quick note

just for my own memory...

Callie Jae's accomplishments:
end of 4M...giving kisses (first trick she has done)
beginning of 5M...mimicking raspberries (does them quite a bit and it's pretty darn cute)

Little Miss Callie Jae

Our sweet girl turned five months old on July 28th!  She is really becoming a little lady!  These next few months should bring lots of changes, but for now we are working on eating solid foods (rice cereal, bananas, green beans), rolling over, pushing up pretty far on forearms, and interacting with her brother.  Rylan was the sole source of smiles from the little photo shoot that we had for her five month pictures.  She loves looking at him and following him around.

Callie Jae is also beginning to get the "pay attention to me" squeals when we are not giving her our undivided attention.  My sweet girl is on a great schedule nursing four times a day at 8, 12, 4, and 7:30 and eating solids after the 8, 12, and 4 o'clock nursings.  I sometimes feel like I live in my kitchen between feeding her, Rylan, myself, and making dinner, but that is the great thing about being a stay-at-home-Mommy.  It's my job and I am enjoying mostly every minute ;).  I am attempting to make my own baby food.  I am not against buying baby food out of a jar for convenience at times, but while we are at home, I am going to have some fun experimenting with a great little gadget called the Beaba.

Fun times all around from the eckel home!

Happy Anniversary!

July 26th marked our 8 year anniversary.  Just like everything else, it is amazing to me how quickly 8 years has gone!  We have been on quite an adventurous road in 8 years and I wouldn't change a thing.  I think we have a stronger marriage today more than ever and it's because of our journey that has gotten us to where we are today.  Jason and I celebrated at The Capital Grille in Houston and it was the most fabulous meal that I have ever had paired with a very fun wining tasting called The Generous Pour.  I definitely think it may be our new anniversary restaurant.  I love you more than words can express Jason and look forward to all of the new adventures we will continue to embark on through the years!  Thank you for being an amazing husband, father, provider, and most importantly, friend.

Yum!

Day one of solids for Miss Callie Jae was a success!  She has been all over the place lately with her schedule.  I remember month 4 being the month of all new things for Rylan as well.  She began actively rolling over in both directions the last few days.  Callie Jae is also picking up on her verbal skills again "talking" quite a bit.  I swear she's grown in both directions as well in the past week.  I love these new stages as they come.  It is so fun to see her developing into a little person!  So I decided to cave in and give her solids today.  It went extremely well.  She LOVED her rice cereal, was mad if I slowed down giving it to her, and she ate the whole darn bowl.  After she was finished, she sat in her high chair for about 10 minutes while I was cleaning up and "talked" about it.  Now the fun begins and add another thing on my list that I have to do :).  Let the fun baby food making begin!

So don't think I'm a bad mom...

Last night during dinner, we watched that show on TLC about the ice road truckers.  Rylan was fascinated and barely could even eat.  After dinner, Ry and J went upstairs to play while I stayed downstairs and nursed Callie Jae.  Apparently they were simulating the trucking experience and at one point I hear "holy shit!"  Guess who it came from?  From the mouth of my sweet boy!  Not only did he say it, but it was clear as day, and for those of you that know Rylan, his speech is far from being clear.  But of course, holy shit comes out perfectly and in the right context.  Where he got it from?  Lord only knows.  Jason and I were trying to figure it out.  The "s" word has on occasion slipped out from both of us, but never the "holy" part.  I give J a lot of credit because he held it together and did the parent thing.   I, on the other hand, was in tears on the couch.  I barely could contain myself.  J gave him the substitution of "holy cow" as being appropriate, so if you hear that...well, think whatever you'd like :).  I have a feeling this is just the beginning!

Tired Momma!

The Fourth of July weekend/celebration was a huge success!  We had so much fun and Rylan and Callie Jae did a great job even though they were both exhausted!  I think Rylan had blood shot eyes for the last two days from being so tired.  We had a blast with the Harper side of the family hanging out together for various activities, especially the 60th Anniversary party.  Jane and Diane did an amazing job organizing everything.  We always have so much fun when everyone gets together and we look forward to maybe next summer doing it again at Lake Nottely! 

We are on a slow road to recovery, well at least Mommy and Callie Jae.  She's had a rough last couple of days in the afternoon trying to readjust to her schedule and/or possible growth spurt.  I haven't quite figured it out yet, but unfortunately there has been lots of crying and tears which breaks my heart.  I am hoping that by later this weekend we will be back to normal.  We haven't done much of anything because we are trying to get back on schedule, and I think that makes me a little more irritable being "stuck" at home.  Sometimes the constraints of nursing and napping can really be difficult.  Ry and I were able to get out to story time at the library yesterday while J worked at home while Callie Jae was napping.  Life was much easier with one ;) but two will get easier when naps are not so important...in like 3 years!  LOL!  Oh well, life happens and continues to pass by like I never thought it could!  I know not to "wish" forward so I will just deal with what I am given for the time being.