December Already??

It's hard to believe that it is already December and Ethan is 5 months old! Everyone said it would go fast...and it sure is! I have been back to work for over a month now. It has been a hard transition, but luckily we had so much family here to help! While Ethan's Bubby was still here, Aunt Ivy came for a visit, followed by Papi, then Grammy and Poppa. Poor Papi got the flu while he was here and had to stay in bed for a couple of days! I got to take an extra day off work to take care of Ethan, and make John some vegetable soup. Overall, it was great getting to leave Ethan at home with all of his grandparents for those first 5 1/2 weeks back at work!

Now, Ethan goes over to his Auntie Brandy's house every day to play with his older cousins Jayton and Brekin. He loves being there and watching the boys. It's hard to leave Ethan every day especially after spending almost 4 months at home with him, but it is so reassuring to know that he is with family!

Halloween

Ethan had a great first Halloween! Our little superhero started out the day by participating in his first 5K at Kiwanis park with mommy, daddy, Bubby, Grandma, Auntie Brandy, and his cousins Jayton and Brekin. It wasn't exactly the most organized event...it took us a few minutes to even find someone who could tell us the route! It ended up being a fun walk around the park and canal, even though there were not many other walkers! Super Ethan took a nap and woke up just in time to make it through the finish. Then he sat with hungry eyes as mommy, daddy, and Bubby polished off a delicious breakfast at Wildflower Cafe.

Halloween night Ethan helped us pass out candy to the neighborhood kids and is looking forward to the day he can go trick or treating!

Back to Work...

After nearly 4 months of getting to stay home with Ethan, I had to go back to work last Thursday. Ethan's Bubby (my mom) came for my first couple of weeks back. It is great getting to race in the door and play with Ethan without having to worry about cooking dinner! His Auntie Arielle also came into town and we all went out to True Food to celebrate her 21st birthday. Ethan enjoyed the party then fell asleep on mommy's lap. Ethan is looking forward to visits from his Papi, Grammy and Poppa too!

It feels like Ethan has changed so much in the week that I have been working. Last week he was picking up his rings with his fists and bringing them to his mouth, and now he is opening his fingers and reaching for his toys! Ethan also loves his tummy time...he pushes his head up and has started planting his legs and trying to push up.

Ethan has been really looking and noticing the world around him. We have a jack-o-lantern on the sink in the bathroom and he smiles and leans toward it with his mouth open!

Morning Chat

Ethan is vey excited for the Sun Devils to play today! Here's our chat about it...

Ooh Sedona!

On Wednesday we took our first family vacation to Sedona for two nights! We stayed in Oak Creek, just outside of Sedona. Ethan slept the whole way up, yes! On Wednesday we hung around the creek below the hotel, and took a walk on the main strip of galleries and shops where we bought Ethan his first vacation souvenir, a Sedona hiking hat. Thursday we went on two hikes to see some awesome ruins...the 8 mile treck on the dirt road in our Toyota Corolla made me a little nervous, but it was worth it! Ethan hung out in my carrier for the first hike, and then went into Rich's front carrier for the second hike...his stocky 16 pounds sure gives you a good workout!
Other than the really uncomfortable bed, we all had a great time!

Hey look...hands!!

The last two weeks have been pretty spittin' fun! Ethan looked down last Saturday and made a big discovery...hands! Since then, he has been holding his fists up, staring at them, and navigating them into his mouth. With that discovery also came the realization that he could pull blankets and toy rings (which he can now hold) up for a taste. Mmmm mmmm good!
Other exciting milestones have been lifting his head up a bit while laying on his stomach, and trying to sit up when laying on the boppy.

Oh, and giggles!! This morning while bouncing Ethan around on my legs, he started a series of giggles with a big smile...and a steady stream of drool!

It seems like there is something new and exciting every day!

4 Weeks Old!

It is hard to believe that Ethan is already 4 weeks old today! This morning as we were sitting looking at each other, he began tracking me with his eyes from side to side, side to side!

Ethan sure is a hungry little guy, he eats just about every 2 hours. This morning when I stepped on the scale with him he rung in around 10 lbs! In fact, we already heed to pack away the tiniest newborn onesies....sigh.

Auntie Jaime is here for another week and it has been wonderful! Ethan has been sure to shower her with "love" during many a diaper change.

Baby Shower #3

Yesterday was our third shower for Baby Ethan! He is not even here yet and I think it is safe to say he already has more clothes than Rich and I combined! Becky and Brandy did a great job, it was a fun time!
We are so excited for the baby to arrive...it's hard to believe that we are down to the last few weeks. I start my weekly check-ups this week as I'll be 36 weeks on Wednesday. So from then on he can come at anytime. :)