Watch Me Grow: 6 Months

Our little dude is 6 Months old!

Other than those icky but must-have shots, his doc appointment went great.

Carson's 6-month stats:

Weight: 14 lbs. 12 oz. (15th percentile)
Height: 25.5 inches (25th percentile)
Head Circumference: 17 inches (50th percentile)

In the Closet: Primarily 3-6 months and some 6-9 months

Diapers: Size 2

Grub: Breast milk, rice cereal + formula (got the go ahead to start solids today!)

Sleep: Sleeping like an angel at night, 9-10 hours, napping is still another story, but slowly making progress

New Activity/Development: Sitting up on own, squeals/baby screams, giggles, grabbing anything and everything, constantly turning in direction of sound 

Loves: to sit up and see the world. You resist laying down to get your diaper changed and take a bath. I want your strong abs! You still love the jump jump game, airplanes and a new game of "chest bumps" that Daddy discovered.

Carson, we don't remember what life was like without you. In fact, we question what we ever did with all our time. I love seeing you smile and laugh, it just melts my heart. My favorite is when you flirt! Even with mommy. You'll smile really big, then turn your head really fast while squealing to hide your face. It's so precious!

You are fascinated with everything. You want to touch, hold or pick up anything and everything you lay your little eyes on - a sponge just taking it all in. We can't hold you and anything else in our hands at the same time or it will quickly be snatched up. Especially electronics. You love phones, iPads and cameras. We are truly amazed at your strength. The doc says you have amazing torso control and it might not be long before you are crawling. The other day, you took Daddy's full beer bottle out if his hand and held it all on your own!

Recently, you have taken a liking to Jake. You really like to pull his hair. I think it's the texture and feel of his fur. He doesn't seem to mind, but sometimes he doesn't last long before he exits the room:). I know you two will be best friends some day.

We finally pulled out your exersaucer just a few weeks ago. You love it! You are sitting up on your own (for short periods) and can stand with support extremely well.

You are such a joy and bring so much happiness to our life. Love you dude!

5 Months
4 Months
3 Months
2 Months
1 Month
Newborn

Little Swimmer

We had our first pool day over the weekend. Fun stuff I tell ya.

We packed a pool bag, slathered in sunscreen, dressed our boy in a cute baby swimsuit and hit the pool armed with a floatie.

 

The best baby floatie a girl could ever buy at Target for $15 on sale. 

Did I mention that the baby floatie is magical?

Because when you're baby is cranky and unsure of the waterfall, sleep is good.

Happy babies are much more fun.

And babies with dimples? Well, they just make me smile.

What is this pool stuff all about mom? I'm not so sure...

Can't get enough of this toothless grin. 

P.S. This is my 300th post on this here blog. Yay for me for actually keeping this up. I had my doubts.

Cheap Date

Dinner and drinks on the deck is just the same as it always has been. 

The only difference is the addition of a new guest. 

He's a pretty entertaining guest, so we'll keep him around.

Steak, sautéed shrooms, corn on the cob and wine. Let's just say I'm more than satisfied.

Like that wine charm? Make one yourself! 

Jake is pretty satisfied too.

Because once the little guy goes to bed, the drinking continues on the deck and it's his turn to soak up some love.

The next thing we know, me and the hubs are drunk.

Because we can't hang quite like we used to.

As we're headed to bed, Brian says, "Do we have any Pedialyte*? I'm drunk."

And that folks, is evidence that an almost 30-year old and his cheap date can't hang anymore.

*The husband has a friend who swears by drinking Pedialyte before going to bed after a night of drinking. Apparently, it ensures you won't have a hangover.

Empty

Oh hey friends. How are you today?

Me, I'm good. I couldn't be more happy. Why? Because it's Friday. And we have nothing...I mean nothing planned.

Our calendars are empty and I'll be keeping it that way thank you.

I can't remember a time or think of a weekend in the next two months where we have nothing planned.

Maybe I'll actually get to watch one of the gazillion Real Housewives saved on our DVR (yep, guilty pleasure), go shopping for something other than diapers, or finish start the craft project that has been sitting in the garage for 5 months.

I'm also loving today because it's Friday Phone Dump time!

I've been taking A LOT more photos on my smart phone blackberry these days. It's still no iPhone, but this girl downloaded Instagram on the iPad and can now produce really cool photos like the rest of the world is doing.

As a Photoshop user, you'd think this app wouldn't seem so cool to me. I mean, really, Photoshop can do all this plus more. But Instagram is quick and easy, and allows us to see pictures in a different light.

I have no qualms with jumping on the bandwagon. I missed last week, so I have lots to share with you.

My favorite is the cutest sock monkey beanie buddy toy that Carson received from his Gammy (Top Right Corner). Isn't it so cute?

Also, you must try the Brookside Dark Chocolate covered Pomegranates (there's also blueberry packs) from Costco. So yummy.

Happy Friday everyone!

Baby's First Ball Game

Tuesday, we took Carson to his first T-Bones baseball game. It was mom's first time too. He did awesome.

Always making it easy on mom and dad.

I have the best baby, I swear. I'm sure I'm biased. Every mom says that right? Yep, I'm biased. I can't help it, he is such a good baby!

This kid napped a whole 2+ hours at school and still managed to get through the night with all smiles.

He just doesn't want to miss out on anything. Brian's coworkers thought he was quite the cutie.

He showed off by grabbing a beer out of Brian's manager's hand and holding it all by himself. He is really into grabbing anything and everything. Even beer. Yes, it's true, we promote underage drinking. 

 Sizzle, the mascot, visited our suite, so we got a family pic. Carson didn't even cry or act scared. Maybe that's a good sign that he'll like Santa one day?

And then the little man passed out in dad's arms. But for only 20 minutes.

Great first ball game experience!

Weekend Roundup

Remember this kid from here and here? Well, he graduated from high school this past weekend and had to make a big decision on whether to go to college for football or wrestling.

I wish I was blessed with the talent for two sports.

Does professional flip cupper count as athletic?

Congrats to Ky! We can't wait to watch you tear up the football field next year at Hutchinson Community College.

Love his glasses.

Lots of cuddle time with Nana Jana, Papa, Aunt Lynndy and all his cousins.

After the graduation, we headed to the Ranch.

To relax, soak up more family time, drink wine, eat delicious home-cooked meals, and let the fur baby run wild with his four-legged setter friends.

Please notice the five English Setters finishing off the leftovers from the biscuits and gravy breakfast. Can you say spoiled?

Carson taking in all that nature has to offer...and hoping Dad catches a fish!

And...he did! Introducing Carson's first fish!

The Fam is Growing

Remember when I titled a past post similar to this one and some of you thought I was announcing a baby?

Ha, little did you know that I really was preggers, but I was only announcing my brother's engagement. I'm slick. Yeah, not really, but just go with it.

So...My oldest nephew graduated high school this past weekend (upcoming post). Yes, my oldest nephew!

I'm not that old folks, I just happen to be blessed with half brothers and sisters that have a total of 10 kids, making me an auntie to ten little rascals.

Us catholics like to have lots-o-babies. Brian and I are still debating on how many we want. Luckily, I'm the boss.

Speaking of babies and being an aunt and all, which leads me to the real reason for this post...

I'm going to be adding a niece or nephew to the list!

My brother and soon-to-be seester are expecting!

I've been holding this info in for quite some time, until they finally revealed it to the world on Mother's Day via facebook.

Couldn't be more happy for these two. I have a feeling this year is going to be one of the best they'll ever have. Just an inkling:).

A wedding and a baby. All in the same year.

I'm secretly hoping for a boy. But, it would be funny to see my brother deal with a girl. I have a feeling she would wrap him around her finger, but would also drive him bonkers if she turned out anything like a Biddle gal. Ha!

The best part? The due date is November 26, which is only two days after Carson's birthday.

Are you freaking kidding me!? I'm already thinking of joint birthday parties and family vacations over Thanksgiving.

So. Much. Fun.

Tuesday Tidbit

Hey friends! Time for a quicky post before we take big boy to his first ball game. It will be a new experience for mommy too as it will be my first ever T-bones game.

See, I told you I don't appreciate my city and all there is to do.

I just love this pic. My blue-eyed handsome fella. Not really feelin' my hair though. It looks dark and un-summery. Maybe it's time for a little highlight action?

We had a great weekend on the road visiting family.

Oh yeah...check out that Blackberry. I know you're jealous.

Big boy attended his first graduation, caught his first fish and visited his Great Grandma's house for the first time.


Lots of firsts. More to come on that.

Check out my new hat. Isn't it cute? 

Say hello to my new friend that popped up out of nowhere today. Stye. 

Stye hurts like hell and will be joining me at the baseball game.

I sent Brian a text this morning notifying him I'm going to look like a freak tonight meeting all his coworkers.

I hoped for a nice response something along the lines of, "you'll be fine baby, you're beautiful," but instead I get a response of "Send me a pic."

I have a stye in my eye, for the second time in two weeks. What is going on!?

Whatever it is, let's hope his coworkers don't think he beats me.

First First Fridays

Carson experienced his first "First Fridays" a few weekends ago.

Not to worry, it only took us five years of living in Kansas City to venture down to the KC Crossroads district to see what it was really all about.

Not familiar? I wasn't really either.

The Crossroads Community in the downtown area was once known for dilapidated buildings and rundown streets. Today, the district that spans a mile wide and is chock full of hip art galleries and swanky restaurants.

On the first Friday of each month, the Crossroads Community's art galleries, studios and restaurants open their doors to showcase local and national artists. Much like the already established First Friday’s of Phoenix and Houston, Kansas City’s version hosts a free evening of art entertainment where people gather to enjoy local and national art, the company of others, and even a free glass of wine. Some restaurants offer deals you don't want to miss. 

Lucky for us, the husband's new office is located smack in the center of the district, making it a great hangout spot. His company participated in an art showing by opening their doors and offering a bounce house and cotton candy machine.

Cant wait for the days when our little booger can enjoy these kid fun activities. Funny how having a kiddo makes you get out of your house and experience everything your City has to offer. 

Carson had a blast. We put him in the stroller for the first time without the bucket seat and he was a little sponge taking it all in. And having fun.

Clearly, his face says it all.

We couldn't have asked for a better Friday. Art galleries may not be our favorite thing in the world, but it offered something different. Something we don't typically do. Like maneuvering the stroller up and down stairs to enter and exit art galleries.

But really,  it was an experience and something we will definitely do again.

I've made a personal goal of truly getting out and about to learn my city. It sounds crazy that a city I've lived in for five years -- the city I consider home now --  is still unknown to me.

But, as they say...first comes love, then comes marriage. Life continues to pass by quickly and the next thing we know, there's a baby in a baby carriage.

Next up on the first-time Kansas City list, the Zoo in June!

Happy Friday everyone! Get out there and enjoy your City.

Teacher Appreciation: DIY Flashcards

It's National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day!

We said thanks to our teachers with mini fruit pizzas and homemade flashcards.

The flashcards were such a hit this morning, I wish it was my own idea. But it wasn't. The very resourceful blog, Urban Bliss Life did, and I'm so glad I stumbled across it. Isn't it great that we have so many creative, unique and craftastic ideas right at our finger tips?

I recreated them in InDesign and added my own touch with a cover card with a note from Carson and a binder ring. I printed, laminated and trimmed myself, but if you're not feeling design savvy enough to recreate, you can purchase the printable from the site.

The teachers loved them!

The fruit pizza might look like a Martha Stewart concoction, but they were actually pretty easy.

There's not even much of a recipe to follow.

Sugar Cookies + Frosting + Fruit

Sugar Cookies: I bought the Betty Crocker pre-made mix in a bag where you just add butter and egg. I didn't even mess with cookie cutters, just made drop cookies and they were flat enough to ice and top.

Frosting: I used cream cheese frosting

Fruit: I used three small strawberry slices, a kiwi half, 2 blueberries and a red raspberry on each cookie

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

Watch Me Grow: 5 Months

I know this monthly update is late.

I'm starting a trend of doing everything in life late. Why? Because I'm trendy.

Trendy Mom wants to write about her 5-month old kid...on April 24.

Carson, you are quite the character these days. I'm starting to realize you are ALL boy! You have a big personality, grins and laughs for days, and take a curious approach to everything, You definitely have your teachers fooled. They always write on your sheet how good of a baby you are, always happy. They also write how you have problems sleeping in your crib. You don't nap well! Thirty minutes tops, that's all you give us! But we don't mind that much, because you are always in a good mood.

We aren't sure of your height and weight since we don't visit the doc until next month, but here's what we do know.

Carson at 5 months:

In the Closet: Still depends on the brand. Mainly 3-6 months, some bigger, some smaller. STILL wearing some 0-3 month pants (I can't believe how skinny this boy is), but some onesies are 9 months because of length.

Diapers: Size 2

Grub: Breast milk and rice cereal

Sleep: Sleeping through the night, 8-10 hours, and a couple naps a day that aren't consistent.

New Activity/Development: Laughing and giggling, transferring toys from one hand to the other, cause and effect toys, rolling both ways constantly, tracking, supported sitting, still putting everything in the mouth

Loves: rice cereal...you kick your legs and get real antsy if we don't shovel fast enough, the Jump Jump game, mirror time, wiggling on a blankie, razzing, your sound toy Scout

My attempt to get a great photo monthly only takes about 50 shots. You are all over place!

 Thumbs up buddy!

I tried to get you to hold the sign, but you wanted to put it in your mouth instead.

 So curious...

Happy 5-Months Big Boy! You're growing up too fast!

4 Months
3 Months
2 Months
1 Month
Newborn