Little Man is Growin' Up!

Wow! I cannot believe how time flies. It is fun to look back at all my other posts and somewhat amazing to me that I was able to blog nearly every day over the summer (I guess that's what living in a hotel will do to ya)! We are just hving so much fun being a family and watching Jax grow. He is almost 7 months old (gasp) and just a charmer. We think he is just the best thing. He is sitting up, saying, "dadadadadadada," scooting in circles, eating lots of big boy food, napping and sleeping pretty consistently, attempting to crawl, and laughing a lot! We had family pictures taken during the middle of November. We didn't really get many smiles because we had to wake him from his nap to do the shoot! I will post some pictures and hopefuly get back into my blogging mode...New Year's Resolution? (I think the housework might need to take priority there)

Babywise

Let me just preface this post by saying that this is NOT a judgement on those parents that have successfully implemented the Babywise program, but rather to share what goes through my head each time I attempt to let Jax cry it out.

Jax is 5 months old now! He is still nursing (we are going to start rice milk when Tim gets home tomorrow :)). He smiles, laughs, rolls over, and is almost sitting up alone. He sleeps in his crib. On occasion, he will got down for a nap on his own. But for the most part, I put him to sleep by rocking him.

Yes, this is time consuming. Yes, this can be frustrating. But I can't bring myself to let him cry for longer than 30 minutes.

Don't we all just want a little cuddling every once in a while? Isn't this the only time in his life where someone will rock him to sleep? Is it bad for him to know that someone is always there for him?

I know I can't smother him, and part of being a parent is helping them become independent. Can it wait until they are old enough to understand and they know their basic needs are met? Aren't there other ways to teach your children the world isn't centered on them?

I just think it is really sad when kids stop crying because they know that no one is coming. However, will I become a rocking robot and how long will this commitment last???
Oh, the dilemmas of parenthood!

Can't wait for Tim to get back tomorrow!

We are finally getting settled :)

Things have been busy!

24

Number 24 had his 24th birthday yesterday! He is so old. We went to church and headed to Barnes & Noble for some coffee, pastries, and a little book reading. In the evening, Tim's coworkers held a little birthday party for him. He had two birthday cakes...and even blew out some candles. Happy Birthday Tim!!

It's hard to believe I kissed him on his 16th birthday and every birthday since!

The Great Falls

We finally visited the "Great Falls" of Great Falls. They were pretty neat, but some of the natural beauty has been tainted by the dam. There are about 4 sets of falls in the area, and each has been turned into an energy source. The historical perspectives behind these sites are impressive. The Lewis & Clark entourage had to portage around the falls...it took them a month.

We stopped for a picture on the swing bridge walking to island for prime falls viewing.

We are assuming the 8 short blasts were warning signals if the dam was going to break.

This is the powerhouse at the bottom of the dam.

The island looked out over the falls...you couldn't go past the barriers here.

Tim and Jax getting ready to cross the bridge! We were glad we weren't on a swing bridge

1000 ft up in the Amazon.

Gibson Park

I was so bummed we just now found this park. It is a large park along the river with a huge pond scattered with water fountains. I love water fountains. The beauty was only slightly tainted by the presence of many, many ducks and geese in search of a bite to eat. We had a picnic lunch and left some white cheddar popcorn for the birds.

3 Months Old!

Jaxson was three months old yesterday....time sure flies when you are having fun!

He loves to watch tv...and I don't really let him, but Tim and I were doing our combat conditioning program (more about that later..it isn't what it sounds like) and he was a bit fussy. We put him in his bouncer and he locks in on the television.

I found this frog costume while I was out the other day, and I just couldn't resist!

He really is getting in the character-he almost looks like a frog.

I am number 1!

He likes to sleep in 'forts.' He likes to be all snuggled up.