Preston's favorites....

Preston is such a happy boy lately! There are a few things he's really gravitating towards...

First is people. This kid is so social and I love it. Usually, it only takes a matter of seconds for him to warm up to someone. Here he is with his buddy Miles at dinner recently. There's a span of about 6+ months between Miles and Preston and while it's a lot right now, it will be nothing in a few years. Miles is sure to be the cool older kid that Preston learns bad words from. (Just kidding- Miles wouldn't dare- he's a total pumpkin!)


Next- we are slowly introducing solid foods and so far, he seems to love to eat! He's so interested in food and drink- I had to add these in here... Here he is trying SQUASH for the first time. I love these pictures- they show how he just oozes sweetness. ;)



Notice how his bib says "I love my puppy." Well, that couldn't be more true. Preston has discovered Ruby and he thinks she's the greatest thing ever. His face literally lights up when he sees her and sometimes, he'll break out into a full-on laugh. (Which happens to be what Ruby aspires to bring out in everyone.) She is interested in Preston, but mostly just wanting to lick him or rolling around by him. I know she's about to fall in love with him as soon as he starts eating and dropping cheerios, though.





And here's one for Daddy-
He loves the Cubs. (Check out this face!!!)

Poor kid, he's in for a lifetime of heartache as a Cubs fan. :) Unless, of course...this is their year!

He also loves this cigar holder as his new toy. Yep- a cigar holder. It's easy to hold and doesn't have any sharp edges. And- call CPS- there is actually a cigar inside. He likes to shake it around. Don't worry, we are still going with the whole "smoking is bad" parenting model, but hey- if this thing keeps him happy and makes the Grandpas proud- so be it!



His other favorite things in no particular order:
~Not sleeping. (Well, ok- this may be his #1 favorite thing.)
~Pulling mommy's hair.
~Playing with mommy's necklaces while nursing. (That's one of my favorite's too.)
~Talking.
~Tickle time.
~Standing up while we hold him- he's SO proud of himself- it's precious.
~Aunt Kristin Fisher and Uncle Matt Adams- he thinks they are the goofiest people ever and ends up giggling for them non-stop.
~His Grandmas and Grandpas!
~TV. (Which we hate that he loves and try to avoid at all costs. But he especially liked the Super Bowl the other night.) ugh.

So as you can see, he's pretty easy to please these days. Which makes Kevin and I easy to please, too. He's been a total rockstar at the new house- riding in the sling or kicking around on a blanket while Kevin and I work, measure, meet with contractors, etc... I think he'll adjust to the move just fine. I'm actually more worried about Ruby.

Last but not least, take a look at my ticker at the top of the blog. Can someone please explain to me how that little marching baby is almost halfway down the caterpillar?

Social Butterfly

Ever since Preston was a wee-lad of a couple weeks old, I decided it was time to get him out with me as much as possible. These days, we go everywhere and I'm starting to notice that days where we stay home he's fussier than days when we are running around. We do things like go to moms groups, play at the library, meet other moms or friends for lunch, coffee or playtime, lots of shopping- sometimes (lately especially) furniture stores, home improvement stores or used goods stores, or other times, we'll just run the usual errands that come up through the day.

Here he is with Aunt Kristin as we met friends for breakfast at our favorite new coffee shop, The Friendly Fox. It's walking distance from our house and has a great atmosphere to linger for hours. Preston is becoming quite a regular there!



Our group of neighborhood friends recently had an impromptu gathering for game-night, and Preston was welcomed with open-arms and we were happy to bring him along since it was a casual early evening. Here he is at the head of the table, asleep on Daddy. If you look closely, I guess you can make him out through the myriad of wine bottles. ;)


We take him to watch football and play with Matt and Holli, too!



Over the holidays, we had several outings like dinners and open houses that we attended and took him along, so it gave him even more of an opportunity to be exposed to and charm some new people.



The best thing about staying busy is that often he falls asleep in the car and if I can pull it off without waking him, I allow him to sleep in his carseat- chasing the ever-elusive quality nap- until he wakes up once we are home. One of the reasons I think he does a bit better on days we are out is because like most kids, he sleeps great in the car. Maybe if gas weren't so expensive right now, I'd spend my days just driving around Fort Wayne.





We have some big projects coming up with the new house, so it will be interesting to see how Preston (and Ruby) handle this whole transition. If anyone has any ideas or advice on a gradual move with a baby (Shell, Britt, Chom....) please send them my way. Stay tuned for a play-by-play of the upcoming weeks!

5 months flew by.

Preston turns 5 months old today, (Seriously- where has the time gone!!!???) so I figured it was time for some updates! It's so amazing to have watched the development he's experienced in just the last few weeks, and I'm guessing he won't slow down anytime soon, so I had better bring my blog readers up to speed.



He's tried rice cereal. He hates it.
I feel really good about the fact that he's been exclusively breast fed for 5 whole months, and figure a tablespoon of brown rice cereal might actually give his little taste buds a treat. He's not a fan, and honestly- it's as much trouble as it's worth, because by the time we spend 20 minutes getting him to eat ONE tablespoon, the majority ends up on his bib. I have been doing tons of research lately about starting solid foods, and even though we are only at the cereal stage, feel confident that we are on the right track to helping Preston become a good eater over the next few months.




He's SO much more mobile lately!
All of a sudden, this kid is rolling over, pulling his legs up, grabbing everything in front of him, kicking, swinging his arms, and arching his back when he wants to be held differently. Just when I thought I was a whiz at super quick diaper changes, he's made things a little more interesting by squirming and rolling. The same goes for getting dressed every day- he wants to grab his clothes and usually try to eat them as EVERYTHING is going in the mouth these days.



He's in the 50%tile for height, weight and head circumference.
Ok, Ok, big deal... but those of you with babies know that in a doctor's office, everything about their development is based on how they are growing. When he was born almost 3 weeks early, Preston was just under 6lbs and only in the 10th %tile for weight. He was up to the 25th by his 2 month appt, and just recently, in the 50th or slightly above, so basically- he's quickly becoming a tank.



Sleep sucks.
Sorry- there's no other way to say it, and these are actually Preston's words, not mine. Just kidding, but he's still not the best napper or long nighttime sleeper in the world. A few hours here and there or holding a sleeping baby has become a way of life for us. However, I try to embrace it and see it as precious time and quite moments in the middle of the night with him that I can cherish. ALTHOUGH- I have to say... the past week or so, he's done remarkably well again- usually around a 6 hour stretch. (Way to go, P!!!) He generally takes a short nap in the morning and a couple in the afternoon, and maybe a few cat naps throughout the rest of the day if he feels like it. No rhyme or reason, no pattern, no LONG consistent naps. Ya know- we've really come to terms with it... "it is what it is" and for now we are fine with that. :)




Teething without teeth.
The poor thing has spent the last month trying to cut his bottom two teeth. I know it can take months for them to actually come in once the process starts, but I hate that he's in pain. He cries, grabs at his lower gums, chews and drools incessantly, and literally puts everything he can get his hands on (and often his hands themselves) in his mouth. I can see the two little teeth on his bottom gum line, and feel the tooth buds, but so far, no actual teeth have come through. Luckily, we've been able to control his pain pretty well with these all-natural teething tablets and infants tylenol drops when it's really bad. Poor thing- he's been a trooper.



Loves to play!
And really, what kid doesn't? It's been SO much fun to watch him start interacting with all his toys and books. We just started using his exersaucer thing and the first time I took him out, he cried. He adores being read to, and will stay completely attentive for several books in a row. I swear he'll turn the pages of board books, too. And he loves his toys. A few favorites are coincidentally all the same brand- "Manhattan Toy." I don't know if it's their bright colors and funky texture, or that he just happens to love those particular ones, but he's certainly fond of them. (Hint-hint, Grandparents....) :) We do "Horsey" where we'll gently bounce him up and down on our ankle and he can't get enough- it's so cute!






He's found his volume button!
While he's been jabbering for what seems like forever, in just the last week, this kid has figured out that he likes to be LOUD. He'll be talking up a storm and all of a sudden go into a cat-like screeching sound. Here's a video of Kevin getting him to talk. (Notice that at one point, he attempts to brainwash Poor Preston into learning "daddy" by singing a little "daddy daddy daddy daddy daddy" song.)




And last but not least, Preston is about to get a new room!
Remember this post where I went through all the nightmarish happenings of trying to get his current nursery together? Well- we get to do it all over again!! That's right, we've found a new home and take possession a week from this Friday! We are a little overwhelmed at the thought of moving with a baby, but we know this is a great family home that we can grow into with lots of space for Preston to play. We hope to see you there soon!

Preston's got friends on the way!

And lots of 'em! My friend Betsy just posted about her cute pregnant friends, so I was inspired to copy. I'd like to add that there is definitely something in the water around here (I'd better stick to wine, then- just to be safe) because I have SO many pregnant friends right now it's scary.

First up- we have Erin Spencer... "Chom" to those who know her well.

(She's the one on the right and was very newly pregnant in this photo.)
Erin and Andy are expecting their second baby in early February. They don't know the sex yet, but I'm betting it's a girl. Preston thinks it's a boy.


Next, Kevin's brother Matthew and our sister in law, Heather!

Here's the mama-to-be (also very newly pregnant in this photo) holding Preston when he was only a day old in the hospital. She is Due April 8th, but the baby - (again- they don't yet know the sex) is measuring ahead (What an overacheiver!) so maybe it will come a little early. I also think this one is a girl, but Preston isn't sure yet.


Then comes Holli and Matt Adams- our amazing friends (who are really like family) and live just down the street.
Here they are looking very natural with Preston in the hospital:

They are due on 6/7/08. (I keep hoping the baby will be born on that date at 9:10- how fun!) Poor Holli has had a rough pregnancy- being VERY sick and recently a violent hives breakout. They don't know what they are having yet, but will find out on the 25th of this month, and are keeping their names a secret. (little sneakies.) At one point, I would have bet my life's worth that this one was a girl, but lately, I'm picking up a bit of a boy vibe.


In July, we have Britt and Ben Metzger.

She is on the far left in this photo. Britt and Ben are expecting their THIRD child right around the 4th of July and we are so excited for them! Just like with their first two, they are waiting until delivery to find out the sex of this baby. I'm going with a boy. Preston, too.


In August, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Michelle and Ian Byers' 2nd baby.

Here she is with her daughter Abby and me and Preston when he was about 9 weeks old. (If you can't tell from the picture- he hadn't yet grown out of the screaming-phase.) Michelle, an impatient-planner type after my own heart, will also find out the sex of this baby before it comes on the 9th of August. I'm betting boy because she says this pregnancy is unlike her last one. Preston thinks it's another girl.


Also in late August, (or early September) Kevin's brother Mark and our sister in law Nicol, are expecting their second!

(This will be the 11th grandchild on the Erb side and the 3rd one in a 12 month span!) Nicol and Mark are planning on finding out the sex of this baby. I think it's a boy and Preston thinks so too. He says he needs another boy cousin to play with.

I have to admit- I know of at least one other pregnancy that is still on the "down low" for late summer/early fall, but I can't disclose it yet... :) It's amazing how babies come in waves, huh? I did hear that we are in the middle of another baby boom generation. Looks like our friends and family got the memo.


In Preston news, he had his well-baby check yesterday at the doctor and now weighs 15lbs, 4 oz and is 25 and a quarter inches long! Where has my little peanut gone?! Before you know it, I will have major newborn-fever and join in the ranks of the names above. ...Ok, not "before you know it," but eventually. Maybe we'll wait until Preston is old enough to get up in the night with a new baby- you know- because with his sleep schedule, there is a good chance he'll be awake anyways. :)

It's a new year!

Preston would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! He's got big plans for 2008- walking, talking, eating solid foods, and every other imaginable baby activity that he's sure to master in the coming months. Oh, and he wanted me to add that his new year's resolution is to take better naps. :)

We hope everyone has enjoyed 2007 as much as we have, and that you are all "expecting great things" for 2008!

Preston's First Christmas

This Christmas was obviously the most special that Kevin or I have ever experienced. Last year, on the morning of the 24th, I took a pregnancy test and was astonished to see a faint second line come up. My family had an idea when I was drinking water throughout the evening, and Kevin and I were cautiously excited until actually having a blood test done to confirm. Needless to say, last Christmas, our head was spinning with the news that THIS Christmas we would have a baby. Now, though- it seems impossible to remember life before him.

This past week has been a whirlwind of family events and celebration of the season and Preston handled all of it wonderfully. We are so lucky to have such a social little man who doesn't mind being passed around, cooed at or loved on.

We kicked off the holiday by meeting Matt, Natalie and Emma in Marion for dinner. (We decided it was the halfway point between Muncie and Fort Wayne.) Going for some local Marion fare, high style as it may be- we chose a restaurant called Little Rosies or Rosie's Little Italy or something... It may have been a bit of a dive, but we got to see the Pryor family for our annual Christmas dinner with them and Nat and I got to snuggle with our Godbabies which is always a treat.


On Sunday afternoon, we hit the road for good old Elkhart to make the family rounds. Preston was a doll and there was no shortage of gifts for him by any means. He scored some awesome toys and clothes from Grandma and Grandpa Roberts and Aunt Tori and Uncle Collin treated him well, too!


Later, with the Willig side of the family, he was spoiled with books and stuffed toys and lots of hands willing to hold him. (Or should I say, waiting their turn with him?) Great Grandma Joan got some special time with him reading one of his favorite books, The Big Red Barn, and Preston later became enthralled with the pattern on her shirt. This is quite possibly my favorite picture of the week. Check out this face!


This picture is specifically for my Aunt Diana, who checks the blog and has requested more "smiling" pictures of Preston. So here he is, on my cousin Austin's lap, smiling at Diana:


Kevin's family gathers every year at the Erb house for Christmas Day festivities of games, gifts and a huge meal. Again, Preston was showered with love from adoring family. As I've mentioned before, he is the 9th grandchild on that side, (soon to be 10 in April!!!) They range in ages from 16 to 4 months, so you can imagine what a challenge it is to get all 9 to sit still for a picture, but we still tried:


Here are some more from our Christmas Day celebration:





I hope that everyone out there in blog-reading land enjoyed their holiday as much as we did. May the spirit of Christmas and the holiday season be with you and yours throughout the year!

Gandalf and grrrrr part 2

I got it!!! I have been trying to get Preston's new sound on video since my last post, and finally on Wednesday of this week, he was growling away at my mom's group, so I grabbed the camera and luckily was able to catch it. You have to listen closely as he's trying to eat his clutch cube toy and there are about 20 screaming babies and 20 chatty moms nearby.


Preston also got a new hat this week. Who doesn't need a new pointy-ball chin strap knit hat when it's cold out? We'll call it an early Christmas present.


One of the only things I'm anal about as far as a routine or schedule goes is the bedtime ritual I've mentioned before. As most of you know, Preston is not a "long" sleeper, per se, so we need every advantage at night to remind him of that wonderful dreamland that he's about to enter. We bathe him 99.99% of the time. (Maybe once a month if he's really out, we'll skip bathtime.) But most nights, it's a science. When he gets out, he gets wrapped up in his big hooded towel (looking like Gandalf the wizard) before getting dressed in jammies and swaddled before nursing and then getting rocked to sleep.

However, HIS new bath time routine includes a serious splash fest in which he totally spazzes out in his little baby tub. Kicking, flailing his arms, and arching his back- not in protest, but in pure delight. It's like he's showing off for us- we eat it up, of course, which only encourages more spazzing. I was able to get bath spaz on video as well. For your viewing pleasure:



In other news, he was weighed on Wednesday the 19th and tipped the scales at 14 lbs, 10 oz. His previous weight on November 28th was 13 lbs 10 oz, so he's gained an entire pound in just three weeks. Which is great, because they only need to be gaining half a pound a month, so he's obviously packing on the weight just fine. Everyone keeps saying he'll slow down, and honestly, I can only hope so because he basically can only gain another 5 lbs before we have to get a new car seat. ;)

He's been rolling over from belly to back quite a bit lately, which works well for him because he's not a huge fan of tummy time. And from the way he'll get himself onto his side, I don't think the back-to-belly roll over is far behind!

We are gearing up for his first Christmas!!! Stay tuned as I'm sure we'll be posting tons of pictures and hopefully some video, too.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and enjoys each precious minute with your friends and family. Merry Christmas from the Erbs!

GRRRRRRR!

Preston has started this adorably strange sound he's making with his throat. He does it non-stop and seems quite amused by himself. We think it's hilarious, but have no idea how long it will last, so I had to catch it on video before he's on to bigger and better sounds. However, trying to do so has proved to be pretty difficult. This kid is usually jibber-jabbering and "growling" these days pretty much constantly. ...Until there's a camera in front of his face. He clams up- who knew stage fright could start at 4 months old?? My dreams of Broadway greatness are dashed. Anyways, here's a peek at what I was able to capture- if you listen closely at around 15 seconds you get a split-second of the growl.


Today is P's four-month birthday! I cannot believe how quickly the past four months have gone... although if you were to ask me when he was about 6 weeks old, I would have said that it's dragging on.... HA! Nowadays, he's such a joy, though, that I wish I could bottle him up and keep him like this forever. I am absolutely in love with watching his little personality develop. Like Grandma Judy said the other day- "His personality is starting to show and it's a good one." We certainly think so. The poor kid gets literally about 200 kisses a day from us.

The past week or so, he's been waking up more frequently at night, so I'm wondering if it might be time to start some rice cereal. If I can survive the holidays with trying to sell our house, traveling out of town and finishing up the Christmas shopping without losing my mind, he might actually get a chance to try some real food. If you can call rice cereal real food. gross.

By the way, you read that right- I said "trying to sell our house." As of today, it's officially on the market. About a month ago, we found a home nearby that we like, (of course it's another project house that will mean ongoing work, even though we swore we'd never do that again.) but we need to sell our home before we can purchase the new one. If any of you, dear blog readers, know of ANYONE in the market for a perfect starter home, send them our way! ;)

Preston Pics

When I posted earlier about the amazing pictures Betsy took of Preston, I realized I hadn't added my favorites yet, so here they are! Some of the others are shots that I'm using for our Christmas card, so I can't "reveal" them right now! ;) (If you scroll down on her blog, you'll see more.) Thanks again, Bets- I am so happy with them!


The mom's group that I attend had tons of holiday backdrops up yesterday so that people could bring their babies in and take their own pictures. There were several that had cute rocking chairs or rocking horses, or required the babies to sit up, so I only got a few good ones of Preston:








And finally- just some other shots for your daily cuteness fix. ;)




Hope everyone is having a great week and getting into the holiday spirit!