Holden's Eighth Month

My little man is 8 months old. This month, he continues to roll everywhere. He doesn't seem too interested in crawling yet. He is sitting up like a pro, but every once in a while decides he wants to roll and just throws himself on the ground. I thought about editing out the bruises on his forehead from uncontrolled rolling and the self-inflicted scratch on his little eye. I decided that they were part of the growing up process so I didn't edit them out. He seems way less fazed by the fact that he is bumping his head into everything than I do!
These little overalls belonged to my brother, 24 years ago. Holden looks mighty cute in them!
My mom's boyfriend built this amazing tree bookshelf for Holden's new playroom. There is still more to come for the playroom but I wanted to share the newest addition. Thanks Grandpa Chris!
Holden's 8th month birthday is February 24th. John's 324th month birthday is February 25th...which is also his 27th birthday! John seems way more excited than Holden. " )
I am loving this stage where I can sit him down and he will play and "talk" to his toys. He is an all around happy baby who is growing so fast!

Love you baby bean!

Holden's Seventh Month

Holden is seven months old. This month has flown by with Christmas break and the random snow break last week. As I have said many times, everything is better with him. Even being without power for 2 days. Harder for sure, but still better.

He is officially in 12 month clothes and is up to 20 pounds. His new trick this month is sitting up. He is still a little tipsy but he is very proud of himself. He has the best deep, belly laugh. I am pretty sure it is one of the greatest sounds in the world!

Sitting up with a little accident insurance behind him.


Mommy was really happy to get a snow vacation from school. Let's see if I am this happy come late June. " )
Peek-a-boo!

He was doing his usual trick of trying to roll away while I was changing his diaper. It was not intended to be a photo opportunity, but he was just too cute!


And because I don't carry the big camera with me everywhere like I should, a few from my phone.
My favorite part of the day is coming home and snuggling him. He usually takes a nap right when I get off work so this is prime snuggle time! " )
His first Lakewood snow. In the second picture he was actually asleep in the snow. It's hard work!
Holden, I have loved every stage so far and have not yet told you to slow down. I think we are getting to that point. Mommy is not ready for a super mobile baby. You just keep sitting and being cute for a while. Crawling can wait! " )

Yes, I still take pictures!

I am extremely behind on updating the blog with things other than Holden. Instead of spending an entire day devoted to blogging all that I am behind, I am just going to do an overview of all that has been happening since...August! Yeah, super behind. Sorry.

This is Curtis. We did some delayed senior pictures this summer.
And Alex, a Steilacoom High School senior.
I second shot for my friend Becca at this wedding for Jessica and Tyler in September.
This little bundle is baby Jameson. He is 3 months old today. These were his newborn pictures.
And here is Jameson's family. The first photo is of his Uncle Daniel, Auntie Veronica, and cousin Deric. The second is Jameson with his parents, Monica and Chris.
This is Kyle, another 2012 senior.
The new Mr. & Mrs. Harwood. They were married on 11.11.11.
This is Henry. He is the little brother of Jack.
Owen and his little sister Ellison. How cute are they?
This was an amazing event. The night was dedicated to Melanie and her 5 year mark of surviving pancreatic cancer. Less than 6% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer make it to the 5 year mark. During the event, they surprised all their guests with a wedding! It was a wonderful celebration to be a part of!
The McKee family with their new puppy Jerry.
The Robson-Howell Family.
And Riley's little sister, Addison.
Hopefully, I will resume regular, full length blog posts in the future. " )

Holden's Sixth Month

My little man is half of a year old! It is amazing how when you are a kid, time seems to move so slow, and the older you get, the faster it goes. Everyone told me this would happen, and they were totally right. Time SHOOTS BY when you have a kid! I don't think six months has ever passed by so fast, but then again, I don't think I have ever marked each month with such importance as I do now.

Holden's six month "birthday" was on Christmas Eve. We had a relaxing Christmas eve, with only one family stop that day. Here are his typically monthly photos. " )

This month, Holden has mastered the art of rolling for a purpose. If he wants something, he rolls to it. If he doesn't want anything, he still rolls. This is his new trick and he is mighty proud of it! It also makes diaper changes more of a sport for mommy and daddy!

His little mohawk of hair is stilling growing more than anything else, but he is finally getting a little more on the sides. No, we did not cut it like that. " )
(The back of his head is still flat!)

Grandma High bought him this Christmas Tree outfit a few months ago. It was sized 6-12 months. We had to cut out the bottom so he could fit into it!

At his 6 month appointment, he was 73rd percentile for weight and 96th percentile for height. John and I are not tall people. We don't know where that comes from!
Auntie Teaira got him his first Christmas Ornament. I LOVE it!
I don't know if this angry face is because he couldn't taste the candy cane through the plastic, or that he could...
Opening Christmas presents with Uncle Kasey and Auntie CiCi.
The best part of any day - baby snuggles! This was after six Christmas stops in 24 hours. We were both tired and enjoyed Grandpa's rocking chair.
Happy half year nugget! You make life better and we are so lucky to get to love you!

Holden's Fifth Month & Xmas Tree Hunting!

I usually decorate for Christmas around Veteran's Day. This year I was extra late and decorated like a normal person after Thanksgiving. Holden was also 5 months old on Thanksgiving day. I have been decorating him for the season for many weeks though!

This month, Holden is still working on rolling over (belly to back is easy but back to belly is still hard...I think it is the large head!) He is exploring things more and loves to giggle and bounce. He keeps getting more and more fun! I have loved having a four day weekend with him and cannot wait until Christmas break!

Baby Santa!
On Friday, we trekked into the mountains and snow to hunt down Holden's first Christmas tree. After lots of driving, pulling other people out of the snow, and John and his brother scaling the mountain, we came home with a giant 12 foot, somewhat silly looking Christmas tree!

Cousins Owen and Carson loved the snow!

Otis got to come too because he loves snow!

And of course, my monthly photoshoot where I dress Holden in ridiculous things that John says he will hate me for when he is older!

I noticed that his cheeks are definitely fuller than they were in his four month shoot. He is wearing 9 month clothes and they are pretty snug. His uncle BJ has nicknamed him "Heavy Duty!"
And in honor of Apple Cup...
Love you little bug! You just keep getting better and better!