can't believe we have made it this far

The little guy is six months old today. In some ways it seems like only a few days ago that Lelaine's water broke and we jumped in the then brand new car. In other ways it seems like he was born about 20 years ago. Here are a few observations from the first six months:

I have very little idea of what I am doing now, but I now know ten times more about parenting than I did on July 26. Lelaine always seems to know what to do, and did from day one.

Jack sometimes likes being on a schedule, but he couldn't care less about anyone else's schedule.

He is probably the cutest baby in the world. Ever.

For such small creatures, babies go through a lot of things really quickly, particularly diapers, wet wipes, milk/formula, bibs, and sizes of clothes.

My thinking on whether or not I would like a sibling for Jack can change several times in one week.

It is hard not living near our families. 

I can't imagine not having Uncle Doug or some of our other friends around who have helped out so much.

My being able to immediately go back to sleep after being woken up makes things much easier for me than Lelaine, who always has a difficult time getting to sleep.

I lucked out with my paternity leave, both for the length of time and the time period, when he was more active than he was when Lelaine was on maternity leave.

The most dangerous place to be is between a hungry Jack and a bottle of milk that he can see. And laughing at his anger doesn't help the situation. However, he has a totally fake cry that he breaks out every now and then that can be diffused by laughing.

I can't believe how easy things were pre-Jack, when we were DINKS in a small one bedroom and a busy night meant working late or there were several good TV shows on. Although if there is anyone reading this who has more than one kid, I'm sure they think I have no idea how easy I have it now.

The last six months have been difficult. While I assume/hope the first few months are the hardest (when running I always think the first half mile, no matter how long the run, is the worst), I have a feeling that things will get much more hectic once he is mobile.

The last six months have probably been the best of my life.

6 months!

Wish we could write a longer post, but True Detective and sleep are calling. Jack Lincoln was loving his 6 month photo shoot today. I couldn't decide which picture was the cutest so you get three.

Popeye!

Little man likes spinach!

bananas

Big weekend for Jack. On Saturday he broadened his intake from milk, formula, prevacid, and rice cereal to now include bananas. And then on Sunday he sat in his high chair for the first time. Big accomplishments. Here is a video of his Sunday night feast.

ski day

Yesterday was my last official day of paternity leave; I have to go back to work on Monday. To help ease his transition into day care we wanted to send Jack there for most of the day yesterday, so I needed something to fill my time. Instead of using my last few hours to rest or do anything else productive, I decided to drive up to Pennsylvania and go skiing. I hadn't been for a few years/since the last time I dislocated my knee cap, so I was nervous at first, but ended up doing just fine. In a couple years, Jack will be out there on the hill, although I have a feeling he may want to snowboard (boo), which means his mom will be teaching him.

Here is a video of one of the runs, which I took with the Go Pro that Lelaine's dad gave us. I had to decrease the quality (it shoots in HD) and sorry it is so shaky, but the faster you go the bumpier the ride.