Giggles Galore!

February has been a fast month! Where has the time gone? John has become quite the active little man lately! He is discovering new things every day and definitely has found that cute little boy in the mirror who smiles, talks, and squeals back at him!

The middle of January, we had John's 4 month pictures taken. Because we are "portrait club members" anyone is able to come with us at no cost. Since we were going to be out with my parents later in the day, we invited them to come with us and have some pictures taken too. John loved having grandma and grandpa there and they caught a few great pictures too! We can't wait to do it again soon with Grandma Joan and Grandpa Bob!

February 1, we decided that John was ready for a little more action in his life, so the Baby Einstein Jumper came to life! John LOVES it! Before he even gets in it and sits down, his legs start to pump and his arms start moving around! He is a huge fan of the frog that spins, and he definitely likes to give it "kisses" (or suck on it's head)! He has even figured out the music and lights on one of the sides as well. He has started to figure out how to turn himself around in it, but I think it will be a little bit of time before he is fully aware of how to do it.

At the beginning of February, I was still coaching dance team. We had our Sections competition on the 7th, and even though the girls didn't make it to State, they did a fantastic job and had a great season. As sad as I was to see that part of my life end for another season, it was time to be able to take a step back and not be racing as much. I could finally breathe!

John has started to get himself on a schedule of sleeping through most of the night, if not all of it, and then waking up to hang out with mom and dad while we get ready in the morning. He loves to lay on our bed with one of his friends (normally Tigger) and just chill out.

He's a bit sleepy here!

The following weekend was Valentine's Day! This year, on Friday, February 13th, it was 5 years ago to the day that Phil and I had our first date! How time flies! When we went to Timberlodge Steakhouse that night and then to watch "Miracle" in the theater, I never would have thought that 5 years later we would be happily married and have a son! I have to say though, I can't complain that God's plan worked out that way!

Like I mentioned, John is full of discoveries lately! He found his toes and is thrilled! He has discovered that socks are meant to be pulled off, or at least part of the way, and they are tasty to suck on too! Any moment that his feet are out and free, they are on their way to his mouth! He loves to try and suck on them while I am changing his diaper, which makes it a bit interesting to complete the task in a timely manner!

John is full of giggles now and loves to be able to play with his toys! He is definitely into the tactile portion of play and loves the toys that make noise, sing, crinkle, or anything else that is highly inappropriate for church!! He loves to play peek-a-boo, patty-cake, and fly like an airplane, especially if you make a rolled "r" sound with your tongue. I love the moments when he giggles with his whole tummy and throws his head back with delight. Oh, the little, precious moments in life!

It's hard to believe our baby is already 5 1/2 months old! He has now tried all the fruits and veggies, along with his rice cereal and loves each of them. He would definitely prefer a fruit over a veggie, but who wouldn't? We're happy to see that we don't have a picky child on our hands (as of now, anyway!).

As we near the end of February (and hopefully winter along with it....it has to end soon, doesn't it?), we look forward to spring break in a few weeks and spring weather to follow! We can't wait to head to Chicago for a few days to see Mike and Jeanna! It will be John's first road trip, and hopefully all will go well! For now though, we will enjoy the beautiful new snowfall outside our window!