Just Because

I didn't have any other blog post planned (outside of the 4 month post- yes I'm getting to it, those pictures require editing, and this one didn't), but wanted a reason to post this picture.  So, I'll just post it all by itself for your enjoyment.  John was home with Austin 3 days this week, and they spent quite a bit of time at the park.  I checked my phone at lunch one day, and was greeted by this awesome face.  Definitely one of my favorite pictures of him thus far!

No, I didn't dress him, daddy did.  I guess he knew it would make an awesome picture!  :-)

A TOOTH!!

When we picked Austin up from the sitter yesterday, she said he had a REALLY rough day, crying most of the 7 1/2 hours, sleeping only 1 hour.  I felt awful she had to deal with him like that, but he came home with something he didn't leave with.... a TOOTH!
He had been snotty and mildly feverish for about 2 weeks, but we thought it was just a cold.  Nope, he was cutting a tooth!  This is the day I have been VERY nervous about.  As a nursing momma, I have a very real fear of being bitten.  So, now that he's got a tooth (and MAN is that thing SHARP!!!), I'm on edge, trying to be ready for the first bite.  Luckily it's on his bottom jaw, which means his tongue should cover it while nursing.   Although, with my luck, he'll bite me as I'm falling asleep nursing in the middle of the night.  That'll be a pleasant wake up!!

Here's the best picture I could get of his tooth.

4 Month Check-up

It's that time again, back to the doctor for a check up and *Ugh* shots.  Austin was pleasant and content on the way to the doctor (I think he's warming up to his car seat, I guess our daily trips out during the summer are paying off!)  He was happy and giggly in the waiting room, loving starring at the toys around the room.  His favorite was the table with the windy colored wires and the beads that slide along them.  Everyone commented on how beautiful his eyes are, and I must agree, they are quite pretty (you're welcome son!).
He weighed in at 15 lbs. 8 oz., measured 26 inches tall with a 43 cm head circumference.  That puts him in the 60th percentile for weight and 80th percentile for height.  While waiting for the doctor, Austin LOVED looking at and talking to the frogs and ducks painted on the walls.  He did get cold though, sitting around in just his diaper.  I didn't have a blanket, but I was resourceful and used my sling to wrap him up.  He was much happier then.
The doctor said he looks good, and isn't worried he isn't rolling over, as he's beginning to sit and grabbing his feet.  The doctor left, and the nurse came in bearing a tray with 4 shots and an oral syringe.  I had just given him some Tylenol before she came in, and he had no problems.  He took the oral meds with no difficulty either.  He cried and screamed with the shots, but after the nurse handed him to me, I nursed him, and he fell right asleep.  He slept all the way home, including the transition into the car seat and from the car seat to his crib.  He proceeded to take over a 2 hour nap, which was a relief to me. Here's hoping he doesn't have too much of a fever and isn't too terrible for the sitter tomorrow!!

Resourceful mommy!

So sleepy boy.

The Sitter's House

Austin went to the baby sitter's house for the first time today.  He "met" her a few months ago, but he slept and cried through most of our visit.  I expected it to be harder leaving him there than at home with daddy, and I was right.  I have no concerns for his safety, and trust this woman entirely with my son (especially since she watches our friend's kids as well)  After explaining where things were and when he last ate, I handed Austin over, and immediately walked out the door.  I couldn't be around when he realized I was gone and started to cry.
As I descended the steps, I could feel the tears well up, and was able to fend them off until I got into the car.  I shed a few tears, sucked it up, and concentrated on driving to work.  I spent the rest of the day trying desperately NOT to call or text to see how he was.  I even called John at one point, asking if the sitter had called him for anything, luckily she hadn't.  Around 2 pm, I got a text with a picture of a content little Austin letting me know everything was fine.  The relief I felt upon seeing that was immense!  (The sitter later revealed she had heard from our friend that I was having a hard time leaving him and decided to send me a picture to let me know everything was ok).
When I went to pick Austin up, he was sleeping.  I hated to wake him, but couldn't wait to hold him.  He woke and cried on the way home, but snuggled right up when we got home and fell back asleep.  He woke up 3 1/2 hours later, a very happy boy and let me take a few pictures for his 4 month photos.  I'm hoping to get a few more pictures before I post them.
I hope you enjoyed my little story, and the picture below.  I'm sure (and hoping) that it will get easier as time goes on, but I'm prepared for more waterworks for the remainder of the week.  :-/

Sitting!

Well, almost.  Austin can sit for a few seconds unsupported.  Here's proof:

He may not roll over, but he IS making progress!  A relief for this worried OT mamma!

New Deck!

We've been putting off rebuilding our deck for some time now.  But, after this past fall, we no longer had a choice.  After living in the house 4 years, and having 4 different fire pits burning on it all fall long (and sometimes into winter), we had a mishap.  No one was hurt, and our house is fine, but the bottom of the fire pit was so hot, it charred the deck, leaving behind a circle-shaped burn in the deck.  Since John and I aren't exactly super handy, and not well versed in building things, we waited until Grandpa Eric was in town to help John rebuild the deck (just like we waited until Grandpa was in town to expand our closet.  Thank you Grandpa!!)
It took 1 day of planning, 2 days of demolition, lots of lumber, a new electric saw, and 2 days of building to get the job done.  While Austin, Grandma Cindy, Grandpa, and I were in South Carolina, John demolished the deck.  Our battery powered saw just couldn't keep up with the job, so he had to buy a corded saw (which moved the job right along!).  When we returned from South Carolina, John and Grandpa spent 1 day planning and measuring before buying supplies.  When returning home from Home Depot, Grandpa shared the story of transporting lumber in his old van.  He pushed the lumber in too far, and cracked the windshield.  No sooner did he finish that story, John hit a bump in the road, the lumber jumped, and CRACK went John's windshield.  A major bummer, but funny at the same time.  Subsequent trips for lumber resulted in 2 people holding the wood, and driving slower down the roads to prevent further damage to the windshield.
2 days of construction later, in the sweltering heat, the deck was finished!  It looks beautiful, and we couldn't be happier.  John says he will be putting the fire pit back on the deck, but will elevate it on stones.  Some day, Grandpa will hopefully be able to come to St. Louis and enjoy his trip, rather than being put to work!

Before

Notice the black ring under the umbrella stand?

There was a cement pad under the wood deck!

Setting up

What was left of the old deck

The windshield crack

Grandpa and his assistant

Grandpa did a good job teaching Daddy how to build a deck.

What a mess!

Framing is done!!

Time for the top boards

Thank goodness for power tools!!

The deck base is DONE!

A door to nowhere

The stairs were left for the second day

Time to build some stairs!!

Can we come out yet Grandpa??

Daddy building the railing for the stairs

Almost time dogs, wait just a little bit longer

Nearly finished!

Daddy prepping the spot for the steps down to the sidewalk.

The new deck!!  We LOVE it!!!!

Grandpa, you should be proud, Daddy said he feels comfortable building a deck at our next house, should it not have one.  You're such a great teacher!!!!