Jammin, big boy food, the 'lawnmower'....

In the past two weeks, we have seen some major developments with Emerson. He is sitting up on his own, eating big boy food, laughing a lot, is way more vocal and does 'the lawnmower.' See below.

Jamming

First taste of big boy food

"I ordered STEAK, not rice cereal!"

Emerson's first meal! 04 Dec 2011

The 'lawnmower'

Emerson is 6 months!

First professional photo shoot (outfit courtesy of Aunt Trace and Uncle Jessie)

We can't believe Emerson is already 6 months old! He is doing great and is as happy as ever. He smiles on cue and giggles a lot. He had a memorable first Thanksgiving. We had about 20+ people over at my mom and dad's house.  We even busted out the magic mic (which is always a crowd pleaser). I really enjoyed singing All Night Long by Lionel Richie. I think Emerson enjoyed my performance the most. If he could talk, he would SCREAM for an encore. Ok Now back to the fact that Emerson is 6 months! Here are some updates:

• He is about 27 inches (70th percentile)
• Weighs 17lbs (50th percentile)
• Sleeping on his tummy
• Sitting up by himself (even though he sometimes loses his balance and falls to his side)
• He is extremely ticklish. What gets him going is blowing on his tummy. Here is a video:

• He likes doing sit ups
• Got his first ear infection 
• On size 2 diapers
• Going to start solids in the next week (going to start on rice cereal). We will tape his first bite and reaction!
• He is not only grabbing on to everything in his reach, but also holding it, putting it in his mouth, throwing it, pushing it etc.  
• Babbles a lot (dah dah dah dah)
• Still enjoys giving himself knuckle sandwiches
• Loves being read to. He likes to slap the pages 
• Loves what Morgan and I call 'concerts.' Emerson sits on the couch and Morgo makes up a song about Emerson and plays guitar for him. 
• Enjoys nice strolls around the neighborhood while looking at the trees and leaves
• When he is restless, he makes a sound that Morgo and I call the lawnmower. 

Lobster to Chicken

Emerson experienced his first Halloween! Morgan and I love Halloween so we wanted to make sure E-man got the full experience. Our original plan was for Emerson to dress up as a lobster and have us be the chefs that cook him up. His costume was for a 6 month old so we thought it was going to be perfect. But no, our little boy is as tall as a 1 year old. We had to cut the bottom of his costume (his legs were sticking out). We were determined to document our brilliant lobster/chef idea, so we had Auntie Tracey come over and take some pictures of the 3 of us all dressed up. By the time Halloween rolled around (one month later), Emerson had fully outgrown the lobster costume. If Morgan and I were going to stick to being chefs, I had to find a costume that would still make sense! Oh the pressure. I found an awesome chicken outfit! It all worked out.

First, we went to Emerson's Daycare's party. He wasn't too thrilled. I mean, he didn't hate it but really couldn't care less. We also went to a Halloween parade. On Halloween night we went to our neighbors house to help give out candy. There were oh...... 5 groups that showed up. We have a lot of extra candy. Too bad Emerson doesn't have teeth yet!

Emerson's Five Month Check-in

Geeeeeeez, time is flying by. Halloween is just around the corner. In fact, tomorrow is a Halloween party at Emerson's daycare. Kataneh graciously signed me up for a half hour of face painting to earn 'parent points,' so I'll definitely be making kids look scary.

Here are some photos from the last few weeks:

 First girlfriend

 The innocent nose poking game

 Oysters in Tomales Bay

Running the biz

Emerson is still growing like a weed - no doubt about that. I think this is the first month he is as long as the skateboard. 

Ladies Man

Yesterday, my good friend Joan and her 10 month old baby girl, Kirra, came over for a visit. Emerson and Kirra had met once before but Emerson was only 2 months old.  Emerson and Kirra had some good times as you can see....

Embarrassed

Giggles

Emerson's first day of day care!

The time has come! Today was Emerson's first day of day care. I know it sounds cheezebally but I can't believe how time flew so fast. I don't go back to work until the end of the month but we had to start him a month early so he didn't lose his place on the waiting list to get into PalCare. At first I was kind of annoyed because we have to pay for the month even though I am not working yet. But, I think it is a good transition for me since I will be only a four minute walk away from him. Also, the time off will help me get some things done before I have to go back.

Emerson did great. I dropped him off this morning and he didn't cry at all. Furthermore, when I handed him off to his caretaker, he started giggling and laughing. I was kind of mad at Emerson. I wanted him to cry a little bit and at least pretend he was going to miss me. I went to check up on him in the middle of the day (I missed him OK?? Don't judge) and he was happy hanging out with his new friend Giovanni. My baby is all growns up!!!!!