Austin is 6 months old!

Time is flying so fast with this little bambino that I can't seem to keep up with the updates. :)

There is no doubt that Austin's love for his sister Avery grows every day. He adores her.

Austin is sitting up on his own and still loves to talk it up.

Austin has continued to get ear infections which is no fun for any of us. It pushed back our sleep "training" and I continued to nurse him in the night for comfort. It's exhausting, but I also know these days are short lived when it's all said and done.

This month Austin started reaching out to be picked up.

Austin understands the words "hug," "kiss," "milk," and "kick."

He has discovered his feet and likes to grab at them.

I don't know that 6 months could be any sweeter with this little guy. "We love you to Neptune and back, Austin!" (That one comes from Avery)

Austin is 5 months old!

Say hello to our little 5 month old!

It has taken almost 5 months for Austin to come to terms with the bottle.  It's been a challenge, but we've been doing our homework and bottle-training!

This month Austin did some back-tracking on sleep. Little man went from sleeping nice long stretches to more like 4-6 hour stretches. This was due in part to a cold that he got before Christmas that developed into an ear infection. That sent him into a tailspin pattern of waking up one or two times in the night and acting like it was imperative that he eat. We still seem to be doing this. I don't mind the extra cuddles and all, but I'm tired. Sleep training shall begin soon.

Austin can now support himself briefly in a tripod seated position. He is very proud of himself!

He gets excited about discovering new toys, sights and sounds.

Austin JUST rolled from his tummy to his back this month. He is liking tummy time more and more.

I do not think Austin's ego will be hurting any time soon. The number one phrase he tends to hear each day from his big sis Avery is: "Austin, you're the cutest boy in the whole world!!!!"

Austin continues to be like to be held, and he has done very well in the Ergo carrier. It's been great for both of us!

He is pretty friendly and will smile at people when they smile and speak sweetly to him. He prefers to be in the safety of my or Jeff's arms when meeting new people. He also will smile at people then immediately play coy and bury his face in my shoulder. So endearing and precious.

Austin love been read to! He sits quietly sometimes and other times he likes to talk during books. Either way, he grabs them, tastes them and tries to turn the pages already.

Have I mentioned that baby giggles are simply the best?! Austin is giggling and when he starts going at it, it's contagious. We can't help it - we all start giggling. It's just so darn stinkin' cute.

Austin is already over 16 pounds and is maintaining right in the 50th percentile range. He seems eager to eat solids so we will start trying over the next couple weeks.

Austin is 4 months old!

Austin was 4 months old on December 10th, and time is flying by! 

Some memories and milestones...

He chews and sucks on his fingers all the time.

He is ticklish - especially his belly and under his arms.

He giggles when you give him kisses on his neck.

He prefers sitting up to laying flat. Likes to see what is going on.

His nickname is "boo-boo." I don't know why, but it's stuck. Of course it gets worse... Jeff started calling him "chicken" and it stuck too. Sorry buddy. They are definitely terms of endearment! :)

 Austin will nap in his car seat well, but he HATES getting strapped in to it (initially) to go anywhere. It's probably the number one thing he gets mad about at this age.

Has developed an interest in several toys, but especially loves Sophie La Giraffe from Aunt Jeanne. He chews the heck out of her head and nose.

Austin is saying "Mama" and it's for real. Days and days went by before we confirmed it for real, but he reaches out and says "Mama" when he's hungry or just wants me to cuddle him. Boy knows how to wrap me around his finger, that's for sure.

He likes to be talked to and does a good job of carrying on conversation, interjecting his sounds at just the right moments. He can get mad when you step away to do something else and kind of "yell" at you with an "Uhh! Uhh!" sounds. Clearly, he's a genius and has lots to say. Haha. The woman who watches him, Carol, said he does that to her too. She also said she and her assistant have a hard time not holding him all day long. I can totally relate.

Austin, we love watching you grow!

October and November 2013

Lots to celebrate in October and November!

Jeff's birthday - October 7th, 2013

The Butterfly Release held by Levine Children's Hospital and Kindermourn. It's always a beautiful way to celebrate Lucy's memory.

Here we are with Lucy's memorial brick in the Children's Walkway

Sweet Avery drew this picture at school and brought it home to me.  My heart melted. Sweet girl will always be connected to her sister and knows how much I miss her.

Austin continues to grow and grow and grow! He still loves his bath time best!

Austin started daycare at Ms. Carol's house and we are having a great experience once again with in-home childcare. We already feel like Carol is family and are thrilled with all she does for Austin.

Meeting new friends - Emma, Austin and Deke

Football seems to always be on the TV this time of year! Rooting for the Bears (and PANTHERS!).

Pumpkin patching

Down on the farm.

"I can see the whole world from up here!"

Sweet babe sleeping on me.

The Magnarinis

Avery and Will

We visited Nana and Papa in Hilton Head, and got to see cousins Parker and Miles.

Cousins!
Avery (4 years), Austin (3 months), Parker (4 years), and Miles (22 months)

OVER the photos.

Well, we tried.

For Thanksgiving, we spent the long weekend with Grandpa, Beggie and Non in Southport. (Does Avery look like a teenager in this photo, or what?!)

Avery taking care of Beggie's fish. She helped name him "Bubba" the Beta.

Jeff, Austin and Grandpa

Non, Avery, Austin and Beggie

Oh HEY, sweet boy!