once in the middle of the night (instead of the averaged 5x before).

As for out big camping trip, it was AMAZING!  Both mama and papa have said it, they think I was born to be outside.  To feel the dirt in my fingers (and mouth), have the sap in my hair, rocks in my hands and diaper ... is, well, awesome.  The sand on the beach was tasty, our campsite dirt floor, and moss and rocks on the forest floor also tasty.  Being outside, I'd never go hungry!  We did a lot of bike riding too, so Judah and I got a lot of time to spend with each other in the bike trailer.  Sometimes, giggling our heads off, other times, not breathing cuz papa was making us fly!

Loving the life of a 9 month old!

pic pix: Springv Point Campground, 05.Aug.2014, Sandpoint, ID

seven and eight months ...

Choked that I've had to combine two months again, but as the age old saying says: Better late than never.  Here's my heart-stealing Hunter-bear.

7 months

Well folks, it's official ... I'm a crawler!  My mama can't seem to get over her excitement every time I go and reach for stuff, and actually move there.

I had my first camping trip the other weekend.  That fresh air was so good for sleeping, I'm wondering why we don't always sleep outside.  Even though it wasn't at our house, the rocks, dirt, and grass still tasted the same.  At least out there, I didn't get plunked in the tub before bed.

Speaking of baths, me and Judah have baths together all the time now.  While he does his thing, I play with the toys and try to stand up by holding the sides of the tub.  It sometimes worries mama, I think.

So, I'm not sure if you knew, but I'll share with you anyways.  Did you know, if you walk in front of a mirror, there is always someone there to talk to?!  It blew me away the other week, and now I just a find a mirror and talk to that guy.  He's a good listener and is very attentive to what I have to say.

Me and papa have had the chance to hang out a lot more lately, and I love it.  Now that I'm eating solids, mama has been getting out more without me.  I'm cool with that ... as long as it's papa to take care of me.  We always have a good time together, especially watching hockey.

This summer thing seems pretty amazing ... begin outside all the time helps me sleep better (my mama always says 'Hallelujah' when that happens).  When I get in that stroller and get moving, no stopping me from a nap time, scheduled or not!

8 months
This month, I've had the chance to REALLY get familiar with our new tent trailer.  Mama was doing some work in there and we had it popped up all month (due to the rain).  I've taken the liking to pulling myself up on all of the steps and ledges ... this must be what they call playgrounds!

My big brother turned 2 and I got to celebrate just as much as he did.  Well, minus that food that everyone said "yum" after they ate with sparkly lights on it [birthday cake].  Although I now get to eat food, I am noticing that Mama & Papa don't give me everything ... so much to learn about things and these silly rules.

I love my alone times with Mama when Judah is sleeping.  All the toys are free reign, and I get to play with whichever ones I want - big boy ones included!  Sometimes, even when Judah is awake, I get to ride on the car.  Right now, it. is. my. favorite.  And anything that makes the noise - vroom!

I've also given Papa and Mama some laughs with some of my sleeping patterns.  "Apparently" I do some funny things in my slumber.  For one, I have fallen asleep sitting up and eventually fall over with my rear in the air and face on the mattress (very comfortable I might add!).  They say I sometimes sleep talk and can't even tell if I am sleeping or awake in the middle of the night.  I'm taking their word for it, but I don't really know(!).

This month, I also went on my second camping trip ... in our tent trailer.  I think my parents were pretty proud of me, to say the least.  I love being outside.  Mama says I almost get as cranky as when I'm hungry (hungry+angry) when I don't get outside at least once in the day.  So I'm thinking camping is a good fit for me.  So far, they've continued to take me and I'm banking that as a good sign!

pic pix: some "clothed" shots, contrary to the typical month-by-month format, July.2014, on Mama's bed

five and six months ...

Apparently, this time of year, I am busy.  Last year, at this very same time, I combined two of Judah's month-by-month posts as well(!).

Onto the little rascal ...

 Wow ... to recap all that's gone on the past two months?  Mama doesn't realize how hard that is to fit into one post.  I'll try to hit the biggest highlights for you.

As of my 5th month milestone, I've been a big boy, sitting all. by. myself.  I keep hearing Mama say something about me being independent at a young age ... I'm pretty sure that means a good thing!  I like to hold bottles, books, toys.  Mostly everything.

Literally 3 days before I had my 6th month birthday, I cut two very painful teeth.  Nobody could have prepared me for that one, ouch!  I really don't get the point of these sharp foreign objects.  Mama doesn't let me chew on her finger, even if it's just for fun anymore.  I guess she finds them pretty foreign too.

Since my last update, I've had the privilege of eating like all of you big people!  And let me tell you ... it's been wonderful!  Sweet potato, apples, squash, kale, carrots, I am so excited at meal times when Mama puts that bib on me.  I guess I'm a lot messier than my big brother ever was.  It's a good thing she puts it on me, because once that food comes close, my clean shirt is not what I am worried about!  Mama says I'm a bit like Papa that way ... loving my food like that, that is.

Lately, me and Papa have enjoyed hanging out watching hockey together.  When Judah was born, papa bought him a Chicago Blackhawks jersey.  And for me, well, he got me a my very own Boston Bruins jersey (I guess a cool guy by the name of 'IGINLA' plays for them).  They're my favorite team, ever.  I've been rooting for them my whole life (how may fans can say that?!).

My parents are super happy that this thing called "colic" is gone.  I really have no idea what that is, but apparently it left right around the time I turned 5 months.  It must be significant as they tell everyone we visit with(!).  I'm pretty excited for them, and I thought I should share that.

I've had a lot of new friends being born lately.  To date, since I was born, there are 8 family friend babies that have been born!  I can't keep up with them all!  I always look giant compared to them.  Mama says I will at this point, anyways.  It's just nice to know I'll be growing up with so many buddies close in age!

Before I close, mama said to end off with some things that I've been loving lately: my baths - can never too have many in one day (just like mama, papa says), morning laughs with my big brother, any hard/chewy/rubbery thing that I can sink my gums and teeth into, super hard(!), being upside-down (mama calls me an opossum sometimes), being outside, pulling mama's hair, and BANANA's!!!

I'll be updating you on my next month's report soon!!

pic pix: my handsome Hunter @ 6.5 months old, May.2014, at home

four months ...

Since my last update, I've seen a whole new world!  Mama and Papa took me and my big brother to an amazing place where I didn't have to wear ANY layers at all.  I was allowed to be in my diaper ONLY for an entire week!  Honestly, I can't say I was too impressed with how we travelled down there [Palm Springs] ... I never had a fit on the plane, but I was ready to a couple times (who wouldn't?).  Poor Mama and Papa didn't seem super comfortable either during the airplane ride.  But at least, they were so relieved at the end of each flight!  

Not only was it relaxing to just lounge in the sun, but it was so nice to be eased into a schedule.  I think we all are (still) appreciating it!  Because it was so warm down there, I had the best sleeps and got to experience sipping 'water' - a liquid substance that doesn't come from Mama.  It felt nice on my throat, whatever it was.  I try to drink out of every cup that's in my reach now.  They can't just allow  me to drink that stuff for a week that and expect I won't go for the plunge every time I see a cup now... !!

So I pretty much am called "Hunty" or "Hunty-Bear" by Judah.  It makes me happy that he loves me so much to have a special name for me.  When we go to stores or meet people, he always makes sure that people know my name.  It's nice he does that for me at this point seeing as no one else understands the words I say!  Papa and Mama use the name too ... I think they must have been feeling left out(!).  Anytime I see any of their faces, I smile.  I just love them.

Mama brags that I'm almost sitting up, I love music, I am SO ticklish (I laugh so hard when she touches my feet!), I want to be and do things just like Judah, and that I am too smart for my own good.  I'm not really sure what all of things are, but I like that she talks about me (I just started acknowledging people when they call my name - who knew that would make them so excited?!).

Just sitting up more has given me such a different perspective on life, not even including all the experiences I've had this past month.  I can only imagine all the new stuff I'll have for you next month ...

three months ...

Ok.  So, where did this last month go?  Tomorrow, Hunter will be four months old and I still haven't gotten these three month pics up (eep!!).  Thankfully I took these a month ago ... he's changed so much since.

Wow.  Where to begin!  My life (as a three month old) has taken some pretty cool turns, and I've been a lot happier about it.  My mama & papa brought me to an osteopath and whatever he did has helped me be a happier dude!  Before, I thought it was just normal to cry for 4 hours straight every evening (amongst other things) ... now, I don't, and we're all so happy because of it.  Mama massages my neck every day.  I look forward to it as it makes me feel better.  Who knew little things could change my life like so?!  My parents both seem very excited about all these changes.  Making them smile makes me want to smile more too.

Another thing I look forward to is my older brother holding my hand.  He says we're "buds".  I like that.  Everyday, he gives me kisses and says "Hunty" to mama whenever I cry.  I love that guy!  I've also come to love the spinny thing on the ceiling.  I hear everyone call it a 'fan' but it's gotta have a cooler name than that.  That thing could keep me entertained for hours ...

The other day, we went and got some interesting travelling pictures done [passport pictures].  The man at the store had to wrap me up in a towel and my mama held me up on a stool and wasn't allowed to have her hands in the picture.  She said I cooperated good and spent the morning at the mall with just me - I must have done REALLY good!  Then, on another day, we had to stand in line for hours just to give someone the picture.  I don't understand why she put so much effort into taking the picture just so we could give it away.  

There's so much to still understand, but hey, I'm only 3 months old ... I've got time to let this all soak in!

pic pix: my beautiful Hunter as a three month old, 09.Feb.2014, at home

two months ...

My last post about Hunter wasn't exactly his "one month" post, but I thought it passed anyways(!).  Here's the 2 month update on our little guy ...

 I've officially been dubbed with a nickname or two these days - "Hunty", "Hunty- Bear" or just "Baby Hunter" - all thanks to my older brother.  He really loves me and is always trying to pick me and kiss me.  I'll let him get away with that stuff ... for now at least.

Mama's not too sure how much I'm weighing in at these days.  A few weeks ago I was almost 11 lbs.  I must be getting heavier as I hear her grunt every time she lifts me in my carseat.  Speaking of grunting, sometimes I grunt, coo, and giggle just to get her attention.  It works every. single. time.  Any time other sounds are made, I try to mimic them.  Everyone smiles when I do.  Minus those times when when we were at church.

Papa and I have been watching some of the World Junior Hockey games and NHL games together.  Because I am such a night hawk, I get to be part of such fun.  I don't think I'll change my sleeping schedule ... too much cool stuff goes on after what they say my "bed-time" is.

Everywhere we go, Mama shares about my two different colored eyes.  I think she likes them(!).  She also always has so many outfits for me.  I guess it's so I won't feel bad if I get an outfit or two pooped in (which happens ... pretty much every time we head out).  Good thing I make use of all that prep she does.

I got to experience my first Christmas, which I don't completely understand yet, but I know one day I will.  I heard a lot of talk about it being another baby's birthday, so it kind of made me feel special to be a baby around this time of celebration.  We also partied another night where everyone stayed up past midnight.  I'm not sure what the big deal was with that day, because I do that every night!

I'm loving being "out" in the real world, and can't wait to see what this next month brings ... I'm hoping for warmer weather as I am not a fan of getting bundled up.  Just ask Mama & Papa.

Warm or not, I'll be back in a month to share all about it.

pic pix: my little two month old, Jan.2014, at home

hunter elias.

So friends, as you probably have guessed (and anticipated!), my lengthy blogging break has been due to my son being born!  Alllow me to introduce you to our sweet baby boy, Hunter Elias.

He was born November 5, 2013 at 7:50pm.  Weighing in at 7 pounds and 6 ounces, he felt so tiny and fragile.  Though now ... he's got a little more meat on him!  Already, he is so different than Judah and I can't wait to learn and see his personality grow.  One thing I do know, is that these boys are going to be great friends.  I just know it.  He's got the type of personaliity that is very definite - he likes what he likes and that's it.  At this point, he seems much more cuddly than Judah and both his papa and I are absorbing as many cuddles as possible!  And, though you can't really see in these shots, right now he has two differend colored eyes!

Name meanings are important to me, so picking his name (and Judah's) felt a bit daunting, but I am absolutely in love and happy with his name.

Hunter: one who pursues, hunts

Elias: my God is the Lord

Little buddy, we're so happy you joined us out here!  We love you and anticipate only God's best and perfect will in your ife

pic pix: mini photoshoot, 25.Nov.2013

ten & eleven months ...

I'm finally getting to posting this!  Because these past two months have been pretty fast paced, I figured I'd just join them into a big post.  As of yesterday, Juju's already 11 months & 2 weeks, but these little facts are only sharing news up until he turned 11 months.

So...pretty much since my last update, I'm a big boy now.  I can now hold my own bottle (quite easily now), suck from a straw, climb on anything that is reachable, and am going to be a big brother.  I'm not really sure what being a brother is yet, but Mama says I'll find out in a few months.

I went on my second airplane ride to Mexico last month.  The plane wasn't the funnest experience for me or my parents.  At least they had lots of snacks for me :)  Mexico was great though.  I've got a ton of amigos to visit if we ever head back there.  Everywhere we went, I'd make a new friend.  That was great.  The heat, at times, got a bit much for me but Mama & Papa would take me into the ocean and that was heavenly.  I learnt that there is so much sand to eat, but Mama freaked out when I put it in my mouth(?!).  All to say, I can't wait for our next beach get-away (Mama typed that last sentence, but I agree with her!).

Chatting is my thing these days.  Let me re-phrase that - chatting CONSTANTLY is my thing these days.  Give me something that will fit in this hand of mine, I find a way to talk into it [like a phone].  Like in Mexico, at home, I make quite a few friends by just talking randomly to people as they walk by.  If we're at a restaurant, at church, or in our front yard, there's people to talk to everywhere!  I think my Mama enjoys meeting the new folk, but Papa isn't always impressed.

Speaking of my front yard...we officially have our own now!  Not only that, but a backyard too.  We did this crazy thing called "moving".  Mama & Papa put all of our stuff in boxes only to take it all out again...it all seemed counter-productive and I tried to tell them, but they didn't hear me I guess.  But because of this "move" we did, I can say that my new bedroom is great and I love all the stairs that I can climb up and down on.  We put my wagon in our backyard, and I love riding it - chariot style.  Daddy always pulls me extra fast...so fast that I scream.  Kind of what Mama does when I put dirt and rocks in my mouth(!!).

I'm still loving playing guitars and singing with Mama & Papa.  Hopefully, they'll let me have a mic at church soon.  AND...I've officially taken my "first steps", as Mama says.  They get SO excited when I walk between them...who's to blame them?  I do too!

So many changes and new things ... and that's only to continue!  Next month, I'll no longer be know by how many months I am, but how many years I am :)

pic pix: love this little peanut...the only way to take still shots of him these days is to bribe with snacks(!), chillin' at home, 16.May.2013 

nine months ...

Ahhh ... I can't believe my baby is already 9 months old!  I remember thinking, "When he gets to nine months, all of these [initial] days are going to seem like eons ago."  I was right.

Call me quick, call me funny ... just be sure to call.  I love when people call mom me during the day to chat.  It's the greatest when you've called right when I'm playing with something as I take that opportunity to hold up that toy/spoon/nounours right up to the phone for you to see.  Mama seems to think this is funny every time (though, it's pretty easy to make her laugh, I do it all the time!).

I'm serious about calling me quick.  Not only have I mastered the army crawl around the apartment, I'm now walking along walls/furniture/rocking chairs - you name it - just to get to where I need to be.  Usually with my hammer in hand, hitting things as I go.  I've got places to go, things to do (knock over garbages, pull toilet paper, grab blinds, play on the instruments, 'sweep' the floor with my mouth hoover.....).  I don't know how kid's keep up on things once they go to school (?!?).   

Mama and Papa have taught me some new mad skills that we usually practice around the dinner table. Though, they don't consider me using their hair (Mama's ponytail & Daddy's beard) to stand up a "trick" (???).  A few of the new ones: "je ne sais pas." - I just lift up my hands & shrug my shoulders; "praise the Lord" - I raise my arms; "clap clap clap" - need I explain? the usual "hi" and "bye" - though I have been creative with my wave, now I wave side-to-side and move my wrist.  Those are just a few ... Mama says I've got to stay modest.

I've also made some new friends lately and have gone on some play dates with them (and some of my old friends too!).  "Playing" for me consists of eating their snacks and watching them play while I eat.  Gotta say, I really enjoy our play dates...!!!  My other new "friends" are called cardboard boxes.  While Mama packs them, I bang on them, climb in/out of them, rock them.  A buddy's best friend right there.

This next month holds so many new things and big changes, I'm glad I was able to get these experiences under my belt to prep me for the excitement up ahead!

pic pix: the little goof ball wouldn't give me a smile, but gave me everything else! 13.Mar.2013, at home