Happy Halloween!

First of all..... Zander had his 6 month check up last week, and he had a good report.  He continues to follow on his path for weight, height, and head circumference.  He weighs 15 pounds and 12 ounces.  Here is a pre-shots photo:

There were many tears after this photo as he had to have a few shots including his first flu shot.  I love this little boy so much, and it breaks my heart when he is upset or in pain.  I don't think that will get better....I will always want the best for him. ;)

Now to some Halloween fun.....

I have never considered Halloween to be one of my favorite holidays... but this year felt a little extra special.  I have loved handing out candy to our neighbors and watching Burke get excited when the doorbell rang.... but this year, the activities we had done for years could now be shared with our new family member.  Although Zander won't remember anything from his first Halloween, I feel that we continued traditions that one day he will look forward to with childlike anticipation.  We carved a pumpkin, dressed Zander in some cute outfits, and handed out candy.  Burke would bark and say "hello" to every child that came to our door and Zander would just look and take it all in.

Halloween "eve"....sporting an Itsy Bitsy Spider Shirt and Jack-o-lantern Socks 

 First outfit: "Been Inside for Nine Months"

 Matching Burke..... I've got my hands full with these two!

 In "jail"

 Outfit #2: The Pirate

 Zack got creative with our pumpkin this year..... he attempted to make the pumpkin stick out his tongue.  :)

 Outfit #3: Baby's First Trick or Treat

All three of these outfits were given to us by friends..... we are so blessed to have people in our lives that are so generous to share or give anything and everything they have!  Zander got some food on his first outfit and pooped through his second outfit... so it was kind of perfect that we had three options.  Happy Halloween! ;)

Happy 6 months!

Our little man is growing up.  He is currently able to roll around (and he is rolling everywhere!) and sit up.  He is babbling like crazy and able to grasp objects with his hands quite easily.  Zander has done an excellent job of eating solid foods such as peaches, bananas, apples, pears, green beans, prunes, squash, sweet potatoes and carrots.  We go for his 6 month check up tomorrow.  He weighed about 16 pounds last week when he visited the doctor's office due to a bad cough that has lingered for 3 weeks.  I was told it was just a cold which eased my fears that my little one might be dealing with something more complex.  Here are some pictures of our cutie who is half way to his first birthday.  It is crazy to think of what we were doing six months ago! I am so glad he is home with us and no longer in the NICU. That first week was quite scary but we are blessed to have a healthy boy at this time (minus the cold that just won't go away!)

A Few Firsts

The High Chair:   Zander has been eating solid foods for a few weeks now.  He has tried many fruits and veggies.  Today, we tried to feed him in his high chair for the first time.  His feet didn't touch the bar at the bottom where his feet will eventually rest but he looks so big in this high chair!

 

 

The Jogging Stroller:  I have been waiting for months for Zander to be big enough to accompany me on a run.  I wanted to make sure he had complete support of his head before venturing out.  As you can see from the picture below, my new running partner enjoyed our first run! His naptime was connected with my exercise time!

The Pumpkin Patch:  Every year since 2005, Zack and I have gone to a pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve for Halloween.  Its a fun tradition!  This year, we had an extra special helper to pick out just the perfect pumpkin for Halloween.  Stay tuned for pictures of the carved "masterpiece".

Sitting Up:  Z is officially sitting up on his own.  He can sit up for about 15-20 minutes at a time.  I still stay close by in case he gets a little lazy and decides he wants to lay down. ;)

The last picture (below) is before work on Friday.  I love this picture I took as I was getting ready to walk out the door.  You can see all three of my boys!  Burke is looking over Zack's shoulder.

Making Memories.....

'Cause they just don't make themselves!  (Right, Liz?!)  Over the past week, many memories have been made, and I am so fortunate to have the family and friends in my life that make each day memorable!  First of all, this week has given us perfect weather.  Zack and I took our boys (Zander and Burke) to our neighborhood playground and introduced Zander to the swing.  Now Zander has a swing that he uses often in our house (which has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion).  But there is something different about watching a little boy swing on a swing set.  Here is a picture and short video to capture his excitement.  Of course, I am always a little late on bringing out the camera so most of this squeals were not captured on film, but I will never forget how much fun he had.  We will be doing this more often! 

 

We went to a family reunion on Saturday with all of Zack's extended family.  This was Zander's first family gathering and he did great!  He was passed around by all the relatives and got to spend some time with his Grannie and GranDan.  Grannie has been recovering from surgery so it was great to see her out and about!  Here is a three generation picture!

Then.... we were finally able to introduce the boys.... and by "the boys"... I am referring to Jacob Baden and Alexander Houston!  My best friend, Liz, had a perfectly healthy baby boy three weeks after Zander was born.  It was the coolest experience to be pregnant at the same time (we also got married the same year!)  We talked for months about how we would get the boys together and prop them up on the couch in matching outfits and take LOTS of pictures.  And that is just what we did!  Liz has always had the ability to cheer me up when I have had a bad day and we have shared many life experiences that I couldn't imagine sharing with anyone else!  Here are some pictures of our afternoon.....

Finally meeting face to face ;)

 Having so much fun!

 Just hanging out ;)

"Careful Jacob.... I will protect you!"  (After all, Zander is a whole THREE WEEKS older!)

 Two generations of best friends ;)

Sunday, we were able to go to church with mom and dad.  Zander almost made it through the service.  He has decided to talk A LOT!  So... we left a little early so he was not a distraction.  Grammy got to cuddle for a little bit with our little man before we headed home. 

Ashley took some family pictures this weekend that I know will be amazing!! She was able to come to GranDan's property on Saturday before photographing a wedding.  She was so sweet to take the time to come east and spend some time with the Houston's.  I can't wait for Zander to spend some time with her boys (hopefully in the near future)!