February

We have been just growing and growing. Evan is about 5 1/2 months now. We are watching him grow, learn, and develop an adorable personality. I am so thankful that we have been blessed with such a wonderful baby boy. He is very easy going. He loves to play with his mom and dad (Meme and Grandpa Reagan too!). He gets along great with his sitters, Lois and Yusenia. He eats well. Oh, and did I mention that he sleeps 12 hours a night?! The only problem with that is that he is almost ready for bed when I get home from work. I started my new job as a nurse practitioner for Mainline Health Systems in Portland, Arkansas. Mainline is a group of community health centers, which has been a big change from GI, but I've enjoyed it so far. We celebrated Geoff's birthday with a trip to Memphis with friends. That was the first time Geoff and I have been out of town together for a night since Evan was born. We missed him, but we had a great time.

Playing around the house.

Mom's birthday at La Terrazza.

Waking up from a nap

Playing with the wind chimes no the front porch.

He LOVED it.

Evan's first taste of rice cereal.

Is it obvious he didn't like it?

Getting his milk...which is what he really wanted for dinner.

Another try at rice.

Playing while we get dressed for work.

First time in the jumpy seat.

He didn't really know what to do,

but he LOVES it when we bounce him in it.

If at first you don't suceed...

Rice Beard!

Snow!

Evan missed it since he was sleeping,

but he had a suprise the next morning.

Evan's tiny snowman outside his window!

(courtesy of Geoff of course)

More fun in the bouncy seat.

Another new toy!

All dressed up going somewhere...I don't remember where!

Geoff's birthday cake....I tried.

More fun.

4 Months and Christmas too!

Evan had his 4 month check up last week. He now weighs 15 1/2 pounds and is 25 inches long. He's growing so big...and chubby too! We went for shots today at the health department, which was much more cost effective ($5 !!!) and Evan only cried for a few minutes this time. We could tell he felt bad that evening and the next day, but overall he did great. He rolled over four times during the second week of December, but now he doesn't seem very interested in trying again. He seems to be focussing on his hands again now. He likes feeling different textures and holding things. He has also started putting his hands in his mouth, and he seems to want to taste whatever he's holding. We're trying to practice sitting up and rolling over. I love it when he props himself up on his elbows while lying on his tummy. Evan goes to sleep around 8:30 and does not wake up for a feeding anymore. He usually wakes up once, but only needs his paci or to be re-swaddled, then falls right back to sleep. Geoff wakes up with him around 6:00 AM and feeds him a bottle.

I didn't see Evan roll over for the first time, but this is how I found him. He was confused, then proud.

"I don't know what happened, Mom! I was on my tummy and now I am on my back!"

We had a wonderful Christmas. Unfortunately, Evan was pretty fussy on Christmas Eve. I think there was alot more going on than he was used to. Geoff, Evan, and I spent the night at Meme and Reagan's house. Then we spent a very nice Christmas day there as well. Evan has TONS of new toys for the upcoming year. I should be punished for not taking more pictures of Evan's first Christmas. I'll try better next year.

Evan's first ride in the jet! We went to visit Aunt Jana and John in Harrison, AR. The trip took about 45 minutes. He slept the entire way up there and played most of the way back. Evan is a great little traveler!

We were honored by a visit from Geoff's Grandpa and Judee in December. The drove all the way from Lake City, Florida to meet the newest Swihart. We had a nice relaxing weekend, full of great food and great stories. We are looking forward to a visit from Geoff's dad and Grandpa next month so we can see all four generations of Swihart men together.