Coconuts

Gabriel has a new word he uses all the time! At first it made me do double-takes and question what he was saying. Nope, it is what he's saying. Coconuts! As adjectives: "What is that coconut thing?" As a silly answer: "Do you want to go to the park?" "Coconuts" We had several rounds of "You're a coconut!" in the car the other day, making each other laugh. No idea where this came from but it makes me laugh every time (which makes him say it more often, I'm sure). Is this our first inside joke?!

While I was typing this up, I had put Ephraim in the living room with some of his toys. He made a beeline to Gabriel's cars that were left out. You can see the baby toys on the left and the more desirable toys on the right. Fast little guy when he wants something! Not crawling but he can move.
Happy kids!

Doctor's Appointment

Ephraim had his 6 month check-up today.
Weight: 18 lbs 15 oz (75%)
Height: 28.5 inches (>95%)

Gabriel was 15 lbs and 25 inches at this age.

As a side note: This means Ephraim will outgrow his infant car seat before Christmas. Gabriel is not big enough for just a booster yet, so we can't pass his carseat down as we had hoped. Time to get a new one.

6 Months!

Gabriel found his pirate costume from last year and I helped him put it on. Forget Captain Hook, he declared himself "Captain Cone."
I finally went and got professional photos done of both kids. I wasn't happy with JCPenny's photographer, but we got a few good shots that will come next week. Until then, I went home and took lots of pictures of the kids while they were still in their matching outfits. I wish I had their good lighting but I like the smiles I got much better:


Ephraim turned 6 months old on Friday!! We will get his stats at his doctor's appointment on Tuesday, but I already know he'll be high on the chart for height. He has a tooth coming in on the bottom that is bothering him. He can sit by himself (see video below). He loves to babble, especially with a toy or fingers in his mouth. He can move across the floor quickly with rolls and scoots. Today he showed off for dad by rocking back and forth on his hands and knees, so crawling with his belly off the floor is right around the corner!

Confirmed!

We have a confirmed hit, sir! Ephraim has his first tooth poking through on the bottom. This explains what we've suspected all along from his unusual grumpiness and inability to sleep through the night again.

Gabriel has been singing more lately. Today he found a play sheet of music and was pointing to it and singing a song. When I smiled at him, he got embarrassed and ran away to sing to himself in a corner (when did he get so self-conscious?!). Later he was playing with his new Jedi action figures under the dining room table and was singing to them, "That's how you know..." (the song from the movie "Enchanted").

Sitting Up

Gabriel decided to draw the other day. We were very impressed with the result (since he usually just scribbles). He said this was a drawing of dad. He's done smiley faces for a while, with eyes, nose, ears, mouth and hair. This time I see arms and legs too. He's getting older, wow!
Ephraim is sitting up on his own now! He likes this view much better.

My Boys

This picture made Paul laugh out loud--crash landing in the crib. I just love seeing them sleep, especially the cute positions.
Gabriel loves these tiny figures from Paul's "Jedi Duels" boardgame. He constantly asks to play with them. And when we were having a bad day I took these out and he was instantly happy. (We're working on substitute action figures that don't belong to a game.)
My boys. Ephraim loves being able to play with his brother (sorta).
Love this picture of Ephraim, reminds me of Gabriel because they're in the same outfit. Compare it with when Gabriel was 9 months. (And he's propped up, not sitting on his own yet.)

Veggies

Gabriel-isms
I was on my hands and knees interacting with Ephraim, when Gabriel climbed onto my back. He pinched my shoulder and said "Penny" (which is the only name of a coin he knows) expecting the horsie to begin the ride.

mom: "Careful of Ephraim, we don't want to break him."
Gabriel: "He's made of glass, mom?" and after some thought, "I can't break, I'm full of sand."

I decided to subscribe to an organic`farm (since my garden isn't started yet and the Farmers' Markets seem to be far or on Sunday). Our first box of fresh fruits and veggies arrived this morning. We got pears, celery, onion, huge head of broccoli, sweet green grapes, tomatoes and flaming heirloom tomatoes. Add to that the bag from my dad's garden with zucchini, green beans, onions, and carrots (my favorite!). I am so happy. Tonight I made penne with black beans, green beans with tomatoes added at the last minute to steam. I drizzled a little dressing over it. Gabriel loved it. And it will make a great cold pasta salad tomorrow.