Sweet Boy is 6 Months!

My little man is 6 months old today!  

He's a sweet happy little guy.

With a serious side.  He will have to check you out before he breaks into that grin of his.

He's getting so big.  I think with each baby I try to slow down time more and more and am less eager for them to hit the next milestone.

Ryder LOVES his sisters and they are the best babysitters a mommy could ask for (sorry about the crazy girl hair, but this is real life after all!)

Happy six months sweet boy!

At six months I am:

• Rolling from my belly to back
• Starting to scoot around
• Keeping my blue eyes!
• Eating like a big boy - love squash and pears, not a big fan of peas
• Loving my bouncy seat but also enjoying the exersaucer and bumbo when it means I can be close to mommy while she cooks :)
• Smiling and laughing a lot- especially for my sisters
• Putting anything I can get a hold of into my mouth
• Teething, but no teeth yet and drooling a lot (as you can tell from my       pictures)
• Pretty laid-back, except for when it's time to sleep!
• Making Mommy and Daddy very happy and proud!

Sweet Sleep

2014 has come in with a bang for us - lots of sickness, little sleep. I don't believe it's a preview of all this year holds.  I know God has good things in store for us. But, it does just seem like this culmination of all that's been going on the past several months, and it's stirring my spirit.

My number one prayer for awhile has been for peace and sleep for our family.  Ryder came into our lives as this sweet little bundle that just didn't like to sleep all that much, at least not outside of my arms. He gave us a little respite between 2 and 3 months, but it was short lived and by about 4 months in I felt like I was ready to crash and burn.  Little sleep leaves me very emotional and me being very emotional leaves everyone in this home feeling vulnerable. Sad mommy = sad family.

So I decided to start praying, really praying.  I don't know why it took that long.  In the last two months I have probably spent hours praying and singing to my Father with my baby in my arms.  Probably some of my best spent time this whole year. I know God has heard my cries. And so these last two weeks have just seemed like one last jab from the enemy.

But, see the great thing is that he doesn't win. As I spend time with my Father my heart mends, my emotions are channeled, my soul is singing again. I believe God's heart is for sweet sleep for my baby, just as much as He desires health for us.  So I'll just keep asking and realizing He will have to take care of the rest.  So 2014, here we come!

Hans built the girls bunk beds for Christmas.  They love them! And actually, when healthy, I think they are sleeping better than ever in their new beds.

This guy is just the sweetest thing.  He just loves to snuggle... all night long :)

This was Brielle's last night in her crib.  She is growing up so fast and doing really well sleeping in her new bed and going potty!

Natalie made Christmas so much fun this year.  She is busy learning.  She writes almost all of her letters and her latest kick is writing words.  So much fun watching her learn and knowing she's getting ready for kindergarten!