I've decided to start a family blog (as inspired by Brooke B.) to keep people posted on the Des Moines Beecher's happenings. Evan is growing so fast and it's tough to keep everyone as updated as I'd like to. Hopefully, I can be somewhat religious about posting things regularly.
Evan is almost 12 weeks old! We've reached the point where I respond in months (instead of weeks) when people ask how old he is. Evan has been an active little man from the beginning, so it's no surprise to me that he is already scooching around his pack n' play, holding his head up with no problems and using his bumbo seat. I feel it will only be a short matter of time before he is able to flip over! He loves to be put in his scooter chair (what do you call those play units with wheels that kids scoot around in?) and pulled around the farm. His feet don't quite touch the ground enough yet, so I tied a piece of twine to the front so I can pull him around. He loves it! Just like his daddy...always wants to be outside and on the move. Evan is sleeping through the night on occasion (10-6), but usually wakes up for a feeding around 4:30. He weighs 15.5 pounds and is 25 inches tall. He has become the easiest baby (at the moment, he's been passed out in his car seat on the coffee table for 2 hours after our trip to True Value this morning). He fusses if his diaper is wet and cries if he's hungry. Otherwise, he's a pro at 'hanging out' either in his pack n' play, the stroller, on the bed or in the baby carrier with a big smile on his face.
Things have picked up around the farm as the polo crowd rolls in and work with Baker Electric picks up. JJ is busy building a 12 stall addition to the horse barn as well as keeping up with his normal duties. Our roommates are here, William and Luis. I have to admit, I was quite nervous about having people living with our brand new family, but so far it's been great. Both guys are extremely respectful of Evans need for quiet time and they completely adore him. There is a very good chance Evan's first word could be "Hola!" Other visitors are great about knocking or calling before they come to visit us. Our place at the farm has really turned into a home. We are very very lucky. That's not to say that we aren't planning for a place of our own someday. We want siblings for Evan and I'm dying to be able to plant my own garden and get a few chickens....and a pony....and a cow....and maybe some barn cats....hmmm - on second thought, it's probably a good thing we don't have our own place yet!
Evan officially welcomed his first cousin on the Walters side last Wednesday! Ainsley Virginia Gillman is a beautiful, healthy little girl. She is the sweetest little thing and, I'm happy to report that Ainsley, momma Lizzie and poppa Andrew are doing really well. Evan is excited to teach her about dirt and tractors. :) Its amazing how much Evan changed in the 11 weeks between his birth and Ainsley's birth...you all weren't lying when you warned us how fast babies grow!
The only other exciting news at the moment is my new job: full time mommy. After much thinking and discussion with both JJ and my boss, it was clear the best option for our family was for me to be at home with Evan, foregoing daycare costs and time away from my little man. It was a tough decision because, as many of you know, I LOVED my job and the people I worked for. But, I love Evan more and we are fortunate enough to have the option for me to stay home. I'm looking forward to finding alternate ways to contribute to our family income, but most of all, I have a great sense of relief, which (I think) means I made the right decision.
