8 months!

8 Month Photo Shoot - Discovering the Basil, taking a stand, and loving on Gerry the Giraffe

Getting his crawl on!

I love the stage Ezzie is in right now. I know, I know - I have loved them all, but it just keeps getting better! This month Ezzie has been crawling backwards, and is beginning to make his way forwards. He does an arm, arm, leg, leg, flop things, but he has moved about 2 feet forward! No matter where I put him sitting up, he keeps laying himself down and trying to move. One of my favorite moments was when he first crawled forward. Jon and I were on the couch, and Ezzie on the floor. We both called to him with a lot of enthusiasm. Ezzie was so overcome by excitement that his face lit up and he began crawling (one crawl I might add) without thinking and just trying to be near us. I hope I have his expression etched in my mind forever - it was priceless :)

One of my favorite things right now is that Ezzie giggles up a storm so much easier than before. I simply squeeze his little tummy and tickle him and he laughs so hard! I often find myself so overwhelmed with pride and joy in him. He makes my heart swell with happiness :)

Ezzie is beginning fingerfoods, and the two little teeth are beginning to surface little by little. Hopefully he will have some teethy grins by 9 months :)

The onesie, Daddy and Ezzie going to Daddy's Aero meeting

Ezzie finally can wear the onesie I made for his daddy when I found out he was coming. It says, "Don't worry, my daddy's a pilot." For those of you who know Jon well, he commonly will say, "Don't worry, I'm a pilot."

The pool, Ezzie doing what he does best - chewing on things :)

As our summer is drawing to a close, we are taking advantage of the pool Grandma got for Ezzie. He loves sitting in it and splashing. Summer run long here, so hopefully we can get another month out of it!

Speaking of summer - it is finally drawing to a close. We have had a couple of mild, non-humid days this past week which offer us promise of a beautiful fall. Ahh, changing leaves and cool, non-humid days. Something SO needed!

California and Oregon Adventures

Ezzie looking at the plane - who knows if he will be like his daddy :)

We had such a great time visiting family and friends this past week. I must say that my husband and little guy were incredible troopers! Jon had been traveling and working crazy hours for over a week straight in Oshkosh (his dream aviation conference) before we left. He actually flew home Monday and we left Tuesday really early in the morning. Ezzie, who had a lot of time in a carseat and on our laps, also did amazing. It can be so much work traveling with a little guy!

Cool dude, Looking at Burney Falls (Ezzie loved watching the water - probably thinking huge bath!)

We first went to Camp Pit. It is a campground I grew up going to with my family, my Nano and Nana, and my Aunt Debbie and her family. This year was a little different without Nana and with all of the extended family. Just writing about my Nana brings back a flood of memories. I loved her dearly, and took it really hard when she died when I was nine. It took me until I was 12 to actually cry over her death, but I showed my grief in my writings and simply thinking about her all the time. My favorite memory of her was getting up really early, wandering into her garage, and sitting with her as she did the crosswords in the paper. Ahhh, Nana.

Back to our trip. We had a great time hanging out with family and eating a lot of good food. One thing about our family is that we eat well, eat a lot, and usually have a lot left over when we are done. We seriously need a fast after we are together :) This year Dani commented that we were sympythizing with Sarah, who is pregnant :)

The red sun, A helicoptor with the water basket, Dipping the basket into the reservoir

One big event that surrounded us had to do with wild fires. There was a lot of smoke - so much that the sun was almost red. This pic doesn't even do it justice! Our campground is near a reservoir, so hellicopters were coming in and out and getting water. We went up and checked it out - and yes, I was just as interested as Jon in this one :)

My nephew Jackson has been healing really well from his burns, and was a lot of fun. Here is a video of my brother, Matt, throwing him in the air and him laughing :)

Aidan and Faith with Ezzie, Mom about to teach me how to help Ezzie swim, The lesson in progress!

The weather was cool - especially compared with Texas. We braved the cool, and took Ezzie swimming. His cousins, Faith and Aidan, surrounded him as they did every day giving him attention. Faith especially enjoyed pulling him around the pool, and squeezing his cheeks - ah, they are so kissable and squeezable! My mom also showed me how to teach Ezzie to swim at a young age. She used to do this with Sean. It is amazing how they still have their fetal swimmers legs and arms! My mom showed me how to hold him so he could do it on his own - it was amazing :)

After saying goodbye to my parents (and family), we went for a trip to Trader Joe's before hitting Oregon to see Jon's parents - I know, surprise, surprise. My favorite thing about the trip was that Ezzie was thrilled to be there! His little legs were kicking, he was laughing and talking like crazy and that smile kept on coming. Sure, maybe part of it had to do with him not being in a carseat, but I think he has a love for Trader Joe's that is so innate! :)

Grandma and Ezzie, Ezzie loving the swing!

We spent less than 24 hours in Ashland with Jon's parents. It is such a quaint, romantic, and lovely city! We visited the downtown and walked through Lithia Park. Jon and I talked about it being a great weekend getaway location. Ezzie got to swing for the first time and loved it. What doesn't he love, other than Mac N'Cheese from the jar?

Our final destination took us to Mark and Tracey's house. It was so great to catch up after not seeing her and Mark for a while. They treated us to an amazing meal, and made our last night such a relaxing evening. Thanks again!