28 // 52

I picked this blurry photo because he took me off guard by just walking to me. He really wanted the camera. :) So apparently he's like, 'Oh this? Yeah I can walk. Duh. Crawling is just so much better.' 

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog)

25 // 26 // 27 // 52

25: Right before he shut those sweet chubby fingers in the drawer.  (an iPhone photo again!)

                                           

                                                         26: So busy and so curious!

     

                                                                           27: Those teeth! That mouth! 

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog)

24 // 52

This week, I couldn't pick just one. He's growing so quickly! I swear he grew an inch during nap time today.

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

23 // 52

My little explorer.


*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

22 // 52

 One of his favorite things to do:  pull diapers out of his diaper basket. On tip toe!



*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

20 & 21 // 52

Exploring his room. Another iPhone photo! Sadly didn't take out the real camera that week!

  
       

Post dinner, pre bath. He doesn't like the feeling of the pool deck on his knees so he bear crawls around.

 

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

19 // 52

Watching a thunder storm. 

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

18 // 52

                Boxes make great toys. 


*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

17 // 52

Eating his first apple ginger cookie ever and very much enjoying it.

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

15 & 16 // 52

Week 15 - a bit blurry since this bean is always one the move, but the expression on his face is so darn cute.

Week 16 - I didn't take my camera out one time that week! This iPhone photo will have to do. This is just after waking up from sleeping 5pm - 7am.


I got a bit behind these past few weeks! I took a trip to Philly (my first night away from Søren!) with my mom and sister, then my parents were visiting, and just after that Adam's parents came for a few days. So much going on! Good things, though.




*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

7 & 8 months.

Oh my goodness! How did this happen? I missed your 7 month update so I'm going to squash it in with your 8 month update. ;)

Søren,

These past few months have been the best yet. When you were a little teeny tiny, I never wanted you to get any bigger. I wanted to keep you my tiny babe in arms forever. Part of me still wants that and there's a tiny voice in my head screaming 'Slow down!! Stay my little squish for always!'. However, I feel like we are really, really getting to know each other now. I hear all the little nuances in your cries - the 'I'm hungry', the 'I'm tired', the 'that was scary mama' and just the plain old 'I'm not getting my way and I am pissed off'. I get you, and you get me. I'm not sure how it's possible but my love for you grows every day. I'm not so anxious for you to stay teeny tiny any more - I like the person you're turning into too much. Being your mom these few months has been especially fun. You say 'mama' now, and you'll call for me in the mornings or if you don't want to go to bed. You're learning to give kisses and it is my favorite freaking thing ever. Currently you love to stand at the mirror and give yourself kisses. Sooo cute.

Also, you are so independent! You're crawling like crazy (that happened somewhere between 7 and 8 months!) and you love to get into everything. This week I have fished out of your mouth: dog hair, an onion peel, a sweet potato peel, paper, leaves, grass, a dry lentil bean and a 4 inch piece of yarn. I have to keep my eyes on you all the time and even so you're like a freakin' Ninja, kid! I'm impressed. Currently, you only want to stand. You stand and do these crazy dance-y push up type things holding onto a chair or a table. It looks a little bit like you're short circuiting. You hold on and walk yourself along whatever you're holding onto.

You LOVE to eat (just like us!!) and are happy with anything we feed you now. Apples? Yes, please! Bananas? Why not! Peas with mint? Gimme them faster! You're also starting to let me know you'd rather have food you can feed yourself because you're pretty sure the job gets done faster that way. I'm fine with that. The last few nights at dinner I made some roasted veggies and put a bunch of chunks of sweet potatoes in front of you and you went to town. You're using both hands to eat, not favoring one over the other yet. Anyway, I'm trying to be laid back about it and let you try things and feed yourself. Plus, we have time to feed ourselves that way! Bonus.

We took you to Disney World for the very first time on May 14th 2013 and you had SO much fun!!! We stayed all day, way past your bedtime, but you were so happy and good the whole time. You rode the safari at Animal Kingdom, watched a (really loud and fun) street party in africa and a Bollywood street party in asia (which you slept through!).  We let you play in the grass for the first time on a little lawn near Expedition Everest. You met a sweet little Aussie boy named Finn there and you both had fun playing in the dirt and grass for the first time ever. At Epcot we took you on Maelstrom. You loved it! So brave! We got you a little Viking helmet to wear for your first birthday party in a few months. We ran into your Uncle Ken, Aunt Colleen and cousins Rory, Liam and Ronan. Rory is one of your favorite people, so when you saw him there I think your little baby mind was blown. We went on other rides (you really liked the Nemo ride and looking at the Manatees) and there seemed to be a soft spot in your heart for the giant fountain on the way out. We stopped so you could watch the water show. You were captivated. When we left, we strapped you in your carseat and were pulling out of the parking lot when I said to your dad, 'He's so quiet! What's he doing?' Sure enough, before we even got out of the parking lot you were fast asleep. When we got home your dad scooped you out of the truck and changed your diaper, then laid you in your crib. You woke up but fell right to sleep when you hit the crib mattress and didn't make a peep all night. The next morning you woke up with big smiles on your face! We were stoked you had so much fun, because we did, too.

I'm so excited for what's to come. You are the sweetest and most fun. 

Love, mama

From your 6 month check up:

Weight 19 lbs 10 oz (85th percentile)

Height 27" (75th percentile)

14 // 52

Seeing Daddy coming in the room in the morning. You love your daddy so much!

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

13 // 52

This week brought his first swims in the pool! Obviously he hated it. ;) 

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

12 // 52

SO proud of himself climbing up the bed rail. He's crawling and climbing non stop these days.

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

11 // 52

Who doesn't like a chubby little baby tush?

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

10 // 52

A little morning play time, figuring out this standing up business. 

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

*oops! forgot to post this one last week, again! I'm taking the photos in the right week, at least. It's just editing and posting that takes me forever. World class procrastinator. 

9 // 52

Happily playing with toys. 

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

*oops! forgot to post this one last week. 

Currently.

Watching: Game of Thrones! The third season just started, here's hoping it's good! We've also started watching the show Vikings from the History channel. Pretty good. Oh! And movie wise, we just watched Rise of the Guardians which was super cute!

Thinking about: Still have a bit of wanderlust. I want our little family to travel! We're going to make it happen, I think later this year. Also thinking we may take a little trip over to the east coast of Florida for a night. I think a little getaway, just the three of us, would do us good. :)

Reading: Oh, man. I just finished the last book in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. I loved it. Now I have to wait a year for the next book! Such a bummer. I'm not sure what I'll start next, but I know the last book (ever) in the Sookie Stackhouse series comes out next month. All I have to say is Sookie better end up with Eric, or I'm going to hurt someone.

Listening: Right now the 'tiny ugly germs' song on Yo Gabba Gabba. In general, I've been listening to the Joy the Baker podcast, the simple mom podcast, the uhh yeah dude podcast....lots of podcasts. Søren and I have been having Weezer dance parties which has been excellent! Weezer is one of those bands that just makes me smile. I'm happy to share them with Søren.

Making me happy:  We've been taking family walks together every day. Our goal is to do a mile a day in April. A simple, attainable goal. So far so good! It's really been nice and it's been a great little block of time to spend together. Also, beach weather, salsa, sandals, maxi dresses, margaritas, sunshine, all things summery and lovely. I know spring just started, but I have been in such a summer mood! I'm living in maxi dresses and sandals.

8 // 52

I can't get over his beautiful, perfect face and his fuzzy little head. I love him so!

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

7 // 52

Always on the move! And trying to get the camera strap. 

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

6 // 52

This kid is busy.

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

6 months.

This month has been my favorite so far, I think. It has brought about so many new things! Søren is much more independent. He's so much more aware and interactive. Also, there were a lot of firsts this month! We went on our first family road trip to Nashville. That's been one of my goals for this year (and in general): travel more! Have more adventures! Nashville was definitely an adventure. Driving 11 hours with a 5 1/2 month old is kinda crazy. But fun. He was really good for the most part! We just stopped a lot more to let him wiggle and stretch. And by the end of the day he was Over It. So was I. ;) It was so much fun visiting Adam's family. Søren was the star, and really? I totally get it. He's pretty special. Anyway he got to meet so much of his family up there and they all loved him to pieces. He learned how to wave while we were there, and mommy and daddy got to go on their first date since before he was born! It was great. See? So many firsts! We went to some if our favorite Nashville places - antique shops, coffee shops, cute boutiques. I miss Nashville sometimes, and all it's people. We met up with some old and new friends and I love them all so much! I also discovered fried pickles and stocked up on cookie butter from Trader Joe's. The night before and the morning that we left it snowed. So technically Søren saw his fist snow, which was lovely, but I was happy to be on our way back to sunnier skies and palm trees. By the time we finally got home that day Søren was stoked to be home.

Since then he's also had his first solid food: avocado! He's not too sure about it yet. He gets excited at first but then once he's had enough he pretends to choke and cry. It's all very dramatic, and I have no idea where he could have possibly gotten that from.....right. I am so loving this age, though, because he's a little bit mobile, but not to the point that I'm chasing him around. He's doing this thing my mom says is called 'creeping' (apparently this is a thing?) where he sort of scoots around or pushes himself forward on his knees. He hasn't quite got the arms and legs coordinated, though it's enough to get to a toy a few feet away. I also love that he's still little enough for me to scoop up whenever I want for some snuggles, but he's big enough to play on his own with some toys while I fold laundry, etc. Yes, this is a good age. He's looking more boyish and less babyish every day. I'm trying to be mindful of that and stay in the moment and soak in all the baby goodness. He's already fitting into some 12-18 month items I thought he wouldn't be anywhere close to wearing yet. We don't have his 6 month appointment for another couple of weeks. I can't wait to see how much he has grown!

5 // 52

Blankets can be tricky to navigate.

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

Lion hearted boy.

Søren,

Today, like every day, you fell asleep in my arms. You slept for a bit, woke up, ate some more and fell back to sleep. You woke up another time and smiled at me, still mostly asleep and put your cheek up against my cheek. You climbed around on me, buried your head in my chest, and fell back asleep. As I watched you sleeping, I caught a glimpse of the man that you'll be. Instead of the soft, pink baby shoulders will be broad manly shoulders. Instead of baby soft skin and rolls, there will be strong arms and muscle. Your smile that lights up my heart will only shine brighter. One day it will light up some special girl's heart in a whole new way. But more than that, I saw the sort of man you'll be. Kind, the way your father is, making people feel comfortable in their own skin and loving the unlovable. Fiercely protective. Thoughtful. Stubborn. Flawed. Loved. Positive. Headstrong. We named you Søren Robert Magnus. To us it means great bright warrior. You are and will be a bright light in this ever darkening world. A beacon of love. You emanate a sweetness and a pure joy. I feel so honored to be your mama, you are truly something special. And so, as the days move along and each day you grow more independent, a bit closer to 'little boy' and a bit further from 'little baby', I'll find solace in this small glimmer I saw today of the man you will become. Sleep sweet, little lion cub. Big adventures await.

Love,

Mama

Yoga Baby.

Today, Søren's cousin Erin came over to spend some time with him. It's his 6 month birthday today. What! I have a kid that's half a year old!!! How did that happen? Anyway, Erin came over and got here before Søren woke up. He decided to sleep in until 9:30 this morning (which I'm totally not complaining about). So, when he woke up Erin and I went in to get him. He was all smiles, and then saw Erin and was a little confused. Then the smiles came back and he was ready to have some fun. We changed him and put him on a blanket on the floor to play and it was go time. He's so entertaining. And he's lucky to have so many cousins and so much family who loves him so much! 

Let me tell you, that little charmer is going to be crawling before I can turn around. The baby yoga going on was awesome. His downward dog (puppy?) is on point. I'm totally not rushing him. Can we freeze time right here? He's still a baby, he sleeps pretty well through the night, the diapers are really not bad, I can dress him however I dang well please, he lets me snuggle him whenever I want, he's not mobile yet…..I mean. C'mon. I know I will love each age, but this age just seems so good. I'm trying not to miss it, to savor those naps he takes in my arms, and the moments when he wakes us up at night. All of it, because before long he will be grown and I will miss this sweet and special time. 

Show off. 

Cousin love. 

Daddy kisses.

Batten down the hatches everybody. Søren's about to be on the move. 

4 // 52

A moment of spontaneous joy at the zoo Sunday.

*A portrait of my child, once a week, every week for one year. 

(I took my inspiration to join CheandFidel's year long photo series from Bleubird blog )

currently.

Can you believe how big this kid is looking these days?! Me, neither.



Watching: Parks and Rec on Netflix! So much Parks and Rec. At first when I watched that show I didn't find it that funny. Now I laugh out loud when I watch it. Isn't it funny how that happens? Such a great show.

Thinking about: How grown up my kid is getting! I love this age. I wish I could freeze time right here. He's almost crawling! Just as I was typing this I had to stop to praise him because he had gotten up on hands and knees and was grinning at me. Such a good boy. I love him so.

Reading: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I'm dying over here, people! I love these books! Darn her and her teenage love triangles that I care so much about!

Listening: Right now I'm listening to indie music on Songza. Loving that app right now! It's so much fun.

Eating: Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter. Oh, man. All the time. On everything. I might have put them on a Trader Joe's Jo Jo and not felt at all bad for liking it, I can't get enough! Also, this week I made chicken noodle soup and we're still on a Brussells sprouts kick. Oh, and when we were in Nashville last week I tried fried pickles and cannot stop thinking about them! So, so tasty. Mmmm. I might be salivating.

Making me happy: Chats with my brother in the hallway at work (we work together!), coffee, my sisters, meeting up with IG friends in real life, seeing Adam's family and some sweet friends, Søren getting to meet his wonderful great grandparents, the city of Nashville.....and cookie butter. Yep. 

Zoo Day

Today was a good day. It was in the 50's, so we decided to take advantage of this nice (and rare!) cool day and head to the zoo. 

Coffee was necessary. 

This kid is the most fun. I love being able to spend time outside with him. He's so good when we go out, just soaking everything in. He's still too little to really know what's happening, but he does like to watch the monkeys swing around. Today he was way more interested in the waterfall in the tiger exhibit than the actual tigers. But, you know, pretty soon he'll be running all over the place telling me random facts about okapi or something. Bottom line, he totally rules and I'm the luckiest mom ever. :) 

The happiest!

Side note: after this we got pulled over because we were 'blocking an intersection at a red light'. The police officer let us go with a warning which was awesome! I think Søren was so cute he didn't want to give us the ticket. :) So thanks to that k-9 officer in downtown Tampa.