the sweetest thing

Everyday of life with Luke brings a new sweet reward in parenting. I remember the excitement of his first smile and the joy in his first giggles. Now we delight in our (almost) 9 month old who climbs up onto our laps for cuddly baby hugs and occasionally offers the sweetest baby kisses. Last night at dinner Luke was really getting into the game of giving mommy kisses. We love you Luke!

luke crawling

Over the past few weeks Luke has practiced crawling on his hands and knees more and more! Gradually he began to favor hands and knees crawling over the "army crawl" that he has become so efficient at during the past couple months. Now he is crawling everywhere and enjoying his newfound freedom and ability to explore! He particularly likes to crawl under or over things...like crawling under chairs, the coffee table, Mommy or Daddy's legs, and his exersaucer OR crawling over toys, the dog bowls (this was interesting!), and any other "obstacle" in his path. On Sunday he attempted crawling up the stairs, particularly because the bottom stair is the right height for pulling up to standing- another skill he enjoys practicing! I think that we have officially entered a new phase of development...chasing Luke!!!

first crop

Mike has been busy this summer growing beans, tomatoes, green peppers, and herbs in our back garden. He was so excited and proud this week when he picked his first bowl of beans. They were delicious!! A few bean portraits...

(This picture looks slightly reminiscent of the pictures we recently took of Luke. I think Mike has become rather fond of his beans!)

summer coming to an end...

As Labor Day approaches summer is slowly starting to come to an end. Only a few more weeks of pool time, bare feet, and sun kissed noses before fall is officially here. I'm always a little sad at the end of the summer but at the same time looking forward to all that comes with the fall... leaves changing color, cozy sweaters, and cool nights around the fire pit. I also love all the sales on school supplies! Even without a classroom to buy for- who can pass up 30 cent glue sticks? I'm sure I can find them a good home! It is hard to believe that our baby is almost 8 months old (on Friday!). He has grown so much this summer! We enjoy him more everyday!!

Luke loves grass! He was really enjoying the opportunity to pull up as much as he wanted to!

He is starting to practice crawling on his hands and knees! We are now baby proofing everywhere!!

Crawling on his tummy is still faster!

Notice I am ready to jump in and catch him at any moment!

elusive teeth

Three weeks ago we noticed two little bottom teeth in Luke's mouth, but it has taken almost that long to FINALLY get a good picture of them. We made several attempts to get a picture with Luke's mouth open...at meal time, play time, enticement with cereal puffs, even turning him upside down. However, we just couldn't get a clear picture. So here are his first little teeth making their debut! Don't be fooled- they may be small, but they are sharp!!

my little dust mop

Who me...?Luke has perfected the "army crawl" and can now successfully move all over living room, "dusting" the floor as he goes! Hmm...maybe I should attach a Swiffer pad to his shirt. Today he managed to leave the living room where he was playing with Daddy and crawl all the way to the office to find Mommy. We think we are in trouble!!

good morning!

When Luke wakes up from sleeping we often find him peering through the crib slats and looking for Mommy or Daddy!