3 B's: Baths, Buckeyes, and a Birthday Party

AJ and Heidi were being so nice to each other during the Buckeye game last week by sharing their juice cups with one another. Heidi kept trying to put it in AJ's mouth for him to drink (AJ isn't really a big fan of the juice yet - or maybe he's not a big fan of the sippy cup).
Here is "cousin" Kaylee at her first birthday party. Once again the bear has been decapitated. Okay, AJ and Kaylee's mom are second cousins, so would that make Kaylee AJ's second cousin once removed?

AJ was hanging out with Grandma Rose while Kaylee opened her presents. His bib says, "Too cute to spook!"

After the birthday party we threw AJ and Heidi in the double sink for their baths. You can certainly tell these two are related!

Okay, so a couple days before this last picture was taken, we had a little incident during AJ's bath at home. I always but him in his infant tub (it has a side where AJ can sit upright), and put the infant tub in the big tub. AJ is so cute and fun to watch during his baths, so I decided to take some video. During the video however, he became so excited that he basically dove out of the front end of the baby tub and fell into the big tub. The video suddenly goes blank as I am throwing it down to try and grab him. AJ did have a little goose egg on his forehead and a scratch on his back, but no lasting proof of the incident remained the next day. He hollered at me for a few minutes and then was laughing about it. I am still deciding about whether or not to post the video (it's a little scary). Needless to say, I went out and bought a tub mat and AJ now takes his baths in the big tub!

AJ's New Tricks

Brian and I are amazed at how quickly AJ is learning to move around, and do new things. Everyday is different! Here are a few new pictures to show off his new moves.

AJ's saying, "I know there's a way off this thing!" Here he is trying to escape from the changing table (don't worry - Brian was standing close by as I was taking the picture). We can't leave him anywhere anymore!

AJ sits so good now! I can just plop him on the floor and not worry about him instantly falling over. He's much better at balancing himself, and has learned how to get down on his belly a little more gently.

AJ loves this toy candy corn (it crinkles). He now gets what he wants by rolling and then using his arms to pivot/scoot around.

"I almost got it!"

AJ tuckered out after playing hard with Dad.

Proof that AJ can hold his bottle (he finished it on his own), although he usually wants it held for him.

The first video shows AJ giving high-fives (he does it almost every time you ask), and the second is of him banging his legs on the floor.

6 Months Old

WOW! What a busy month, and I guess that's the best way to describe AJ now... BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! He's suddenly a very active baby who just isn't a teeny infant anymore. He's explores everything and Nuge has become one of his favorite explorations. Good thing Nuge doesn't mind having a lip or ear tugged on. AJ is much more vocal. He has "raspberry" conversations, and squeals and screams with you. He is also very aware of music now. Everytime a song or jingle comes on the TV he stops in his tracks and just listens. He also sings along with you. He can pretty much sit on his own as long as he doesn't lean too far back. He is constantly rolling over and has learned that he can get to objects by rolling. He is also starting to get his knees up under himself and scoot a teeny bit. This new discovery has him sleeping in different positions now too. We often find him on his side or tummy. He knows how to deliberately shake a rattle, or pound on objects. This new trick has been fun in the bathtub as he splashes us both and gets water everywhere! He doesn't seem to mind the water in his face though. AJ has also been trying lots of new foods and loves to make a big mess!

Here's AJ practicing how to play while sitting up.

AJ loves his popsicles, just like Grandpa Al. He gets so excited and constantly reaches for it!

After I feed AJ, I let him play with the cup and the spoon so he can learn how to feed himself.

The mat is pretty much pointless now as AJ only stays on it for about 30 seconds, but he still enjoys the toys.

AJ absolutely loves his baths now, and loves to make BIG splashes.

If you listen carefully to the vidoes where AJ is wearing the orange shirt, you can hear him doing "raspberries."

Buckeye Football

This was AJ's first Buckeye football game that he actually got to watch (we were on top of a mountain during the very first game of the season). Here he is cheering on the BUCKS with cousin Heidi, Grandpa Al and Daddy!

Denver Wedding

My cousin Nicole got married last weekend in Keystone, CO and we were fortunate enough to make the trip out and spend an amazing five days with our family while enjoying the Rocky Mountains!

AJ and Megan having some bonding time early Saturday morning.

On Saturday, Sept. 1st, we took the ski lift 2 miles up the mountain.

Even in Colorado we supported our Buckeyes first game of the season! GO BUCKS!

The wind was a little chilly coming down the mountain, but AJ soon fell asleep anyways.

The next generation... AJ, Megan and Carter. I love how AJ and Carter both have their hands resting on the pillows.

Septemeber 2, 2007. Nicole's wedding day. It just wouldn't be complete without a picture of the three of us. Congratulations Nik - We love you!

AJ chillin' out at the wedding ceremony.

Megan and AJ tearing up the dance floor with Grandpa Joe.

The Sauer Fam!

The Glandon Fam!

The McLaughlin Fam! I love you all - wish we had more time to spend together like this!

Uncle Mark and his nephews. What a handsome bunch!

Uncle Mark and his nieces and daughter.

On Monday, we took AJ on his first train ride!

All Aboard!!!!

Eric, Brian and Dave.

Mommy Back to Work

AJ with his babysitter Emily.

Well, I was back to work this week, which means that AJ is now spending 3 days a week at his babysitter's house (he spends the other two days with his grandmas). Her name is Emily and AJ is having a blast! He gets to play with a few other kids (age 2-5) who absolutely adore him, sing songs, read stories, go to the park, take walks and play with new toys. He's been his usual happy, laid-back, easy-going self with her which makes it easier on me! I only cried for about 30 seconds as I was pulling away from her house after I dropped AJ off the first day. Our lives have become a little crazier with me back to work, but so far all is well!

Couldn't Resist

I just thought this was too cute! I won't have to go through the "binky" battle with AJ, but he might still be carrying around his blankie when he's headed into Kindergarten.

5 Months Old

AJ's three favorite things: fingers, toes and blankie!

AJ's first attempt at a video game... I heard he beat his Daddy! :)

Five months have gone by so fast. I can't believe I start back to work tomorrow and AJ will be spending his first day with his babysitter - Emily! I'll be sure to let you know how it goes! Well, no Dr. visit this month, but when I got on the scale with AJ it said he weighed 18 1/2 pounds. What a little monster! At this rate we will have to buy a new carseat in two months! AJ has become so much more active this past month and his fun, laid-back personality is really starting to show. He recognizes his bottle and knows how to grab for it and put it in his mouth (with just a little help). He laughs and yells when you toss him in the air, and he has learned how to smack his lips together. He no longer takes a pacifier (he much prefers his two middle fingers), and loves to snuggle with his little blankies. Last week, he also rolled over from his back to his stomach (of course Brian and I both missed it). He's only done it the one time, but he often rolls onto his side, even sleeps on his side sometimes, so it won't be long before he's doing it consistently and then cruising around the house. AJ eats his rice cereal with applesauce or bananas now, and just last night we tried to give him green beans, but he totally hated them. I tried again tonight and got the same response. I guess we will move on to the next vegetable. My little boy is growing up too quick, but we are loving every minute of it!

A Day at the Park

Okay, since I have to go back to work on Monday I decided to spend some quality time with my son at the park today. The temperature has actually cooled down some, so it was quite enjoyable. We went to Blacklick woods and spent some time walking along the trails and of course swinging. Here's AJ having a blast on the swings!

Look, I can fly!

And now AJ would like to share a few words of his own... qxxqm bh jbh nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn bbbb blmmmmmmk,k ,ojjoko (thanks mom for my fun day at the park)!

Blogger just made it a whole lot easier to insert videos! ENJOY!

Cousin Heidi's 1st Birthday

Heidi's 1st birthday was this past Sunday! I can't believe she and Megan are a year old! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS! We love you!

The Progression of 1st Birthday Cake Disaster

Heidi was quite the little lady at first - only taking one small lick of icing at a time.

Heidi soon learned that two hands would definitely work better.

Heidi trying to eat the entire birthday bear at once.

And finally, the poor bear was decapitated, but it sure was fun to watch!

AJ trying to get his own piece of the bear!

The Limbacher's - Dave, Heidi and Aimee.

Heidi riding her favorite gift - there's always one!

Can they really look this much alike?

Fun Pics

Here are some new, fun pics of AJ!

AJ and cousin Heidi jawing it up. They just love talking to each other, and AJ is very good about taking Heidi's abuse (she kept patting/hitting him on the head, it was really quite cute, but Heidi, I think your turn is coming). Look out, they are trouble just waiting to happen!

Okay, so when I lay AJ down to play on his mat, I always lay him in the center underneath the beach ball so he can reach it with his hands. The pictures speak for themselves when I say he no longer stays where I put him. He's very good as scooting himself backwards, and more recently turning in a circle. And so it begins...

And now AJ has discovered he can reach his toes and that they are always around to play with. It makes diaper changing time quite fun!