Growing Boy!

It seems like over night Judah has grown has gone from the newborn infant stage to a big baby stage. At two and a half months, Judah has reached many milestones and it seems like I am writing something down on the calendar almost every day. Judah is starting to be more interactive to where he is playing more often.

Just this week, Judah is grasping toys with his hands. It is fun to watch him as he discovers he has control over opening and closing his fingers, grasping our noses and lips, and bringing his fingers to his mouth. This week we finally had to give in and buy a Bumbo Seat since Judah tried every chance he got to sit up. We often caught him doing stomach crutches in his bouncy seat as if he was going somewhere. On his play mat late last week, we saw Judah turn over his right side from back to his front. Even now, Judah hates to be laid down and starts to cry if he cannot be up looking around at his new world. Even though he weighs twelve pounds, it is funny to watch this little baby try to do big boy stuff that you would expect an older, bigger baby to do. Even though he looks so little sitting in the stroller, we have sat him up in it now that he likes to look around. He stays awake for our walks now and likes to watch the world go by. Judah did the funniest thing with thing; last night he was watching Tim move his toes and then mimicked the movement with his own. He did the same thing today by moving to beat of the music like me. I have this feeling that he will be a busy boy.

Judah is also very social. He likes to talk to you, blows raspberries, and laughs at you (usually when Tim plays Peak-a-Boo with the towel). We sing songs like Itsy Bitsy Spider and the Wheels on the Bus in which he just laughs at the actions. It is also funny to hear him talk to his toys as if he is waiting for them to talk back and gets angry when they do not respond. Judah has also enjoyed playing with his first fort with daddy; Tim likes to drape a blanket over the top of the play mat to let Judah grab at the blanket.

Judah's schedule has become more defined as well. Recently, Judah has been sleeping from 11:00 pm to at least 6:30 am or 7:00 am. Lately though he has started getting fussy and so we are in the process of moving his bed time up earlier to 10:00pm. Judah's life is to eat, play, and then sleep. He has been taking at least three naps a day: a short nap in early morning, a short nap late morning, and a long late afternoon nap. In between, he likes to play and help mommy do the chores.

Birthday Wishes!

Thanks to all who helped celebrate my birthday! Tim planned a party for me this year. We had about 20 (including 5 kids) people in our small town home to help eat sloppy joes, nachos, and chocolate birthday cake. It turned out to be a nice evening to celebrate with family and friends.

Celebrating 2 Months in Canada!

We celebrated Judah's second month birthday at Cygnet Lake in Ontario, Canada. In spite of the rainy cold weather, we had a good time relaxing with family and friends, eating fresh Walleye, and enjoying the fresh Canadian air. The trip was very much needed and we certainly had a great time.

Other than a two hour round trip to Lake Red Rock in Iowa, this was Judah's first vacation as well as his first trip north to the Rittgers farm. Judah was very good the whole trip up until the last night on the way home when he finally let loose and fussed about the traveling. That night we did stop in Minneapolis though which broke up the drive. It did help that we rode up with some friends in a RV so he could stretch, play, and eat. We knew that his schedule would be off due to the traveling so the day we left, he had his two month check up and got his shots. Thankfully, the Tylenol helped make him a good traveler.

Judah really enjoyed his first vacation. He made some new friends with the Huebner girls who constantly adored him and little Wyatt who was a month younger. Judah had fun with his first boat ride around the lake. We set up his bed (pack in play) in the main room of the cabin and discovered that he liked to sleep with the noise. Grandma Rittgers hung out with him during the night shift. Also, we were able to establish a better night routine with daily sponge baths. Judah really loved his make shift changing table and being wiped down. It was here that he learned to scoot on his back by using his legs. By the end of the week, Judah had more control of his head and stayed awake to play more often. Also, Judah gave his first responsive laugh at mommy when she made faces. I guess he really enjoyed his trip.

Tim and I enjoyed the change of scenery and certainly liked the rest. Even though the weather was cold and rainy almost every day, I managed to get the only sun burn of the group. The water was too cold to ski but the fishing was above average this year. A couple of days the group came in with almost a dozen fish. Tim seemed to have the lucky fishing pole as it apparently caught fish even when he did not go out. I had almost the best catch of the week when I pulled up a 16 inch Walleye who was being chased by a Northern twice as big; Tim did catch a Small Mouth Bass for the first time though. Of course we played cards, went blue berry picking (in a different location that also has raspberries), and even did crafts (made cards). Tim and I went to take a ride in the boat one day and got caught in a down pour cold rain. Otherwise we ate fish, napped, and enjoyed the fellowship of friends.

Saturday night is bath night!

Here I am enjoying my Saturday night bath routine! Froggy towel helps to make it special. All clean and ready for bed!