Jude is 9 Months Old!

Has it been 9 months already? I guess it has because Jude had his 9 month well check yesterday. He is perfectly healthy (other than some food issues we are figuring out). He weighted in at 20.4 lbs and is 28.5 inches long. Of course I think he is the cutest little boy I have ever seen but I couldn't get the doctor to make it an official diagnosis! He is now crawling like a mad man and starting to pull up on the furniture. He really likes to turn the DVR off and then grin at me like he's saying, "Look what I can do mom." He can say "mama" and "dada" but his favorite thing to say is "bubba." That's what we sometimes call our dog Stanley. He has started waving at people and he gives the best kisses. He and Kate are doing pretty good with each other. She likes to plan out all the things she wants to do with him when he is bigger, like sleep together and have campouts. My guess is he will want to sleep with her far more than she will want the same thing.

I am struck by how different the kids are. Kate has always been so independent, even as an infant. Jude, on the other hand, wants mommy in his sight at all times (if not holding him). She always wanted her space to sleep and was/is the easiest child to put to bed. Jude, not so much. It's like you can't breath because it might wake him. Of course, he ends up in our room where shockingly he sleeps wonderfully. I'm pretty sure he could do that in his room, but in the middle of the night we are not motivated to help him learn how to do that. We are for the path of least resistance to sleep at this point. She was able to eat everything and did. I've never seen a better eater for a child than Kate (she's really in to brisket and smoked chicken right now). Jude, however, struggles with solid foods. He loves bananas but is allergic to them. He loves cheerios but they give him horrible gas. The only thing he really loves is applesauce and there are days he has trouble with that. It's not at all frustrating!

I really can't believe how amazingly blessed we are. I have the best little girl in the world and the sweetest baby boy ever. I am so lucky to get to watch them grow and learn each day. I live to hear Kate sing "Jesus Loves Me" or for Jude to get excited when I walk in to a room. I'm one lucky mommy.

Jude at the hospital


Jude at 9 months old dressed up for Valentine's Day

Living on TT Time

...being truly blessed when it comes to the friend category. We may not have very many friends but the ones we do have are the best anyone could hope for. This weekend Jude's godmother Stephanie (whom we lovingly call TT) came for a visit from San Diego. We should probably name her Stanley's godmother too because she is one of his favorite people. They have a special relationship. We kept her busy with a trip to Okarche for fried chicken, mom's house, Ron's house (the farm), Utica Square, Brookside, and on and on. I think her final assessment was that she liked Tulsa but we do in fact live in the country.

I tried to convince her how awesome living in the central United States could be, but she kept going on and on about the beach being beautiful and so on. We have beaches at the lake. Maybe I should have taken her up to Grove. Oh well. I guess we'll just have to pack up and go see her real soon.

In all honesty, we are blessed to have Stephanie in our lives. She is so kind and giving. She loves us, but she loves our kids more. Kate has missed her so badly (she told her about it every 5 minutes), and Jude had time to really bond with her. I'm proud to have someone like her to watch over Jude as he grows. We love you Stephanie!




Can you tell Kate was not too happy about sharing her TT with Jude?

My Valentine

...a boy and a girl. This is our 15th Valentine's Day together. Although we will not have a fancy date tonight like we would have had 15 years ago, we will have a wonderful evening in our home filled with love. Michael is THE BEST HUSBAND AND FATHER a girl could hope for. He makes me and the kids his #1 priority. He wakes up to do late night feedings, diaper changes, puke clean up, and whatever else. He left late for work yesterday just to make sure Kate was feeling better. He encourages me in every way. He adores his son and daughter. I'm one blessed girl. I love you Michael!

Joe's! Officially in Oklahoma Now

...a present in the mail. In the Harrington house that is always cause for excitement. Today the kids got Joe's shirts from Lura Lee. I think they look adorable and Kate is actually acting interested in her brother. Magic shirts?