Cushy Ride

Mommy has been eagerly waiting for Marcus to be ready for the larger car seat. The infant carrier was getting so heavy with Marcus in it, especially as he is over 20 lbs now. Even though he recently rode in a bigger car seat on our trip to Ohio, this was his first ride in the nice new car seat that I bought him for Mommy's car. It seems so much more comfortable for him!

6 Months Old

It's hard to believe that six months have blown by already. Marcus has gone through lots of changes during that time. He has grown into this wonderful little guy who is full of so much joy. I know I've said it a thousand times, but he really is the happiest baby I've ever seen. He rarely cries, always gives smiles and is so patient and laid back. We feel so lucky to have this beautiful, precious boy.

6 Month Milestones:

• Marcus has had a sudden burst in awareness of his surroundings…whether it’s Owen playing, Mommy dancing, or even the tv or a toy playing music…Marcus gives his full attention.
• Is getting close to sitting up on his own.
• Grasping objects with both hands (transferring from hand to hand as well).
• Smiles, laughs, squeals and is beginning to imitate sounds. Has been making lots of raspberry sounds, which has to be due to teething.
• Can be content to play with a toy all by himself.
• Absolutely, positively LOVES being in the bouncer. I sometimes think he gets a little vocal and squirmy just so we'll put him in the bouncer. He gets into fits of giggles when he's jumping and Owen or Mommy jumps along with him.
  

Meeting Great Grandma Wade

After our family gathering at the Kuder Property, we headed over to New Concord so that Marcus could meet his Great Grandmother, Francine Wade. She was so thrilled to see all of us, and Marcus was especially good, giving her lots of smiles.

I also got a good shot of Uncle Andrew hanging out with Marcus. I don't know why, but it's a little bit weird for me to see my baby brother holding my baby. But they are both such sweet guys!

More Time at the Property

Aunt Cat and Marcus cuddling up in front of the camp fire. Such cuties!

Grandpa Wade even got some Marcus time. I don't normally like to go broadcasting my father's nickname for me, but it's Flapper (since I was a very chubby baby who would flap my arms). It's a name that I still get called today. Apparently Marcus is taking after his mother in the weight department, so Grandpa was calling him "Flapper Jr." Just lovely!

And the ultimate little boy thrill is to ride with Grandpa Kuder on his mower.

It was so funny the way he rode around with Grandpa, just like Owen and Elizabeth did.

A BIG Day of Family Fun

After spending his first night camping (if you can call sleeping in Grandma and Grandpa Kuder's new trailer camping), Marcus was ready for family to come visit. Aunt Cat was so excited to be reunited with her buddy.

Uncle Eric was thrilled to be meeting Marcus for the first time.

All the kids were super cute together. Marcus lent his hat to Elizabeth. How cute is that?!?!

Marcus met cousin Kelly and her playful dogs.

Lots of other family was there, but Mommy did a terrible job of taking pictures (she must have been having too much fun!)

Meeting the Menges

Marcus finally got to meet his cousin, Elizabeth.

And Aunt Lesile, who seemed a bit awkward with such a big baby. But still, they looked to cute together in their matching shirts!

And then there was Uncle Mike, who was too busy with fun games to pose for a photo.

Big Boy Carseat

On our trip to Ohio, we brought our own car seats and decided it was time for Marcus to be in the bigger car seat. NO MORE INFANT CARRIER! This has been a long time coming for Mommy since she struggles carrying him in that! So this was Marcus' first time riding in a bigger seat. He seemed to enjoy it.

Marcus' First Flight

We headed to Ohio to see family, so this was Marcus' first time flying. The above photo is how he looked before the plane even took off. It was a bit uncomfortable for Mommy, but I just went with it.

A brief awaking when the gentleman next to us was constantly putting his hand into a chip bag...but he had no problems falling back to sleep after that.

"Blocks" of Fun

Marcus has been mastering the mega block building. He has so much fun stacking higher and higher.

The Jumper Gets Around

What do you do when one child wants to play outside and the other wants to bounce in his jumper? You take the jumper outside, of course.

You are so Loved!

Does it get any cuter than this little boy?

All Bounced Out

Marcus absolutely loves jumping in his bouncer. His persistent smiles, squeals of joy and laughing are non-stop the entire time he's in it. He'll jump until he's panting out of breath, take a short break then jump some more. It's no wonder that he'll jump himself silly and just pass out!

First Solids

Marcus has gotten his first taste of solid food. I should clarify that you would hardly call what he ate as solid, but it was definitely a new taste for him! Yum...rice cereal!

The entire experience was pretty exciting. Owen was eager to help out.

Friday Fun

Just a couple of cute snapshots of Marcus on my day home with the boys.

Thomas The Train Day

I found out from a friend that there was a special Thomas the Train day at a local amusement park. We got to take an actual train ride (with Thomas as the Engine). Both the boys loved the ride.

We had perfect weather and we were all so excited about all the fun stuff. I caught Marcus and Daddy sharing a fun laugh.

I tried to include Marcus in some of the activities. This place was a little boy's dreamland. Lots of trains and trucks to check out.

Trying to Sit Up

We've been practicing sitting up with Marcus. He's got a lot of weight to hold up, so he needs to get some muscles developed. In the meantime, the boppy pillow helps with propping him up.

Teething Boy!

Marcus has been drooling a lot lately. Of course that all has to do with teething. Once his first tooth appeared, it seemed overnight that another showed up. Two bottom teeth...nice and sharp!

Been trying to teach Marcus the fun of rolling. He doesn't really show any signs of doing this on his own. I think is middle section is a bit on the large side!

A close up to show off those new teeth!