Number 1 Stunner

Van and I went to see his prize-winning photo collection today! What a handsome little man.

Cousins

{Auntie Snags--you owe me!} Posing Van & Fray for a joint cousins picture was quite a task. These are some glamorous babes, but not on the same page when it comes to their modeling techniques. Fray was quite the bi-pedal diva, and Van was frustratedly trying to follow in her footsteps! Despite the chaos, the end results will make you smile!:

Do It Yourself Babyfood

I used to think moms who did this were super heroes {and not that they aren't} but its easy to make your own babyfood.  All it entails:

1- Chop
2- Steam or bake
3- Blend
4- Freeze

I tried all sorts of things. Van sampled my homemade squash, green beans, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, avocado, carrots, and baked apples with cinnamon!

He was apprehensive at first, but I mixed a little warm water with the finished product and he was opening for more. {And you can grow most of these veggies in your own yard or from Bickett Market}.

Van & Auntie Snags--July 2010

What you want to hear.

"This draft is looking good. You have come a long way...Lets give it one more shot and I think we've got it."
-Thesis advisor.

Heck yes! A light at the end of the graduate school tunnel. A light at the end of the working part-time tunnel too--I am starting a part-time job August 10th!! Van will most likely go to an in-home daycare, we are visiting our options next week.

Hello baby Fray, Auntie Snags, and Uncle Bo! Cute pictures to come. Van and Fray are the cutest babes I have ever laid eyes on.

Speaking of modeling...

you have one new voicemail...

"Hi Emily its Chris down at the photography studio... thank you for letting me use Van's pictures in my photography contest--just wanted to let you know we won! Would love for you to stop by and see his prize photo -- I hung it proudly on the wall!"

Lordy lordy...

Right on target

Today was Van's 9 mo. checkup. Hard to believe! He is right in the middle of the growth chart -- 20 lbs. and 28 inches. with the exception of his head, which is suprisingly in the 60th percentile. He did well with his blood test but had a quick cry over his Hep.B vaccine. Dr. Walker gave us the green light for all sorts of new foods, including pasta, meats, and some dairy--so I know Van will be glad to indulge in a more filling menu. He charmed the entire office and someone even suggested we pay for his college tuition with his modeling career as the Gerber baby. Nice idea!

Fun at the beach!

Van LOVED his first time in the water. I'll let the pictures do the talking...

Thanks G-Diddy and G-Mommy for all the great photos!!

{And daddy for being so fun}

And to mommy for letting me be such a messy eater!

And thank you, Oliver, for letting me poke you in the ear & nose:

We had so much fun playing in the ocean, relaxing, and enjoying the beach. Evans and I indulged in a Dockside visit on a stormy, lazy afternoon.

Such a great week. I'd be super sad its over if it wasn't for our northern fam arriving this week! Cannot wait to see you all.

More pics here if you are interested.

{Sadly my camera never surfaced at the Bach party, but Van managed to sneak in a little visit to wish the Bachelorette a happy Saturday morning!}

Wine + Design and Sleep Time

Wanted to share one of the neatest places. . . I went here on Thursday. My painting:

Van & I have been a little under the weather, but getting lots of sleep and plan to rebound by beach time tomorrow!  Here is his sweet sleepy soul {in too small pj's} :)

Beach Bound!

We are preparing to beach-it for the upcoming week in Wrightsville -- concluded with a fun Bachelorette Party with Routhie!!! {Sorry Van, you have already met your Bachelorette Party quota for your lifetime when you were in my belly}. I am so excited for both events, I can hardly stand it.

Other than model his jorts, all Van wants to do is practice walking. His walking cart gave him the first taste of freedom and he's not looking back!! He doesn't want me to hold onto him at all, but then when I let go -- ker-plop...boo hoo...

So far the things that interest him most are picking up the rug in our den, throwing the egg crate + retrieving, and lastly chasing Sophie (Linda) around the house.  {Naturally--he is more preoccupied with things not meant for babies}.

Happy Summer!

Van's First 4th

He wore blue jeans...

Popped the collar,

And had his picture made! What a cutie.