Saturday, January 31, 2015

Leaf Peeping at Black Rock Mountain

One of our absolutely favorite places to tent camp was at Black Rock Mountain State Park.  However, we're not so convinced our trailer will fit into all of the campsites, and since there is no reserving specific campsites, we haven't been camping there in a couple years.

So when a weekend opened up this fall (October 24) we jumped at the chance to rent a cabin.  

Much to our surprise, it was absolutely beautiful!  Old cabin but totally restored - new flooring, bathroom finishes, comfortable beds.  

We rented a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cabin, which included a fully stocked, functional kitchen.  The centerpiece of the living space was a gorgeous fireplace (which we didn't use).  And we couldn't believe the view off the deck (20 seconds of Zen).


We had to of course take a selfie while Ethan napped.

I received this Bitybean carrier to try out and review, and it worked great for hiking this weekend.  Kept us both cool and sweat free, mostly - and was totally washable for when we were not sweat free LOL.


We did not hike very many, or very difficult trails, but we were still rewarded with amazing views.

Ethan LOVES to be outside, and we had a lot of really fun moments chilling on the back porch - listening to the birds, watching the leaves blow, and playing.

And a lot of playing.  Here's an almost 8 month old loving life...

We used the firepit off the front of the house all the nights we were there, and burned a lot of wood.  And ate a lot of smores.  What a great weekend to reconnect with the family and have some great memories!

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Happy Halloween

Ethan's first Halloween - TIGGER!!!  


It's so nice in Georgia in October - the weather is cool but not cold, and it's usually sunny with leaves falling.  Almost perfect most days!

We went trick or treating with our friends, the Newtons, and their little one who is about a year older than Ethan.

E loved reaching into the bowls and grabbing stuff!  But of course no candy for him yet!!

My baby at 9 months old

When, oh when, did my newborn turn into a full fledged baby, like on TV???  You know, when you see "baby" on a show, they are sitting there, sucking on something and being all cute and alert and aware and engaged?  It snuck up on me.  Jeff keeps reminding me that he is not a helpless 3 month old anymore.  I think this may be how "mama's boys" are created.  (And I'm ok with that.)

Here's a glimpse into what makes Ethan, "Ethan", these days


He loves to watch daddies.  Like when we are at a restaurant, he will try to lock eyes with any dark haired, middle aged guy and flirt with him.  Hard core.

He has started pelvic thrusting all. the. time.  It is an iteration of his favorite physical activity, bouncing.  Bouncing in his jumper, when you hold him, while you hold him up standing...he loves it.

Clap, clap, clap.  You say "Yaaaaayyyyy", and he claps.  You clap and smile at him, he claps.  Patty-cake?  Oh yeah, loves it.  It's adorable.

If you get your head close to his belly, he laughs so hard.  Even if you don't blow on it.

When his diaper is being changed - if you're brave enough - to blow air on him to dry him up, he laughs.

He hates wearing shoes.

He's unsure about strangers.  Especially if he's tired.

Speaking of tired, he's an eye rubber.  No yawns, no sleepy eyes (although they still might get red), but he regularly has claw marks around his eyes.

He loves sweet potatoes.  And salmon.  And chicken.  And broccoli.  He has started projectile barfing if food gets too far back on his tongue.  Baby led weaning has not yet taught him how to eat :/ but he is doing well both with purees and giant pieces of food he can suck on and taste.

He still gets 4 bottles during the day, between 3-4oz each.  Mostly breastmilk, but supplemented with formula up to 4oz per day during a hungry day.

He takes 2-3 naps a day, and goes to bed by 7-7:30PM.  He usually sleeps till 10 or so, feeds, then (if we're lucky) sleeps till 5-7AM.  Otherwise he might be up once during the night.  (I hope I didn't just jinx us.)

He loves being outside, going for walks, and watching other kids and animals.

Can you tell we think he's the best?!?