Each week I'm amazed by how many things I'm able to write about Ian in these posts. I thought that there might be a few weeks where I'd have to stretch to write enough for a post. Instead, I have plenty to write and then I spend the whole week kicking myself for forgetting a few important points. And don't even get me started on pictures. I just have so many I'd like to share. Parenthood's just so full, busy, and wonderful.
As many of you know, we had a HUGE snowstorm this week! This was the biggest snow storms Jim and I have experienced in a long, long time. We missed the big one that hit this area during the year we were in Louisiana, so we were very excited to finally get a good snow.
Perhaps our favorite thing to do in the snow, was something Jim came up with. Since the snow was so deep and soft, he would hold Ian's snowsuit in a fist at Ian's waist. Then he'd drop Ian on his back in the snow. Ian LOVED it! He'd get the biggest smile across his face as soon as he'd land in the snow. Imagine this repeated about twenty times. So happy!
Jim is really good about coming up with gentle, rough-housing activities. Each one makes Ian extremely happy.
What a happy, snow baby! He impressed us.
This picture is another example of something Jim came up with that Ian loved. He'd plant Ian in the snow and pack it up around his legs. Again, a smile would grow across Ian's face and he'd bat at the snow with his fleece-covered hands. Sometimes he'd suck on the snow that remained on his hand. At first I was concerned that he'd be too cold or get too wet, but the fleece was surprisingly dry inside each time we went back indoors.
It was very warm this day, but it's not uncommon to see Jim with short sleeves in the winter. He's a Minnesotan lad.
It seems, this week, that Ian has learned how to "relax." It's very strange for him to EVER lay his head down unless he's sleeping. It's part of the reason his neck is so strong, I think. He's been too busy and active to slow down. But this week I've caught him at it many times.
Whoever did that last diaper change was not interested in all of the snaps! Thank you for the adorable button-up, flannel onesie, Barb!!! And these adorable overalls and handmade booties are from my mom.
Even though we had the huge snowstorm, my parents were determined to get here for a visit this weekend! They arrived on Friday afternoon, having hiked down their mile-long drive way and worked tirelessly to dig their car out under two feet of snow. Thanks for your determination!!! We really enjoyed having you here.
Äma, as my mom is called, made the most of her day and a half here before getting sick (so sad). She led Ian in a boot-camp, of sorts. She embraced this active boy's determination and desires to sit and stand. With her support and encouragement, he started sitting! He was already balancing himself a bit, but this week he was ready for some serious sitting!!!
His abs must be incredibly strong because he was able to crunch forEVER, as he is in the picture below. Do not be fooled; he is not falling in this picture. That's all determination and almost always with a smile on his face. So proud.
So our baby boy sat just before five months and rolled a couple weeks before four months. He's a physically strong little boy, but also determined. At this point I still haven't seen him roll from his stomach to his back.
His fine motor skills have also taken off. He's able to grab things quickly and hold very tightly. Just ask my hair; I think I've lost a lot of it! The felt chain that Julie gave us is fun to see him hold because he grabs one ring in one hand and another in the other hand and pulls the chain as far apart as he can. Everything ends up in his mouth. He seems to prefer his thumb in his mouth, but other fingers will do, too.
Ian LOVES to banter back and forth. His sounds are getting more and more expressive, fun, and cute.
Raspberries are very common! Therefore lots of drool also follows, leaving a patch of wetness on his shirt or bib just below his chin.
It's so fun seeing our parents as grandparents. Everyone says this about their parents and it's so, so true. They make the most of their time with him. They get on the floor, snuggle, support, cheer, and coo throughout the days. They are as engrossed by him as we are, which makes it so fun.
He brings such joy to so many. Babies have a special way of doing that, don't they?
We've been watching a lot of Olympics these days. Ian took a nap in the Beco while we were hanging out and it took him a little while to adjust to being awake again. I love his frowns in these pictures and the way he hand arm is resting on mine and his hand up by his head. He looks like an older kid, who would purposely lie in a position like this.
Haha, the frowns just crack me up! I think Jim and I both have a face like this when we're not ready to get up, too. We can relate, buddy! How about sleeping in just a little more!?
Sleeping this week has been pretty good. He's been getting up 2-3 times a night, but for a couple nights he only woke up once! I was a rested mama.
Lately, while nursing, Ian likes to grab my collarbone and neck with the hand on top. His grip is getting quite strong and his nails are sometimes just a little too long, but it's very sweet. I like to put my pointer finger inside his palm and he clenches it tightly; this also protects me from the tight grip and scratches I sometimes receive, but allows for just a little more of a cuddle.
He may have started teething, too. He has a little nub on the bottom left side of his jaw. We'll see!
During their visit we recreated a few moments from their last visit, when he was only four days old. Here's the picture on the porch, but Ian's able to show off a few tricks now! Look at him sitting up all by himself with his legs wrapped around my mom! Love the expressions in this shot.
Then, we also had another singing and music session! We found some Peter, Paul, & Mary playbooks, some Bluegrass music, and some hymns in the piano bench. And then we also sang some old family favorites like "Down in the Valley," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and "I'll Fly Away."
Ian was enthralled, as you can see. He even added some bass notes to play a piano duet with Grumps.
Being part of a musical family never gets old, I tell you what. I love it and I love getting to share it with my growing family.
Another thing I haven't mentioned is that he's started having giggle fits!!! He has started anticipating things that we do and just the anticipations gets him so excited and laughing. For example, one time I was sitting in a chair over him and would slowly lift my leg and bring it down on his tummy and give him a little shake. Repeat, repeat, repeat. It was killing him! This also happens if you place anything over his face and then remove it over and over again, as Jim discovered. Once he catches on, he thinks it's hilarious.
Happy 21 weeks, Ian Forrester!!!
Mama's a bit late with this post, as usual, but today is actually your five-month birthday! Post to come. I cannot believe it's already here. This time five months ago you were in my arms about forty-five minutes after being born and delivered by your Papa. Never have I been so happy.
We love being your parents.
