8 months old!

 The whole counting your age with the dice thing ... great idea when you were just a wee infant.  Now they have posed quite the choking hazard.  Exhibit A below. haha 

I had to get creative...

I spy 2 little dice...haha

 Well. Now that Christmas, New Years, AND Valentine's Day have passed I can no longer use the excuse "Well, the holidays were just so busy" to explain away why this post is 2 months late.

8 months old.  Let's see if we can dig in these memory banks!  Well, it was your first Christmas.  You flew on a plane to Oregon and wooed every flight attendant and fellow child traveler with your social ways and cuteness.  You are an amazing traveler!  While in Oregon you met a lot of family members including 2 other 2nd cousins born within 2 months of you.  You also got to see your cousins again!

 (Grammy and Grampy with all the great grandkids.  4 years ago there were only 2!  Now there are 9!)

Christmas is so much fun now that you are here! So magical.  I can't wait to spend it with you in the years to come.

You've been sitting up for some time but you are definitely able to sit independently now without me feeling like I should "hover".

You babble and your favorite sound is "g".  You have such a sweet voice.

You are most definitely into "solid" foods.

You tried a lot of new foods while we were in Portland including puffs.  Now puffs are one of your favorites, your pincer grasp is developing right along.

You got a lot of fun new toys for Christmas and this month you took an interest in playing BY YOURSELF for quite a while.  You are so cute to watch and sometimes I just want to read your mind.

 

Please stay little!!

You continue to be an ABSOLUTE JOY!  As 2012 came to an end, your daddy and I looked on this past year and were amazed at how having you has changed our lives in the most fabulous way!

Richards Family Newletter (the last 2 years!)

Dear friends and family,

For those who do not frequent this blog, let me introduce myself.  My name is Ethan Gallagher Richards.  First said hello to the outside world on April 14th 2012.  So far, life is good.  I mean, I have people to play with, feed me and change my diaper.  I've trained them well.

Mom and dad had every intention of sending a letter out last year.  But something about the 3rd trimester and mom taking a lot of naps because of people's advice to "rest while you can".  They thought that they would jump right back into their old way of life after I came into the picture.  But they said something like "their world has been rocked".  I don't quite understand.  I'm not even 1 and the only thing that rocks is my mom and that chair in my room.  Regardless of this "rocking", I've been eavesdropping and they also say that I've added a new "dimension" to their lives and a new "pair of glasses to view the world with".  Mom and dad sure love having me around and wouldn't have it any other way!

When they aren't looking at me and staring at my cuteness and the new things I do, they keep busy with lots of other stuff.  Mom went back to work 3/4 time when I was 3 months old.  She really enjoys working as the Early Childhood Director at New Heights Church.  And dad is her boss.  He thinks that's fun to say.  He is the Director of Children's Ministry.  I've really been helpful job development for them.

Dad is a hard worker.  He juggles a full time job, grad school, loving mommy, and playing with me (note: my mom wants me to clarify that although my dad wishes he could--he does NOT juggle me).  He has really enjoyed his grad program.  In March, he is going to India to help with his research for his "Capstone Project". We all look forward to this August when he graduates with his Masters in Disability Studies from Cal Baptist University!

In other news.  When I was just a mere "sparkle in my mom and dad's eye" (fancy that, that's really tiny), they bought their first home in April of 2011.  They are so grateful.  We enjoy having friends over and sharing life with our community.  The 'rents dream of future football parties when the U of A Hogs make their comeback (dang you Petrino), raising chickens, and gardening.  I dream of playing in the backyard, messing with the chickens, eating the fruits of their labor, and for these empty rooms to be filled with lots brothers and sisters.  Mom just told me to hold my horses.  I just mentioned chickens and I don't own horses. I'm confused.

Welp, think I have met my vocabulary quota for the day not to mention my fingers are small for this keyboard #firstworldbabyproblems

What better way to wrap it up than with a cute picture of "yours truly":

 Happy 2013!

Yours Truly,
"E-Train"


ps. From mom: We praise God for the true richness that we have experienced these last 2 years.  Thank you for sharing in our lives!  May you experience the true fullness of His love! 
Love, Heather, Ben, and Ethan (Toby and Lola too)

7 months

Mom's on top of it this time.  Seriously...you think that it would be easy to remember what happens within a month. Nope, not for this woman.  My mind is not as "sharp" as it once was ;)  Maybe because it's preoccupied with this cutie-pa-tootie:

Ethan, you are joyful, go with the flow (unless you really like something a certain way or are hungry or tired...but aren't we all like that), you also don't know a stranger but there are times where only mom will do (I don't mind!)  This month you have been very playful.  You like PeekABoo and the anticipation is so cute to watch as you wait for someone to go......BOO.

Still not crawling. But, here's a secret, mommy has been praying that you would hold out until after Christmas because we are joining the plethera of cousins and 2nd cousins at a cabin in Mt. Hood and it would be nice if you could stay in a contained area for mommy and daddy's sanity. hehe.

[ethan: I think I'll grab your  nose.  donkey: I think I'll eat your shoe]

Firsts:
-  This month you had your first road trip.  Go big or go home right? Wait for it--a 17 hour road trip up to Alma, Michigan and then down to Lansing for Thanksgiving!  You were a trooper-maybe even better than mom and dad at certain points.  Funny story:  On the way up to Michigan you dad and I decided that we would have a sit down dinner.  So we pulled out Urban Spoon...mind you, at the last minute, with you screaming in the back seat and your dad and my blood sugar level was very low.  When we arrived at desired destination we noticed "Panini Panini" was closed.  We already had you out of the car, and there was no re-entering and renavigating so we had to do something on the fly.  The only restaurant was across the street--a quaint Mediterranean place that, according to Urban Spoon (blast you again!), was "Family Friendly"...if by "Family Friendly" you mean "date night spot" " fancy smancy" "not $ but $$/$$$".  So in we went, no make up, sweats and all.  And the first thing I do when i sit down--nurse you.  Hey folks, we're from Arkansas!  Your dad was amused by the whole situation and I was petrified.  Oh well. We'll never see them again.  And besides, when we left, all the women were waving and smiling at you.  Charmer you are little one ;)
-  You went to your first petting zoo.  In rural Michigan there are many interesting things--among them an exotic petting zoo complete with Zebras, Camels, and many other animals.  It was a really neat place

-  Boy were Papa and Grandma Kim excited to see you.  You had grown up so much since the last time they saw you--the last time they came to visit you were only 6 weeks old and quite a fussy, gassy, reflux-y little guy.  Both were a tad smitten by you.  One of the highlights was Grandma Kim getting down her son, Michael's, toys...one was a Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch read-along, animatronics toy--complete with cassette tapes.  I had to remind myself how to flip over the tape.  Child, you were playing with "ancient technology". haha
- First time to decorate for Christmas - you weren't that into it
- You made your first ornament and received your first of many ornaments from Nonna and Crazy Grandpa
- Nonna and Cazy G'pa got you a little people nativity.

said Nativity Scene

I have never seen you so engaged with a toy.  Your way of manipulating toys has

  developed quite a lot this month.
-  You got your first double ear infection.  Double wammy.  You were so sick.  The only up side was all the cuddles you gave your daddy and I

Stats: (since we seem to go to the doc once a month, these stats are available)
You weigh 16.3 lb!  Way to double your birth weight finally, little nugget!

This is such a fun season!  I am so excited to share the holidays with you.  Especially Christmas!  We have so much to be thankful for, little one!

- First time at the Christmas Lights at Fayetteville Square



 - Sometimes I let you play....I mean practice using a sippy cup.  My friend Carleigh Melton whose blog is here, recommended to take out the H2O stopper (she's a Speech Path, so I believed her).  I feel like the coolest mom because by the end of his "practice" I feel like I'm in the splash zone at Marine World.

Yes, I like my sippy cup.  I make a huge mess

Ethan with his friend Miss LK

On 12-14-12, your 8 month birthday, a very sad thing happened that makes me squeeze you even tighter.  I love you little one.  Keep growing up to be a healthy joyful blessing!

6 months old

 This was a big month!  A half a year has gone by. And now you are a month closer to being 1!   I can't believe it!  You are growing up so much, little man.

Stats:
We went to the Dr.'s and you are now 15 pounds.  Dr. J calls you a "compact kid"--in the 10th percentile in weight in 25th in height.  You are wonderfully made, little one.

Your firsts:
First Halloween - you dressed up as a Lobster the day before and we also threw a costume party, but we didn't go trick or treating this year-Mommy and Daddy don't need the candy :)
First (and only) sidekick trip to "Girl's Weekend" with your Grami & Aunt Brandi + Aunt Jaime and tons of other fun girl family members from the Gallagher-Main side of the family. 
First Election
On election day you decided to: cut your first tooth.  In addition, when I sat you up, you stayed seated with the occasional quiver of your core, but strong boy-you sat up without my assistance.
You cut your 2nd bottom tooth shortly after.  You look so cute with those 2 pearly whites
Daylight Savings time. "Fall Back" So glad that only happens once a year ;)

Solids:

Your first solids were the night before you turned 6 months.  So far you have tried:
- sweet potato
- avocado (not your favorite much do my dismay)
- carrots (LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM)
- sweet peas (another favorite)
- mango (the core of a mango can keep you entertained for a good half an hour)
- banana
- apple

Nicknames:
Our co-worker Nate has officially nicknamed you The "E-train".  I think it's cute
I call you itty bitty, lil' guy, little '"e", lil' man

You are a Joy

You are such an incredible joy in our lives!  I love being a family with you and your dad!  You are full of giggles.  You LOVE to play with your daddy, you light up and do the kicky-arms-flailing dance when you see him.  You have a special grin for me that just melts my heart.  I love watching you grow, each stage is so fun!  I thank God for you every day!

Ethan at 5 months old.

Seriously. Stop it.
Stop this growing up business.
I can't believe it's been half a year. You turned 6 months yesterday.

But it feels like yesterday that I took your 5 month old picture.

 

But don't stop.
Every month gets more and more fun.

You are Mr. Personality.
So social (especially with the ladies)
You are a crowd stopper.

You love to play with people.
You squeal, you giggle, you anticipate.
You are SO attentive.

This month your eyes have "opened" to daddy
He walks in your view and you instantly smile.
This makes him super happy.
He loves his boy.
I can always tell when you've had daddy time because you'll have these spots of rashy skin where daddy's unshaved "whiskers" have tickled you.
You love  it when he puts you on his shoulders.

You love to go on walks and jogs.

You are almost sitting up by yourself.
You see what you want and dive for it...which can be somewhat embarrassing when it's time for you to eat, haha.

Grandpa came to visit for a spontaneous quick trip! You sure do love him. He's crazy and fun!

Firsts:
>You've experienced your first freezing day!  It got to be frigid cold and the weather acted like it forgot about fall and skipped straight to winter.  You are so cute in beanies and all bundled up!
>You are now sleeping in your own room + crib.  We were both ready for that one...you're such a big boy and transitioned really well!
>I let you have a taste of my apple (your first taste of food other than mom's milk).  You love when I cut around the core and let you gnaw on it.  You don't like when I take it away.
>First high chair experience.  You like playing with the measuring cup
>You met Jocko, the Mexican kissing Monkey when "Cazy" Grandpa came to visit this month

>We borrowed a jumper and excersaucer from a friend--you like to play in them...for about 5 minutes (or less) at a time.

>You had your first costume party.  You were a lobster and we were the chefs!   You made a very fine lobster :)

>On Oct. 13th you had your first solid food (homemade pureed sweet potato + kabocha squash)

4 months Old

Oh baby, baby...I'm sure I'll say this every month but boy, did this past month FLY!!

This picture was taken when you were 4 months old...just a little over a month ago.

And HOW YOU HAVE GROWN!!  This month: 

You were a chatty, smiling, giggling, and expressive little boy.  You grab for toys and reach for people (mainly me).  You like to grab daddy's beard and mommy's hair.  Your neck is so strong and you are holding your head up pretty well.  You put everything in your mouth!

You love people and are quite a flirt with the ladies.
You love bathtime.
You like music.
You love being held. (yay Ergo)
You like tickles.
You love your Elmo.

Your Firsts
You had your first Hog's game watching experience (TV side that is)...too bad your birth did not bring them much luck.  Maybe next year. WPS.

You had your first fever and your first ear infection.  Sick babies are not fun!  It was miserable to hear you cough and hurt and not be able to do much for you.

We took you swimming for more than just a dip...still not quite sure what you think about that great big body of chilly pool water.

We got a jogging stroller and you had your first jogger experience with daddy.  You love being outside and the movement put you to sleep.


Stats:

You weighed in as 12 lb 12 oz at your last wellness check.  2 weeks after that we returned for our sick appt (with the ear infection) and you had grown!  Last time you were weighed you were 13 lbs.  You have a little tushy so you're in 3 month pants but 3-6 month onesies and footie jammies.

Three Months Old (the "4th month")

I'm switching it up a bit.  It's confusing to say the "4th month" and that he is 3 months old, so now I am transitioning to just "__ months old".  This blog post is looking back on this last month.  Today he turned 4 months old...where has the time gone?  Here are your 3months and 4months pics to show how you've grown!

 

Well-this month I can say that I'm officially back in the land of the living.  Yes the land of the living, not so much the land of the fully-rested, but definitely back to feeling more "me".  I think I had a stint of the baby blues and I'm so glad that is over.

This month has been a complete joy.  I LOVE BEING A MOM.  Ethan has evolved into such a happy, smiley, squealy, joy of a boy!  I am so beyond bless to have him as a son.  And his cute personality is really blossoming...crazy that a baby this small can have a personality.

This month has been a month of lots of development.  When you were just a few days shy of 3 months old, you rolled over and that has been a more consistent thing this month- especially when you are passionate about something :)

Other developments this month:
- You found your hands: you often double fist it in your mouth and you also like to stare at them
- You're finding your voice- you coo and squeal and use lots of vowel sounds
- You love to grab and kick the toys dangling from your playmat
- You found your feet...first the left one and now both. They are quite fascinating
- Your head control is growing every day, you are becoming such a big boy
- Adios swaddle, hola "lovies"
- You've been growing like a weed child, please slow down (wishful thinking)
- Nursing like a champ still...but in half the time (wooohoooo...mommy's got so much time now!)

You like:
- People!  You like to interact with lots of people. 
- The Story family!  Mrs. Angela has been taking care of you until you start PlayLearn and you love her and her 2 boys!
- To smile really big
- B-zerberts (there's that crazy word again)
- Bath time
- Music + singing
- Sleeping with your "lovies" L.E. (the elephant) and Monkee (the Monkey) ... yes, I named them
- You are now on a great routine during the day.  It's Eat:Play:Sleep ... that's what your days mostly look like

What your daddy and I love:
- You
- The way you smile at yourself in the mirror
- All the ways you develop in a week--it's so fun to watch you discover yourself and the world
- Making you smile--you make me feel like I've hung the moon and the stars
- You will cry to get up in the morning, not because you are hungry or cranky ... but because you want interaction.  As soon as I look at you and talk to you (about 6:30 in the a.m), you smile right back---it's time to play :)
- You like to take walks more than you used to!!
-  This reflux seems to be under control (THANK YOU GOD!)

Stats:
You haven't been measured since your last visit and i can't wait to see how much you have grown when we go to see Dr. Jackson next week.  But this month you have ditched the 0-3 month clothing pretty fast and are wearing 3 months or 3-6month clothing now.

Firsts:
You just met your Grandma Great (Grami's mom) your middle name is Grandma Great's maiden name - Gallagher

More pics: