Little Man Update

 

Seven months already? How did we get here? How did it go by so fast?

Our little Evan seems not-so-little anymore! I think he gains a roll a day. He is eating baby food full-time now and he can’t get enough. His favorite is mashed avocado and least favorite is applesauce (huh?). Just when I think he’s had enough food, he’s crying for more. I guess because he’s the youngest brother he feels he needs to make up for it with his size

By the way, have you seen these before? They are making my on-the-go life easier. I wish I had these when the other boys were babies. They are little pouches of organic, and healthy baby foods. The top of the pouch is a spout and you can purchase these little spoon toppers that screw on.

So say you’re out at a restaurant and the baby starts crying because he’s hungry. You take out the baby food pouch, screw on the spoon and feed him! No bowl, baby food jar or water to carry around. Throw away the pouch when you’re done and reuse the spoon. Too easy!

As you can see, he is sitting up now. He still has spills so I have to be beside him when we attempt sitting up. He has a new love of toys. Anything will do, keys, bottles, tupperware, etc. They help make tummy time more enjoyable as well. We’re considering doing away with his infant carrier because he is just so big, it’s no longer helpful. Sigh. Nathan believes Evan is trying to talk to us through his varied grunts and sounds. There are screams, raspberries, gurgling, and believe it or not, Ian and I have both heard him ask for “mama”!

Last week, we celebrated the Fourth of July on the beach. ~On a side note, a very happy birthday to a very special Great Grandpa!~ I was unsure how Evan would feel about the loud booms and bright flashes in the sky we call fireworks, but I was surprised at how much they entertained him. But I shouldn’t be surprised. He is a happy little baby, content in most circumstances. We love you Evan!

Our Little Triathlete

 

Being a mother of 4 boys is such a privilege. I am over-the-moon thankful that God saw fit to make us an all boy family. Sure, it has its challenges. Yes, boys are often misunderstood. But there is joy, complete joy, in letting them be all that they are.

You’ll remember that last year Jacob competed in his first triathlon. Well he’s at it again this year. This time around was a little more challenging. Well, twice as challenging to be exact. Being grouped in with the 10 year olds, he swam 100 meters, biked 2 miles and ran 1/2 mile. But he proved to be a champ, distance didn’t mean a thing.

The swim was tough. Everyone got out of the water breathing hard.

Unfortunately, his helmet straps got tangled and he lost about 3 minutes trying to figure it out. He was happy once he got going.

 

By the way, Jacob’s wearing his first real Teva’s! His parents being from the hometown of Teva’s, we thought it was fitting that he should race in his first pair. I know the cool thing is to wear those funny looking toe shoes but I just couldn’t do it. They’re funny looking. Sorry.

Oh, and we lost Nathan during the race. That wasn’t fun. Then we found him, phewww.

Jacob and I agreed that the end was the best part of the whole race. I’m about to show you the event with lots of pictures

Jacob was on the last stretch of the run, just before you get to the finish line. The racers have to cross the bike path. Which means you have to stop if there are bikes racing. So Jacob and another 10 year old named, Jacob also, had to stop and wait to run. The volunteer standing by let them know when to go and it was almost as if she said “on your marks, get set, go” because those two Jacob’s knew they were going to have to race it out! (Jacob’s wearing the blue swim shorts)

The two boys were looking at each other the whole way. They were neck and neck.

One of them would pull ahead and then the other would push himself to match. It was a dead sprint to the finish.

They were so tired and they had already endured so much but here at the end, they gave it all they got. Finish strong we say!

Who was going to get there first? Who was going to win this all out battle? The suspense was so much fun. I’ve never seen Jacob push so hard for something. He’s my superhero. And then, just at the end, a few steps from the finish line…

 

Jacob pulls ahead to finish first! (and smiling).

I couldn’t be more proud of my hard working boy. He trained hard and tried hard. And as everyone in our family except Ian says, it’s about trying your best and having fun. Ian says, it’s all about winning!

So he celebrated with his friends who also competed.

And climbed to the top of a hill with his brother and had a little Rocky moment.

Not that he knows who Rocky is.