He-Man is 5 Months Old!

5 months ago today JJ and I saw Evan (or "He-Man" as we sometimes call him) for the very first time.  I can't believe how quickly the time has gone since then!  Even more unbelievable is how much Evan grows and changes every day. He's rolling and scooching all over the place, he comes up with new noises daily, he eats cereal mixed with a few veggies or fruit daily and he's thinks cartoons are the most hilarious thing in the world.  He loves his books and stuffed animals and bath time has suddenly become a fun game of "How Much Water Can I Splash Out Of The Tub?".  Evan's sleeping habits have him sleeping until sunrise, although lately he's been waking up a few times at night to have his pacifier put back in or for a quick snack.  But, compared to those first few nights at home 5 months ago....he's come miles!.

HAPPY 5 MONTH BIRTHDAY E.R.B.!

Chatty Chatty

Evan is napping right now (he's been particularly fussy these last few nights), so I'm taking a moment to try and figure out how to upload videos onto this blog.  My phone is chalk-full of videos of our little man, but they are all to big for me to text or e-mail anyone.  Anyone else out there have an HTC EVO who has figured out how to e-mail or text videos to people??  Pretty annoying to have such an awesome camera phone and not be able to share my endless, yet fantastic, footage of Evan laying around and chewing on his feet...it's pretty ground breaking.

Anyway, Evan has become super chatty lately.  He enjoys rolling from his back to his front, chewing on some toys, then flipping over to his back again.  It's safe to say, the boy is starting to move.  He's developed this little scream that is pretty ear piercing, but tolerable - and a little cute - when he's making it as a result of a good mood (when he's pissed and makes this new noise, I worry about the windows breaking).

In other Iowa news, I'm done with my regular responsibilities as Jon's executive assistant.  It feels good to know the replacement I've trained is excited to fill my shoes.  I'll miss it, but I'm staying on the payroll on an hourly basis as there are still a few things that will need my attention in the future.  JJ has his second cutting of hay down, but it's been so incredibly muggy and hot, it's taking a while to dry out.  Thank God the tractors all have fantastic AC.  The lovely Iowa weather has granted us what's shaping up to be a full week of extreme heat (highs in the 90's, heat index toward 110).  But, at least the corn is growing!  Despite the heat, JJ is still working like crazy.  His day's don't end until 8:00 at night, and sometimes later.  So, Evan and I tag along when possible, sneaking in family time at the feed store or in the tractor (which Evan loves).  Last weekend, Evan cruised with Dad in the big tractor while Jim and I manned the little tractor to move bales.  We like to think we're pretty helpful...but there is definitely room for improvement.

Evan got to meet my Uncle Kirk (my dad's brother...can you see the resemblance??) who was in town with 3 of his 4 kids last week.  I haven't seen him since I was a little kid on family vacation years ago, so it was fun to catch up.  It's so special how one baby makes 2 families grow.

A Fabulous 4th

Overeating.  The word that describes the main reason holidays were invented (in my opinion). Our little family enjoyed BBQing with friends and family throughout the weekend.  We hung out pond-side with JJ's friends Troy and Jeff, eating way-too-much pork and ribs.  Of course, the Busch Light was plentiful, too. Sunday Night earned the prize for "most indulgent meal of the weekend." We hosted Sunday Night Supper at the farm and had a blast.  King Crab legs and 2 types of paella cooked by my Dad, stuffed and grilled jalapenos, asparagus, watermelon, focacia bread, strawberry rhubarb crisp plus various appetizers of ample calorie counts were accompanied by martinis and wine.  We love to eat. Period.

Other news is none-too-out-of-the-ordinary.  I begin training my replacement in the office next week, which will be nice to have over and done with.  JJ is working crazy hours, as usual this time of year.  The last few days he's easily worked 14 hours with 3 hay fields to cut/bale, a huge polo tournament at the farm this weekend (20 players in town) and the construction of the indoor arena under way.  I am mandating that JJ teach me how to run the tedder and the rake for the hay so I can help him when days get crazy.  Plus, Evan and I like to get some good tractor time in.