Well. It looks like this whole “writing the update two weeks late” thing has become a trend. But hey.. I’m just glad I actually get them done because I know I will be SO THANKFUL for these posts when James is older and I’m feeling all those nostalgic mama feels.
As I feel like I’ve said in just about every update, this month was one for the books. We had so much fun, and I have loved every second with James. His personality continues to shine, and he is seriously the sweetest little boy. He loves to play “mommy jungle gym” (especially while nursing), sleeps pretty much every night through, takes two good naps a day, and loves to smile and dance.
I’m still in denial that he turns one this month. Anyone else with me?
James Richard | 11 Month Update
My oh my so much happened during James’s 11th month! He turned 10 months old when we were on our trip to Oregon and I love that we got to share that with the Samuels. Now that James is older, it’s so fun to watch him start to play with other kids, and I know Tommie really enjoyed that as well. She’s going to be a big sister so soon, and I can’t wait to see her love on her little sis like she loved on James.
For example, we were sitting in the car while Brooke ran to get some groceries and James was fussy. So Tommie asked to hold him and ended up singing “Jesus Loves Me” to him to calm him down. Y’all… I may have cried for reals. Her little voice. His little hand. UGH SO PRECIOUS. If they don’t get married someday… ;)
While in Oregon we had a picnic at a park next to a gorgeous river and an even prettier mountain view.
We also went on a little hike to see a waterfall and wow – so beautiful! I loved the cooler air, and James is a big fan of being outside, so I know he really enjoyed it as well. Tommie had fun throwing rocks in the creek, and I took way too many pictures haha!
While there I (of course) got as many pictures of Tommie and James together. I mean, we have to have some good pictures to put in their wedding slideshow someday, amiright?
The last day we were in Oregon we realized that James had started pushing himself up into a seated position and I finally got to see him do it the morning we left for the airport! Now he’s a champ and sits himself up all the time. It’s so cute when we look in the crib monitor and see his little head looking into the camera haha.
The day after we got back from Oregon I had a photoshoot and took James along with me. Let’s just say… that poor baby was jet lagged and exhausted from the trip. He was very fussy, but thankfully my Wildbird sling helped us through and he took a GOOD nap when we got home.
Even though it’s hot outside, we have had fun going on some family hikes on Sunday mornings before church. It’s such a great way to get out of the house and get some fresh air!
This month James has discovered how to point and it is so stinkin’ cute. He points his finger any time he wants to touch something and it melts me every time! I love watching him with the touchy-feely books.
While on a walk with James and Lillie I found this gorgeous patch of wildflowers and came back later that day to take pictures. #worthit I mean… check out that cute little baby belly!
Aunt Brittany has been able to hang out with us while on summer vacation and we have LOVED it. One day she babysat him while I was at a photoshoot and I came home to him sleeping in her arms. Talk about precious!
Did I mention James’s personality is shining?? He LOVES music and I caught him singing one morning while eating breakfast. It was seriously the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
July brought another holiday for little man! He looked freaking precious for the 4th of July. This year we had friends over for dinner, and it was seirously so much fun!
This month Isaac and I got to shoot a wedding for a sweet friend of ours and James tagged along with Lala and Grandpa. Not to brag, but James was definitely the best dressed that day. Plus did anyone say future photographer?
I’ve been so busy embroidering lately, and James has had fun “helping” me work. He thinks the thread is super fun to play with, likes to try and take the projects out of my hands, and enjoys running to the post office with me to drop off packages. I love my little buddy so much!
We ended James’s 11th month with a road trip to Colorado with my family! The drive up there was very tough on James, and he ended up having a fever the first two days we were in Colorado. Thankfully he got better and the rest of the trip was a blast! Best of all, the drive home he slept almost the whole time so it was much more enjoyable for everyone in the car.
While in Colorado we visited Andrews Lake and James “caught” his first fish.
We also had a blast hiking, going on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train, catching up with family, and then ended the trip with a visit to the Big Texan. It was such a great week, and I will forever cherish the memories we made. It was hard going on vacation to my Dad’s favorite place without him, but getting to show James all these places he used to love was so special.
One of James’s favorite parts about Colorado was when he got to try like five different flavors of ice cream in Silverton. I mean, I guess that’s what happens when you have so many generous aunts who want to see your face when you eat their ice cream haha!
While in Colorado James turned 11 months old, and we got to celebrate surrounded by all my siblings and my mom. How special! And then a few days later Isaac and I celebrated four years of marriage. I couldn’t have picked a better place to reminisce on the past four years with my husband.
This month James started doing so many new things! Between sitting up on his own, pulling up and climbing all over everything, dancing anytime a new song starts to play, and saying his first word “ball” he has been learning and changing so much lately.
He has also figured out how to express his emotions. And by “express” I mean he’s started throwing mini temper tantrums when things don’t go his way. It’s sooooo fun. ;) But the crying is usually followed by one of his scrunchy nose smiles, and the frustration disappears. It’s so neat, though, seeing him grown and learning how to deal with his emotions. Thankfully most of the time he is a happy, smiley, chatty little boy and I LOVE that.
He’s growing up so fast, and I still can’t believe almost a whole year has flown by! My goodness if the years keep flying by like this, I don’t know if my poor mama heart can take it!
Here’s to the last couple of weeks before my baby is no longer a baby. #imnotcryingyourecrying
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