Week 28.5 - Oops

So once again we missed the weekly picture. But, we made up for it with a really cute week 28.5 picture below.

The Holidays were a lot of fun, but we're very happy to be home again. Henry has somewhat recovered from the excitement and disturbance to what routine we had before the holidays. He's also grown quite fond of solid foods. So far his repertoire includes sweet potato, prunes, rice cereal, oat cereal, yogurt, bananas and pears. Being the incredible mom that she is, Tina has taken it upon herself to make all of his food; the only side-effect has been his refusal to eat bought baby food (little snob).

Hope you all are doing well! And Happy 2008.

Christmas Video

Here's a compilation of some video we shot over the last couple of days. We can't manage to edit it down much more than this. Sorry for the length.

Merry Christmas

So first of all, for those of you keeping track we have officially missed the week 27 picture. You will be happy to know that those responsible for taking and posting the weekly pictures have been sacked (if you don't get the reference to a certain movie - never mind).

We have enjoyed the seemingly spring-like weather here in Orrville, Ohio. Today it was clear, still, sunny and in the upper 30's. While in Orrville, Henry has nearly mastered sitting upright on his own and seems to enjoy this new-found independence. Here he is with his dog.

He also learned how to open presents. Or at least enjoy the wrapping paper. He's starting to act interested in going somewhere too when on his stomach.

These last two pictures are of Henry with his cousin Greg (3 weeks older than Henry) and Doug (a couple years older than Henry). They've had great fun together.

week 26--late again

So the week 26 picture was actually taken on the correct date we just didn't have time to post it until now. Henry continues to change quickly, as all babies do. He's now 6 months old and loves to sit, practice using consonants (mainly g and b), eat solids, mouth everything, and be tossed around by Dad. We were so proud of ourselves last Friday because we were actually able to go out to eat spontaneously--with a 6 month old--and it was very enjoyable. Needless to say, we're glad we're at this stage and not 6 weeks! So, here's the 26 week picture and some other recent pictures.

Green shirts

Henry and I both had green shirts and brown pants on tonight--by accident--so we had a small photo shoot.

week 25 and other pics

We're a little late on week 25 but the picture is actually from Thursday. There is the official picture and then the not so official "I fell over slowly" picture.

Henry has started to enjoy his cereal--still is very interested in the spoon but also the cereal now as well. For some reason when he eats he tends to make noises starting with 'g's.



Today at lunch Henry finally was able to get a better look at Levi's lunch by sitting in his little booster seat. The two of them are quite funny at times, smiling at each other and just watching the other one very closely.

Music to Our Ears

This is the only video footage we have so far of Henry giggling. He actually is still a little stingy with the all out laughing but if you catch him in the right mood (like the video shows) he's a lot of fun. We challenge you to watch this video without smiling. If the little boy doesn't make you smile, then the stupid antics of his father probably will.

24 Weeks

Been a busy time since our last post. Here's Henry's 24 week picture in the 'snow suit' and in his regular clothes. It's a bit chilly here right now, so Henry's had to get used to getting bundled up to go anywhere.
It's getting easier and easier to get the little guy to grin at us. The best part is that he has begun to initiate the smiling these days. I've (Derek) also been able to get him to laugh more and more often. But it usually requires a toss into the air or some form of tickling. We have this on video but it's not been edited yet for the blog. Stay tuned.

week 23

In all of the excitement of Thanksgiving and Henry eating solids we forgot to take his weekly picture on Thursday. So here it is from this morning--just a few days late.



We typically do not shop at all on the Friday after Thanksgiving because we both hate crowds and aren't big fans of shopping. However, yesterday I walked to the thrift store and found a bunch of bargains. Henry scored big with books, clothes and this great hat for our wintry weather.

Thanksgiving & Spoons

Yesterday we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. First of all, we were sad not to see family this holiday but were VERY happy not to be traveling due to the winter weather of sleet/snow/wind on Wednesday evening. We invited some friends over for an organized Thanksgiving potluck meal with the idea that 90% of each food item's ingredients (by weight) would come from within 250 miles from here. We all found that you can find things, but it's a bit more pricey and a bit more difficult than just going to the grocery store. It was eye opening and quite amazing to realize that it's possible to have a pretty traditional meal with the food produced near us. Here's the table for 17 in our dining room/living room that's not really made for seating 17. It was very fun to have a full house of friends and a large spread of such wonderful food.




Thanksgiving morning was a big step for Henry. He had is first taste of solid food (rice cereal). Not such a big fan. He made some funny faces and really just wanted to chew on the spoon. Today's breakfast went a little better--but still very interested in the spoon. Here he is after his breakfast, wearing most of it on the bib.


On the topic of spoons, Henry loves to help us cook. He sits in his bumbo chair and watches all the shiny pans, bowls, and utensils move around him. Here he is playing with one of his favorite kitchen toys.

week 22

Here's a couple of pictures of week 22. As you can see, Henry was in a very good mood last night.He's also started to do the toe grab thing more consistently in addition to acting more interested in kind of moving around.
Here is a pretty funny blog post from Matt and Kathy about the two boys.

The plastic explosion.

We really like to think of ourselves as people who don't have a lot of stuff. Take, for example this first picture of our living room taken a couple of years ago after we painted the walls.
But over the last 5 months our house has been gradually taken over by plastic stuff. Which is the other thing that's kind of funny. We thought that we wouldn't be 'those' parents with all the plastic toys. Have a look at the second picture. I took this picture today of the same corner of our living room. Oh and somewhere in this sea of plastic hides a 5-month old boy. Can you find him?
To our defense, some of this plastic explosion exists to entertain the 13-month old Levi that spends about half of his week here.

Relaxing weekend

We've had a nice relaxing weekend so far. Not much going on and the weather is cool so we're staying inside more. Henry found his louder voice this weekend and really squeals now. It's hard to tell right now when he's happy and when he's upset. Here are two pictures from this weekend. Henry loves to touch Zoe and watch her too. I think Zoe feels the same way!



Henry is wearing a Winnie the Pooh outfit (thanks Levi!)and the ears were too cute so I had to document the occasion.

week 21

The past week hasn't been the best for Henry. We think he's teething or at least the teeth are moving and causing pain. At least we're hoping that's why he's drooling a ton, pulling on his ears, along with other typical signs of teething. He's a trooper though and is in a good mood most of the time.

Two sleepy boys in a stroller

So, typically Henry falls asleep on stroller rides but today Levi (Matt and Kathy's son) fell asleep too. They were just too cute all bundled up and in the double stroller together that I had to take a picture.

Bouncing Baby Boy

Henry is starting to like spending some time "working out" in his jumper. He bounces and spins and mainly enjoys looking around the house from a new perspective.

week 20

I took this picture on Thursday but forgot to post it. Not much new--more smiles, giggles, funny faces and rolling from side to side a lot. He finally went in for his 4 month appointment. All was fine and he's a healthy 16 lbs. 8 oz and 25.5 inches long.

Just pictures

Still not a big fan of the camera.

This is one of my recent favorite pictures.

Another new family picture.

Weekend Visitors

This weekend Tina's parents are visiting from Ohio. So far they've had a lot of fun with little Henry. The nice thing is that so far he hasn't been too shy about 'giving out smiles' to people he doesn't recognize.
We of course took the time this morning to go up to the farmers market. It was a brisk 40-some degrees with a rather cool wind. Henry had his first opportunity to try out his 'cookie monster' out fit that he is borrowing from neighbor/friend Levi.
Included this picture because it's just cute. No real reason.

Week 19

Here's the weekly picture. I (Derek) didn't have to work today so Henry and I got to spend quality time together all day. Here's the weekly picture taken on what has become one of his favorite places to sit.

Home Sick - Playing w/ iMovie

Both Tina and I are at home sick with what Henry earlier in the week. Tina has it much worse than I, but I'm still feeling rather groggy. Anyway, the nice thing about a laptop is that you can lay down and still do stuff. So instead of doing things REALLY constructive, I've put together a little video. Sorry Trent, I didn't get permission to use your music in advance and this may not be the most obvious choice, but I thought it worked reasonably well.

Pictures of nothing in particular--just life of a 4 month old

Checking out the camera.


Wearing Dad's hat.


Stealing a kiss.


Close up!

Playing under the activity gym.

Week 18

Here's the 18 week picture. Henry was sick yesterday but is on the mend and was actually quite happy despite the fact he wasn't feeling good.

Just more photos

In the bumbo looking at pictures on the fridge.
Dad, Henry and great grandparents.
Henry and great uncle Gary.