Isaac- 6 Months

Six to nine months has to be my favorite time with my babies. They love to eat, play, and sleep well (most of the time)... AND they can't get away from me yet or say "No!" It just gets busier once they are mobile so I cherish these few months of having an interactive and fun baby who hasn't quite figured out how to make his legs move. Isaac is a really happy baby. He smiles and laughs so much. I just can't get enough of him.

At Isaac's 6 month check-up, he weighed 18 lbs. 4 oz. putting him about 65th% for weight. He was 26 in. long which was 70th% for height. People always comment, "Wow, he is a big boy!" But really, he isn't that big. I think it might be his 95th% head that makes him look that way. :) I am thankful he is healthy and well nourished. He started eating baby cereal last month and LOVES oatmeal. He just gobbles that stuff up. I am starting to introduce some other foods this month and it is a slow process much like it was with Eli. He has tried applesauce, bananas, avocado, and ground chicken. He dislikes everything at first, so I just have to try, try, and try again. Banana and avocado have been my only successes so far. I bought a butternut squash to cook this week so we'll see how that goes!

I promise I don't put rubber bands on his arms and wrists. :)

 Here is a catch-up on Isaac's monthly pics

Our Anniversary Trip (a.k.a. Isaac's Dream "Only Child" Vacation)

Ever since we spent five months in Africa, Marc has had an ever growing interest in ultrasonography. He was able to see first-hand what huge benefits this non-invasive piece of equipment can provide a clinician in a resource limited setting to improve his/her diagnostic skills. Granted you need an ultrasound machine, but this is much more affordable than a CT scanner for a missions hospital. Marc found out about a place in St. Pete Beach, Florida that teaches ultrasound courses and was interested in gaining some more knowledge in this area. He signed up for a week long course on echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) that the residency paid for so he could come back and teach the medical students and residents. He decided we should take advantage of the free hotel and get away from the busyness of life for a few days. The timing of the class was right in line with our eighth anniversary. We had debated leaving all three kids with the grandparents, but we knew that would be a BIG job. Then, around the same time we were booking the trip Isaac decided he no longer wanted to take his occasional bottle, like ever again. Ha! So, it solidified the plans that Isaac would be making the trip with us. Much to his delight. Hard to refuse this face anyway...

Isaac enjoyed chilling and relaxing. Living and loving life as an only child.

It was so hard for me to part with Eli and Hailey. Marc and I don't travel away from them very much and it is usually only for a night if we do. Five nights away seemed like a really long time! They were in good hands though. Marc's parents kept them so busy the time probably passed very quickly for them. I think it was good for me to get a break away. I came home renewed and refreshed in my job as a mom. Every mom needs that every now and then.

The ocean is so amazing. I just love its vastness and beauty.

St. Pete Beach was a wonderful beach. Soft, white sand that seemed to stretch forever.

Isaac was a good sport the whole week. He traveled well on the plane and was willing to take some naps on the sand by the ocean. It took a little while to get him back on a schedule when we returned home, but for the most part, he was an easy going and relaxed baby.

Marc bought Isaac this fun float when we got to Florida. What a cutie.

Marc really enjoyed spending more time with Isaac. He usually bathes Eli and Hailey each night and reads them books while I feed Isaac and then put him down. I try to swap with him when I can so he gets time with Isaac, but a nursed baby is just naturally with their mama a lot. Marc and Isaac bonded so much during our trip. I love these pictures of the two of them. :)

The only anniversary pic from the trip!

Me and my sweet Isaac

Our little family of three... at least for a few days. :)

We had a great little get-a-way. Marc was in class 8-5 each day so I am glad we had the weekend before the class started to really enjoy our environment and our time together. Marc decided the next class he takes at a beach spot should end each day at noon so there is more time to play. :)

Sweet Friends

We spent much of 2011-2012 with the Kubacz family. We traveled to Morgantown, West Virginia and shared a small apartment with them for the summer while Dean and Marc took a tropical medicine class. Then, we crossed the ocean with them while we served together in Niger, West Africa. We love this friendship and are thankful God brought them into our lives. We even share the same wedding day and year with them. How crazy to think we were all saying "I Do" on July 30, 2005 in two different states! They are setting off soon to study French for a year before they transition to Africa once again to serve for a longer term. We were really hoping to see them one last time before they leave and it worked out!

The K family dropped in to Peoria for a few days as they traveled from Wichita up to Chicago where they had some meetings and events. I'm not sure the kids completely remembered each other, but they were fast friends again by the end of their stay.

Here is a progression of pictures of the three musketeers...

January 2012-first day in Africa

 June 2012- last day in Africa

 July 2013- Kubacz visit to Peoria

It is fun to see how the kids have changed in just a year and a half. We got Isaac in a few pictures this time, too! Gracie was very excited to love on our baby. She will be a great big sis soon.

We filled up the swimming pool outside to keep the kids entertained so we could catch up with Dean and Dianna. We had a great visit and are so excited for what God has in store for their family in this next year. They will travel to France in a month and welcome a little boy into their family in November! We will miss them dearly but are thankful for the technology that will still keep us in touch. :)

July Fourth Fun

July 4th is such a great holiday. Not only does it embody so much for us as citizens in a free and democratic nation, but it also revolves around some of my favorite things of summer like time outside and BBQ food. We had so much fun last July 4th that I was hoping this year would be just as great!

We started the day off with some family time. Marc's grandfather has been pretty sick off and on over the past month and is currently recovering in a nursing home until he is well enough to return home. He was able to get out for a few hours on July 4th which was a treat for him. I think the sunshine, real food, and watching our energetic kids play in the yard provided him lots of therapy for the day.

Eli loves soccer these days.

We headed home after lunch to let the kids rest up for our evening fun.They were in a great mood when they woke up so I took advantage and grabbed some quick photos!

The hospital where Marc works puts on the firework show at the river each year. They have a pre-show meal for some of their staff in a building down on the river. We were able to get really close parking and were served some yummy food (though the kids preferred the popcorn and cookies to the brisket). Then, we got special seating for the fireworks! We felt pretty pampered. ;)

After dinner, we decided to walk the trail along the river until it was time for the show. Lots of people anchor their boats near the bridge to watch the fireworks.

Hailey didn't seem to remember fireworks from last year so I loved capturing her expressions with the reverse camera on my phone. The show was really long so about half-way through the kids were ready to go home. We pushed through to the end and finally arrived home at 10:45! Definitely the latest night they are up all year.

Maybe next year lil buddy. :)

 The finale was spectacular! So worth the wait.

Happy July 4th, America!