Happy 1/2 Birthday

It's hard to believe our little Jack Jack is already 6 months old (well lets be honest, he's almost 7 months old, I've just slacked a little on the updates)! Since we last updated, Jack has seen his first fireworks, started sitting up independently, and a load of other fun things...

Happy 4th of July! We hope that you all enjoyed your Independence Day with BBQ, parades, and fireworks! Jack Jack and I got up SUPER early and headed to downtown Orlando for the Watermelon 5K with the Moms RUN this town group (MRTT). Jack did great, somehow he finished a second in front of me! That kid is fast...didn't even break a sweat! The day before the race we actually had a group run with the MRTT's, and Jack made the Orlando Sentinel with all the beautiful moms!

That evening, we traveled to Winter Garden with JR, Grandma Stevie, Aunt Pat, and Uncle Tom to see the fireworks. Headphones in place, and with a little rain...Jack Jack experienced his first firework show. He smiled at the lights, and had a great time. Can't wait to see the reaction next year.

Milestones:
Jack has started eating solids more consistently. We have tried all the vegetables, and fruits, so far (thankfully) no allergies. He eats about 2-4 oz per seating (3 meals with us each day) and then takes a bottle if he's still hungry. We've tried watermelon, mango, and sweet potato in a mesh bag for chewing practice. He loves the mess!

In addition to him rolling over consistently in the last blog, Jack is now rolling ACROSS the living room to chase the cats! Watch out mamas!  He can sit up by himself for quite a bit of time, but we have to get him into the seated position. He also scoots with his head down a few inches. We expect some crawling anytime now. He still loves his bouncer chair after the long car ride home, he is interacting with those toys so much more now its fun to watch!  Loads of babbling, occasionally we have a double syllable in there, but still mostly vowels, and working with his pitches.  He loves to explore other people's faces, often grabbing your face when you get close and taking a taste of that wonderful nose you have there...because who knows what that tastes like? :) He is picking up toys a little more gracefully now, but not always holding on long. He is much better at grabbing with his toes...my little frog prince has turned into a MONKEY!

As of yesterday 8/4/13, he has officially popped a tooth! Its on the lower jaw, left front. He is being so good considering the pain he must be in.

We continue to do our runs with friends during the weekend, and runs just he and I on the weekday. He is staying awake more and we are able to talk about what we are seeing. He usually gets to swim once a week with JR or I, sometimes both. He goes to church every Saturday evening, and we are giving thanks for the strong, healthy boy we have!

Grandma Stevie visits often, or we get to go visit her...in addition to all that...Jack Jack got a visit from Memaw, and Papa Cowboy (AKA, my mom, and Brady). It was so nice to see mom interact with Jack and see him do the same. It is much different 6 months old, versus 2 weeks old :)  I can't wait for him to meet my dad, and see everyone again.



Jack had his 6 month check up with Dr. Otero earlier in the month. He is 18 lbs 14 oz, 27 in long, and growing fast! She did have some concerns with his head, it is a little flat still in the back on the right side. She was concerned with it for a few reasons and sent us to a neurosurgeon for a helmet orthodic consultation. At the appointment, the surgeon basically told us that we could go either way. It isn't effecting his brain development, or anything medically serious. However, if we did want to do it, we needed to do it now. After discussing it, JR and I decided to go without. Jack would have to wear the Starband for 23 hours a day for 4 months. The doctor said it would most likely round out on its own in a few years. Because it isn't too serious, even cosmetically speaking, we are going to let it ride. No reason to put our little man through any more than he has already had to endure.

He is growing so fast it is incredible! We continue to send our thanks to everyone who continues to support us with all of this that we have gone through.  Jack is definitely one loved baby! He has a follow up with ortho at the end of September, we should see some bone growth in the hip at that point, and have a better idea what walking status will be...I hope that he is walking on that table with Dr. Knapp walks in! Happy Birthday Uncle Phil, Aunt Felicia, and talk to you soon!