Max - 8 months

8 months

approx. 20 lbs

red hair

blue eyes

Loves: rolling around and getting into things, especially paper; playing peekaboo; watching Isaiah being silly; being tickled; eating finger foods

Hates: being left alone in a room; having to lay still to be changed; Mom or Dad walking away during a feeding; having something taken away

Milestones: putting arms up for "so big;" making baby signs for "milk," "more," and "food;" pushing up on knees and scooting on belly several inches, first camping trip

People always comment how smiley and fun you are, and they are right, you are a little light to brighten our days. You have really blossomed into a communicating baby this month. You let us know more now what you want, or at least that you want something, and you definitely let us know when you're not happy! You have your fussy period in the evenings, and whenever you are tired, but being held and sucking on your binky really helps.

Just in the last two days you've begun pushing up on your knees, so I anticipate you crawling very soon. You've also rolled off and under things, and get yourself tangled up in things fairly easily. I have to watch out so you don't choke on things as you've got your pincer grasp down fairly well now. You love to eat bites of our food and drink from straws and cups. And most of all you love to interact with us. This is such a fun stage of your babyhood, I'm hoping it lasts a while!

your first camping trip

Another thing you've learned to do this month: smile every time the camera is pointed at you!

Isaiah Turns Six

Last week Isaiah turned six. Every time I look at him I wonder where the time has gone. It seems like just yesterday I was snuggling him for the first time as he made me a mother. I am so grateful for his sweetness, his sense of humor, and how hard he tries to please us. I love you, Isaiah, happy birthday!

2 days

1 year

2 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

6 years

Guinea Pig Update

Well, we carefully considered all your votes and advice and decided not to follow the majority. We're keeping the guinea pigs. I think maybe we're a little nuts. But hopefully they will help our kids learn to be gentle and, over time, maybe teach them some responsibility. In the meantime maybe they will help me learn patience.

Hurry, tell us what you think!

So, we're thinking about returning the guinea pigs. They are somewhat expensive and they are not as hardy as we'd hoped, making it difficult for our small children to enjoy them the way they'd like to (by carrying them around, cradling them like babies, poking them in the eyes, and/or pulling out their fur). I have become somewhat attached, and am not entirely ready to give up on them. However, there is a 15-day return policy, and we will have to return them this weekend if that's what we decide.

I've added a poll on my sidebar, so please take a minute to weigh in on our decision. You will have no say whatsoever in our final decision, but I may take any comments you leave on this post into account before deciding.

P.S. In case you were wondering, our guinea pigs are both girls. Yes, I get a lot of raised eyebrows when I say we have two. No, we are not interested--in the least--in having many guinea pigs. And Martha's name has changed. First she was Peanut. Then Burp, then Hiccup, then Martha, then Julie, and finally Pepper. That is when I stepped in and said, "Enough! She is Pepper and that is final!" So they are Reeses and Pepper. Reeses is timid and still (I think she is so scared she just cowers and hides, mostly, but she'll hold still while you hold her), so the kids like to hold her the most. I have a soft spot for Pepper because she is an adventurer and loves to explore. She is not as afraid to come out when we're around, and she is fast and curious as she scopes out new surroundings. But she also won't tolerate being held as long, and has sharper claws that let you know when she's done being held. They are both so soft and adorable and love fresh hay and cucumbers.

Wordless Wednesday - S'mores for Family Home Evening

Shark Boy

A little over a week ago I really enjoyed reading Shark Mouth: Adventures in Loose Teeth at The Meanest Mom. It was especially funny to me as we have embarked on the adventure of loose teeth--Isaiah has his first loose tooth. It's hardly wiggling and has been only slightly loose for the last two weeks, so despite the Tooth Fairy waiting on standby, nothing has really happened other than a whole lot of whining when it comes to eating chewy food.


Tonight, there was a new development in the loose-tooth saga: we have our own Shark Boy.

Not only is my seven-month-old cutting teeth, so is my almost-six-year-old.

Isaiah's pretty entertained by the nickname "Shark Boy." Tonight he was running around "chomping." We're going to see the dentist on Tuesday when we go for Katie's regularly scheduled cleaning/checkup, and depending on what he says he wants us to do, he may or may not stay amused . . .

Please welcome . . .

. . . as the newest members of the Ellis family:

Reeses

and Martha
Already the best of friends . . .

and we're so excited to have them join our family!