Rollie Pollie

Last week, Jack began to roll and roll....from his back to his stomach and then from his stomach to his back and over and over again! I left him alone on the floor in the living room for about 5 minutes and when I came back, he was all the way on the other side of the room! Since then, he refuses to stay in one place. If you put him on the floor, he is completely in a different spot 5 minutes later. Last night when I was making dinner, I went into the living room and found him completely under the piano bench laying on the pedals! Here are some cute pics of my rollie pollie!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Although today is actually St. Patrick's Day, anyone from the southside of Chicago knows that the real day to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is the Sunday before the actual day itself. This year the parade fell on Jack's 6 month Birthday (Mar. 15th) and what a wonderful way to celebrate with the little man! I think looking back on my life there were only a handful of St. Patrick's Day parades that I have missed. It is truly a wonderful Chicago tradition. Although virtually everyone on the south side of Chicago is Irish anyway, those that aren't are Irish just for a day during the infamous parade. Fortunately, this year the weather for the parade was absolutely beautiful--about 70 degrees--not too hot and not too cold. Because of this, we decided to bring the little man over to Western Ave. and let him experience his very first St. Patty's Day parade. He was decked out from head to toe in his Irish apparel that his Grandpa Harris bought for him. He wore the traditional Irish handknitted sweater, a green Ireland shirt underneath, and he completed his look his an adorable Irish hat. So cute! He loved the parade except when the fire truck went by and sounded the sirens. This was not the best way to wake up from a nap and so the little man got very scared and began to cry...poor baby.

Last weekend, Jack also got to see his Grandma and Grandpa Heidemann because they drove from St. Louis to spend some time with him. As always, it was so nice to see them. Grandma Heidemann got to come with Jack and I to get his 6 month pictures taken. It was very nice to spend time with her. He misses them so much since they live far away, but they are always close to his heart. He is lucky to have such wonderful grandparents.

St. Patrick's Day is all about the luck of the Irish. Although I am only half Irish, I think I am the luckiest girl on the face of this earth. I have a husband I love with my whole heart and a baby boy I adore. My family is everything to me...and becasue of this I am truly a lucky girl...not only today on St. Patrick's Day, but every day of my life.

Erin Go Braugh!!!

A Half of Year Old Today!

Today our little man turned 6 months old! I mean seriously....where does the time go?!? I can't believe he is a half of YEAR old already. I feel like he was born yesterday. Every month on the 15th (his birth date), I take pictures of him with a little sign reminding me how much older he looks every month. For the first time this month, I realized that he is not just a baby, but a baby that is turning into the cutest little boy. Not only is he looking like a little boy, but he is also beginning to act like one too. He talks and talks....and talks. He does not make any sense whatsoever, but he tries so hard to have a conversation of nothing but baby babble with anyone that will listen! He is also beginning to sit, mostly in a tripod position with his hands supporting him in the front. Jack is also becoming quite the little eater. He loved his squash and now we are on to carrots...which he does not seem to like as much (like his daddy!) What is next you may ask....peas! I am making those tomorrow and freezing them for the week. So far, we have made all of Jack's food and it seems to be working out well. Jay and I are happy to give him the most natural food as we can and it is actually very easy to make. Pretty soon we will be planting our garden this year all around what Jack needs to eat. I can't wait for all of the fresh veggies--hopefully Jack will like them too. We also tried cereal for the first time a few days ago. Some people claim that cereal makes their babies sleep better, but our little man does not to like to miss a thing...day or night....cereal or no cereal! It was worth a try anyway....

At 6 months, Jack weighs 16 lbs. and 15 oz. and is 27 inches long. He is still right at the 50th percentile for his weight and at the 75th percentile for his height. We still do not know where he is getting his height from! This past visit, he head size was at the 95th percentile! Oh no, is she getting a Harris male head??!!? HA!

Happy Half Birthday, Jack!

Lazy Winter Days

So many people complain this time of year because they are ready for the winter to be over and for the "big thaw" of the spring to finally arrive. Like everyone, I am clearly a fan of the dog days of summer. I am especially looking forward to this summer. Jack will be at such a fun age. Jay and I really looking forward to it. We are also looking forward to using our new stainless steel Weber grill from my parents and our new chiminea from Jay's parents. What wonderful Christmas presents! Our patio will be all decked out this summer....we can't wait! Also, I think we are going to put in a swing set so Jack can play in the yard. A swing set is what Jack wants for an early birthday present in case anyone is searching for ideas! I also want Jay to build a sandbox for him, but he says Jack is too young this year...so, we will see.

Unlike everyone, I am also a big fan of winter! After all, winter represents some of my favorite things in life- Christmas, hot chocolate, all different kinds of soup, cozy pajamas, etc. I also LOVE snow! Last week, I was watching Jack sleep on my lap and the snow falling outside. I thought to myself that there is nothing more peaceful in this world than watching a baby sleep while the snow is falling outside. Although Jack was too young to participate in the fun winter time activities like playing in the snow, sledding, or ice skating, we still have had a fun time this winter. Wednesday's are our favorite day of the week because we have "Mommy and Me" Fitness class...we have so much fun there! My favorite thing about winter is that it gives us the opportunity to just spend time together without all the chaos of the summer plans. Because the little man loves to be held and warm all of the time, he has truly enjoyed his time indoors. He especially loves to watch Baby Beethoven under his favorite warm fleece blanket from his Granny. Here are some cute pictures of Jack enjoying his winter days!