I'm aware that my lack of posts continues.  I have no excuses.  We've still been having fun and I just haven't been sharing it due to just being lazy. Oh well.  Anyway, Sunday, Baron turned 11 months old. I can't believe it... again. That picture above was taken Tuesday night and I just had to include it because it's so cute.  You think he likes spaghetti?

At 11 months, Baron is showing more and more of his personality.  I'd say he's a little aggressive... maybe a little adventurous... maybe a little stubborn... and maybe shows signs of a bad temper:)  Yeah, he likes to throw anything he can get his hands on when things don't go his way.  He's been waving and saying "hi" to everyone lately (but only when he feels like it and usually never when we want him to).  He had one more tooth come in and three that are on the verge.  I love his toothy grins like the spaghetti one.

Did I mention he's adventurous??  He loves to climb.  Case in point - Sunday, Austin and I were working in the church nursery and they had combined a couple classes that day.  Baron was one of two that could not yet walk.  All the others could, but my little tiny Baron was the only one of our eight kids that managed to climb on top of the kiddy picnic tables that day.  No fear, I tell ya!  He's rotten.  But like I said, he's not walking.  He can stand alone and get to standing by himself like nobody's business.  And he's just in the past week mustarded up the courage to take about 2 to 4 steps to me before falling in a full-out lunge.  I think he'll be there soon, but I'm certainly not rushing it.  Who knows how the dynamics in our house will change then??  Two boys completely on the loose!  Chaos, I'm sure.

And just so he's not left out, my little Hot Rod, Westen.  We took these pictures at the park today in between potty breaks (how many false alarms can one kid have?).  And to think... there's only one more monthly update for Baron's first year (insert big sigh here).  I can't believe it!  To see the rest, click here.  I'll need a tissue for the last one:)

This month has been so much fun with Baron!  I think he just gets cuter and cuter:)  In addition to high fives and sugars, which he started last month, he started clapping, dancing, and waving hi and bye this month.  I think we can also officially say that his first word was "Mama" - yay!  He can also say Dada and Doe although none of which he really knows the meaning:)

As challenging as Baron seemed to be those first few months (which in retrospect was probably just normal baby behavior - we had just been spoiled by the ever easy Westen), Baron is now such a happy and content baby.  He laughs and smiles all the time.  He thinks Westen is hilarious and I think his favorite thing to do is get on our king sized bed, throw his body down, and bury his face in the pillows.  He thinks this is the greatest game ever.  He's also been immediately reaching for his Daddy when Daddy gets home from work everyday.  Such a far cry from those days when he screamed with Daddy more than not:)  Oh, and he loves to climb.

Did you notice the towhead going on???  So blonde.  Another update is that we're straight table food now, which has been so great! He's eaten better this month than he probably did his first 8 months!  I don't think gaining weight is going to be something I fret about any longer.  Sweet!  Below is him saying Mama:)

And last is a big toothy grin.  Love it!  Click here for the rest of Baron's updates.  I can't believe my baby is nearing a year old.  Awesome, but a little heart breaking too...

Have a great weekend!  And click here to read about the barn beam ledge I recently finished.

What???  9 months old???  Baron will go for a 9 month check up soon and then his next one will be for his 1 yr!  It just seems unbelievable to me that we're fast approaching a 1st birthday!  9 months has been good to Baron.  Just after he turned 8 months he started crawling and it seemed the same day started pulling himself up on everything.  His crawl is pretty comical to watch because he still isn't doing it quite what you'd call "right" and sometimes it just makes me laugh.  But, I learned from Westen that, it doesn't have to be "right" to be considered crawling.  He is moving!  And that's all that counts.  It has changed our home environment fo sho!  First of all, because he is mobile and can get to whatever toy he lays eyes on - someone is having a bit of difficulty with that.  Yep, big brother doesn't like that one bit.  Sharing is quite the issue in our house right now;)  In addition to that, Baron gets into everything and finds everything tiny to put in his mouth.  And I think he's going to be a climber.  He also stopped nursing this month.  I was a little sad, but he was needing more than I could give him.  I guess I was kinda glad too though - hello caffeine:)  He's also getting more vocal.  We've heard mamamamamama and dadadada although he doesn't know he's saying our names.  Other things too...uh oh once and the rest just jibberish.  I'd like to think he's getting bigger but maybe longer is more accurate.  He's still a skinny butt and eating is still a battle, but we're working through it.  And he does eat... he just doesn't seem to like anything which often makes for unpleasant meals.  As for getting a 9 month picture of him with the bear...well, just check out the sequence of events.  First not bad...

The window above his head made the whole picture too bright, thus the reason his head is cut off, so I moved the chair, but this was what I kept getting.

He kept climbing up before I could snap a picture so I ran to the other side...

That one's cute too but I wanted to see more of him.  I headed back to the other side and kept dragging his leg back down when he'd try to climb and we got this...

He thought it was a game...

In the mean time, brother wanted some photo action.

Then, I made some more attempts with Big B, but he had decided he was all done with the photo shoot. He threw his bear at me:)

I put it back and he did it again..

Then, he went after the camera...

I can't really remember what was going on here.  Acrobats??

I finally gave up and just took another picture of Mr. Cool.  He was being still for once:)

Anyway, I want the clock to slow down.  I don't really like my babies getting bigger.  I'm not ready to have a 2 yr. old and a 1 yr. old.  I guess I oughtta savor the next 3 months, huh?  It's coming whether I want it or not.  Hope you're having a great Wednesday:)

And to see the rest of Baron's updates click here.

Well, he's doing it!  My little Baron is mobile!  I call it the scrawl because it's a bit of a scoot/crawl:)  You can see in the video he puts one knee down, but on the other side keeps his foot down, so he can sit down at any moment (in case he needs to take a break???).  He did this yesterday and I was able to capture a little 3 minute video of it.  Then last night, he crawled over to the train table, pulled himself up, and cruised around it a little to play with some trains.  This kid will be walking before I know it.  Say a prayer for us please;)

It's that time again...another update for Mr. Baron.  I'm actually a week behind posting this (he turned 8 months old on the 11th).  Capturing pictures of either of my children looking at the camera right now is nearly impossible. First, Westen couldn't stand not being in the frame, so here's what I got...

Then Westen took off...(pardon the saggy diaper - he just got up from his nap:)

Which I thought would be good so I could get a shot of Baron by himself, but he only wanted to watch his brother:)

Oh well.  I gave it my best effort.

Anyway, during Baron's 8th month he cut another tooth and close to cutting the fourth too.  He's, obviously, sitting up very well by himself too.  And he loves to stand up and try to pull himself up on anything he can get a grip on.

His hair continues to come in as blond as ever.  He's still taking 2 naps a day and sleeping great through the night.  Eating is - well - ... let's just say we're still working on it:)  No, really he is getting better.  I can actually get a jar of baby food down him and maybe even some oatmeal.  Still not an eager eater, but at least he's eating.

So what that I'm letting him eat grass:)  Oh, and he loves puffs - those little airy cracker things that just pretty much melt in your mouth.  He could eat those all day!  Which reminds me, by the way, we got to start sitting him in a highchair at restaurants too.  Going out to eat is so much more enjoyable for us all.  He can sit up and see us and self feed the puffs!  Bliss!  Okay, you may not see that as a big deal, but I've spent 7 months holding my baby in one arm while eating with the other EVERY time we go out to eat.  I was so ready for this milestone!

Overall, he's doing great!  He is the biggest Momma's Boy eva!  He also took another trip to KY this month and his attachment to me was ever so IN MY FACE!  I guess I didn't realize just how attached he is to me 'til we went there.  When I'm home, I'm (okay this could be a sad statement), I'm not really around a lot of people that much during the week.  It's me and the boys doing our thing.  Yes, I get out but unless it's my MOPS meetings, I'm not with many people who are holding Baron.  So, except for in the evenings sometimes when Daddy's home, it's Mommy, Mommy, Mommy all the time for him.  And let's face it - Westen demands Austin's attention when he's home in the evenings.  So, yeah, Baron's my homeboy;)

And I couldn't love it more!  So just a little then and now with the teddy bear for some reference - 

My sweet Baron - 8 months old!  I can't believe it!  The time is passing so quickly with him and his 1 year birthday is approaching.  AAAAAHHHHHHH!  I want it to stop!  I realized with Westen how quickly this baby time passes and I hate that!  For me, it makes me think I'd like to have another baby.  I think I'll have to sweet-talk Daddy for it, though;)  We'll see.  To see the rest of Baron's updates click here.

Sorry for the delay on this update.  It's getting harder and harder to keep up:)  Baron is such a delight at 7 months old.  I feel like after figuring out his eczema situation a couple months ago, and him just getting older, his demeanor has changed its tune.  He is happy... a lot!  I love it!  We've learned he's so ticklicious (why can't I spell that?) and he just loves, or should I say, demands, our attention.

And as you can see, he's sitting up now.  I can't be more than a foot away because he could topple over any second but his core is getting stronger everyday.  He's still fighting me on eating solids but we're at least diligent in our efforts.  I may go crazy if he doesn't start eating better soon, but he doesn't seem to be bothered by it:)

Lastly, this kid is just so dang lovable!   I don't know if it's because I've seen already with Westen how quickly this baby stage comes to an end but I'm cherishing every minute with this little guy.  Happy 7 months, Baby!

Today I finally got around to taking Baron's picture for his 6 month old update.  It's a pretty day so we headed outside, but all I could get him to do was this...

Yep... He's sticking his toes in his mouth.  Every time I pulled his hands and feet down, he'd stick them right back up there.

Then it became a game.  He'd start laughing every time I pulled them away from his face.  So funny!

And you can see in that picture that he got 2 teeth this month!  Yay, Baron!  At 6 months, Baron's more precious than ever.  Still a serious Momma's boy, and I'm eating it up.  I pray Baron always loves me as much as he does right now.  We've been diligently trying to get this kid to eat some solids (baby cereal, carrots today for the first time) and he's really been fighting me on it.  For 2 weeks straight he pretty much didn't swallow any of it - just let it fall out of his mouth or spit it out.  Monday he finally swallowed some.  He's tough.  Learning to eat food from a spoon has not been a favorite baby stage of mine with either children.  Pray I have patience:)  I need it.  We did switch some things around that has made a difference in his eczema so that's been a blessing.  His skin is looking so much clearer.  He can roll over whenever he wants.  He started taking a bath with big brother this month.  And he's reaching for everything right now.  I'm waiting for him to start scooting a little any day.  Although he can't sit up yet, so crawling's still a bit off, but we'll see.  He's getting more hair and it seems to be so light.  We could have a blondie!  Where'd that come from??  He also has lightened up on Daddy a little this month.  Finally!  He's interacting more with all of us.  Just last night Westen had him cracking up in the bathtub.  Can't wait to see what this month brings!  Love you, Baron!

To see the rest of Baron's update, click here.

Isn't that picture cute??  I was having such a hard time getting some good shots today on Baron's 5 month birthday.  I wanted him to smile and couldn't get him to cooperate and the lighting wasn't great.  And, of course, Westen was putting his 2 cents in every 2 seconds.  Then I got this one.  No smile, but just kinda sweet.

And, of course, the picture with the little bear.  You can see how he's grown every month next to this bear here.  I'd say at 5 months, things are still getting a little easier each month.  He's still fussy in the evenings, but it's getting better.  Our biggest challenge right this moment is the way he's treating his Daddy.  He is such a Momma's Boy!  It's ridiculous! (I secretly kinda love it, though.  If only he'd stay that way (insert big sigh):)  Although, if you'd asked me last week what our biggest challenge was, I'd say it was teething or sleep.

We had about 10 days of him not sleeping through the night.  I know many moms might ask why I'm complaining since he started sleeping through the night at 10 weeks.  But you hate to revert back, you know?  The first half of it I'd have sworn it was a growth spurt.  He was getting up early between 3 and 5 every night.  Then the last half of it he was getting up multiple times, each time chewing his fingers vigorously like his gums hurt.  So just when I was sure it was a growth spurt and started offering an extra feeding during the day - he switched it up on me.

Thankfully, things are back to normal - 10+hours of sleep for that little guy.  Besides that, all is well.  At his 4 month check-up he weighed 14 lbs. 4 oz. and was 26 inches long - tall and skinny like Daddy.  His doc suggested holding off on baby food for another month so we're going to start that next week.  And his doc suggested to start giving him a little formula mixed with breast milk one bottle a day to get him used to it.  We did and he's doing well.  He started rolling over from his belly to his back.  He's done back to belly once, but doesn't seem to care for that, I guess, because he hasn't done it since.  He's been laughing more and more, but he certainly makes you earn it.  Oh... and we moved him into the bedroom with Westen.  Yep, they're sleeping in the same room! Woo Hoo!!  Daddy and I have our room back!  It was a bit of an adjustment and we had a few sleepless nights, but I think they may finally have it!  Baron's definitely becoming more and more aware of Westen and Cousey.  I've seen him smile at Westen lately.  Of course, he cries at Westen too, but hey??  What do you expect?  Speaking of...

He insisted getting his picture taken too.  And this was yesterday.

Think somebody's ready for boat season??  He's been asking to just get in it to play this week.  Funny.  Austin and I are looking forward to boating again too.  This year will be a little trickier with another baby.  Hopefully Baron likes it as much as Westen.  Anyway, my little Baron's growing up too fast - 5 months already.  I just adore him.  Can't wait to see what this month brings.

What???  You didn't think he could get any cuter??  WRONG!! Okay, well who cares if I'm biased:)  Baron turned 4 months old yesterday.  4 MONTHS OLD!!  That's when some babies start eating baby food.  This is going by too fast.  I need to slow it down, already!

He just ate!  Thus the excitement and joy you see in these pics!  The reality is he's still having moments of angry crying because, heaven forbid, I lay him down for a minute (or 10, or 30, well...in the words of Ryan Day - Sorry Babe).  It often happens as we take our first bite of dinner:)  It is getting better though.

He has been laughing more which I love.  And bath time is still his favorite time, although mornings run a close second.  We had to have a bottle intervention this month because he was refusing it completely, breast milk and formula.  He's taking, rather tolerating, breast milk from a bottle now, but formula's a different story.  Baby steps, right?  And really, he is getting cuter and sweeter everyday!

And Westen wouldn't let me take pictures of just Baron.  So here he is too. The proud Big Brother!  Check out the rest of Baron's updates here.

I know I'll probably say this every time, but I can't believe it's already been 3 months that we've had Baron!  He is such a blessing.  Overall, we couldn't ask for more.  He eats and sleeps like a champ.  He can be a little fussy, especially in the evenings and he soooo prefers to be held over anything - which is great for cuddling, but not so great when a certain 2 year old or even a certain 33 year old needs my attention;)

For some reason I'm having trouble rotating that pic.  Sorry:( Anyway, the happenings of a 3 month old - well... he started sleeping through the night this month.  He's been smiling more and more.  And he's laughed out loud a few times - seriously precious!  And he coos back at you when you talk to him.  That's another thing.  He loves having your full attention.  That's when he's most animated! 

As for Big Brother... I'm pretty sure Baron is his favorite person in the house right now.  He's constantly saying, "Look Baron.  See."  showing Baron whatever it is he's playing with or doing at the moment.  And in the mornings, I'm sometimes feeding Baron in our bed while Westen gets up and drinks his milk in our bed (yes, thankfully we have a big bed), and as soon as Westen's finished with his milk, he's all "Morning Baron! Morning Baron" and he just wants Baron's attention.  It's really rather sweet!  It'll be fun when the day comes that Baron starts interacting with him and smiling and laughing at just Westen.  Westen will love it and I think me and Austin will too.  They're kinda precious together;)  Anyway, Happy 3 Months Baby Baron! (Oh, and to see the rest of Baron at a Glance pics, click on it under Categories to the right.