Mmmm...Rice Cereal

The doctor gave us the "go ahead" to start giving Dawson rice cereal so we attempted it for the first time last night. Chad was a little camera happy so you can witness the whole event, overall it went really good and I was surprised by how well Dawson ate it.

First bite...

...he likes it... ...mmm...

...rethinking how he feels about it...

...okay it's good...

...open wide...

...not so sure again...

...all done...

...that was fun!

First Tooth!!

Or "teeth" I should say. Dawson's bottom two front teeth are coming in. I first felt them on December 23 and they are sharp! I didn't think they would come this early but he was definitely drooling more than usual the few days before they popped out. The only problem is that now my good sleeper has been waking up every hour at night! Saying I'm exhausted would be an understatement. So I need advice, if you have any tips or tricks on how to make this whole teething experience easier on Dawson (and me) leave a comment at the bottom of this post...please!

They are kind of hard to see in these pictures but if you look real close you can see two little white dots.

Merry Christmas Part I

We had a wonderful Christmas! Dawson's first was so much fun. We started out the morning by Dawson helping me make breakfast and mimosas (virgin for me). Chad and I opened our presents first and then my parents came over to spend Christmas morning with Dawson. Just wait to see the present they got him!

Dawson was trying to break into the presents early on Christmas Eve.

As soon as he got ahold of one it (of course) went straight in the mouth. Dawson's first candy cane, they match!

I was letting him chew on the bend of the wrapped candy cane...until I discovered he had broke it open and was tasting the peppermint. That made for a couple minty kisses!

Dawson helping Daddy open some presents...

...then giving Mommy a hand...

...but he enjoyed playing with the bows the most.

Grandpa & Grandma got him his very own Radio Flyer fire truck!

Of course this present is a little beyond his years (there are petals to make it move) but he seemed to really like sitting on the seat playing with the steering wheel and ringing the bell.

Dawson's first Hurley shirt & hat so now he can match Daddy.

We hope everyone had a great Christmas and enjoyed the time spent with family!

Merry Christmas Part II

Our second Christmas celebration was at Chad's parents house and it was pajama day! We had a delicious dinner, watched Christmas movies, the boys played on the snow mobiles and then it was on to the presents.

Picture time with Uncle Shane, Aunt Lynn & cousin Aiden.

It's so fun to watch Aiden & Dawson interact. They are noticing each other more and more now, Aiden likes to point out Dawson's nose, mouth & ears and Dawson will talk to him and laugh. Aiden's going in for a kiss.

Taking a ride.

So many fun new toys...

...but I'm happy playing with the wrapping paper!

Merry Christmas Part III

Our third Christmas celebration was at my parents. They had planned on having everyone over on Christmas Eve but with the weather they changed it to the day after Christmas, unfortunately all of the family down south were still not able to make it. We enjoyed good food and games, but stay tuned...there will be a "Merry Christmas Part IV" to come. :)

Isn't it funny how a room full of people can all be entertained by one baby?!It's a little early Grandpa! Look at my new hat!

And my new book!

All these presents and bows are still the favorite.

This is my "stink face" before I'm about to get fussy...

We took advantage of having a small group this time and played a game.

Great Grandma Hope gets distracted easily by me.

Hanging out with my second cousins-Tara & Devin.

The Calm Before the Storm

Since more snow was expected we decided to take Dawson to see the grandparents for a visit on Saturday.

Played with lots of fun toys with Grandma Bennett. Hung out with Grandpa Bennett. Practiced sitting up at Grandpa & Grandma Gartner's.

Look at this picture!! Doesn't it look like he's standing on his own?! He's obviously leaning against the couch but the picture is deceiving.

Helping Grandma Gartner make dinner.

All bundled up and headed home. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

4 Month Check Up

Dawson had his 4 month check up today. The dr. said he is doing really good and was impressed by what he's doing and his strength already. It's also time to start him on some solids. I can't imagine giving him anything besides breast milk but the dr. said we can try some rice cereal and pureed vegetables. I'm sure that will make for some interesting blogs and pictures to come. :) Here are his stats:

Weight: 16 lbs 5.5 oz (75%)

Height: 25 3/4 inches (75%)

Head: 42 cm (50%)

Dawson decided to show off a little before the dr. came in our room and I couldn't resist pulling out the camera. FYI: the owie between his eyes is from his own fingernail, don't worry I pulled out the clippers right afterwards!

Look at those thighs!!