First Food

To start his first 'food' (more like rice milk served via spoon), we served sweet Reece with an engraved cup from Uncle Bill and Aunt Johnnie and a silver spoon from Aunt Treva. They would love to know they were part of this day.
Continuing with the nostalgia, we served his first bite in my high chair in it's original condition...with one exception. The metal tray was so rusty I had to cover it.Love at first bite? Me thinks not. The food thing is a bit overrated right now, as he is just learning to take a bite and swallow. He got a few good ones in of the rice cereal, we cheered, and he seemed happy. Mostly, he just wanted to chew on the spoon.

Switched him to his own high chair...more stable and comfortable for sure. Not sure how this squirmy worm would have ever stayed in those chairs back when I was little.

6 Month Old McDonald

Wow. 6 months old. Somehow days can go by so slowly, and yet weeks and months so quickly.

Reece was pretty tired and a little bit whiney from his shots today, so we stayed home, playing a little and cuddling a lot. Will update this post tomorrow with some cute pics, but I wasn't going to force it today.

I hope you know how much you are loved, sweet boy. We love your many, many facial expressions and your infectious, seemingly full-bodied smile that you share with everyone so generously. You seem so wise in how you study things and seem to see things that we don't. People, even people that just meet you, say that you are an old soul. There is so much more to learn about you, and we are looking forward to every moment. We love you so much and are so grateful for you. I continue to pray that we will be good, Godly parents to you...and that you will come to know and love the one that so fearfully and wonderfully made you. Happy 6 months, sweet Reece.

6 Year Old McDonald

Lucy turned 6 years old today.
In case we forgot, she left a little reminder in Reece's car seat. She actually left one in his room
and I caught her putting another "reminder" in the couch.
She got in trouble for that one.

We didn't forget you sweet Luce.
You are a loving, loyal, squirrel-stalking,
sweet member of our family.
We love you. Happy birthday, girl.

Weight Lifting

At 13lbs 14oz today on his 6 month birthday, Reece he gained 17oz in 17 days, doubling his birth weight...a real weight lifter.
He's still in the featherweight class for now, but coming on strong. Actually, let's change that to superfly weight class...that sounds cool (as I'm a disco mama) and seems to suit him as well. Dr gave him the big thumbs up and Reece didn't give him any inappropriate gestures this time...Whew!Other irrelevant stats:
Height: 26" (35%)
Head: 16 3/4" (25%)

Father's Days

Darren's first Father's Day was really Father's days. We drove to Mason, Texas Wednesday to fly fish on the Llano River (pictures in Saturdays post).

We returned home yesterday and had a nice day together today.

Reece fell asleep in his daddy's arms
...somehow he knew...
it was a special day for dads.

My handsome guys.
The coordinated plaid shirt, a little gift from Reece and I.

The Inn

Our rustic cabin overlooked the Llano River.(pic from the Inn's website)
Darren awoke each morning for a second a little groggy, until he realized that he could walk right outside and be fishing...it was a sweet boy-like anxiety that filled the rest of his mood until he got out there. I peeked out of our door and watched him put on his boots.

Since we traveled mid week, we were the only ones staying at the Inn the first two nights. That was sooo nice. Each night after we put Reece to bed, we sat in the swing at the main house looking for wildlife and reflecting on the day.
We saw a deer the very first night. It was light enough for us to see, but not to get a decent picture. I'm posting this pic because it made us laugh.

Good Traveler

Reece did well on his longest road trip so far. He did wake the first two nights earlier than usual, wet, and a little extra fussy...but, we were the only tenants so that was comforting. The last and third night, he slept really well, and even during an overnight storm. He did well on the drive and only needed to stop once each way to feed. His disposition during the day was great, as you can see, and he napped well.
Breakfast for two with three. : )
Went to the downtown square in Mason, midday when it was super hot on the river. It was strangely wonderful to be hands free for a while.Not too much to see, but saw the Odeon,
the oldest continuous running movie theatre in Texas.

The River

The river was much more beautiful than I captured.

With Reece attached, the walk to the river was a little rocky and a bit tiring with all that growing he's been doing...yeah! He often kicked in joy and thought the camera strap was a toy...picture taking became a bit of a sport.Darren's form looked great, and he really seemed in his element.This was the first fishing trip together that I didn't get to take photos of his fish.
Reece and I waded a few feet to watch,
but just couldn't get close and couldn't stay out in the heat for long.

Darren caught two interesting species that seem to be beautiful fish...Guadalupe Bass (the Texas State Fish) and Rio Grande Perch.
Darren and his future fishing buddy.

Simple

Life out there was simple. I enjoyed just being in it...in nature...admidst the beauty God made. Our cabin was called 'Walden', and truly it was a special place.

We saw deer, beaver, rabbits, hummingbirds, and many, many species of birds...among the incredible creatures and sights below.
(Warning...creative outpour forthcoming below...)

Usually, I tend to be more like squirrels, scurrying around from thing to thing. Out here, even the squirrels 'get it'. This is the kind of squirrel I'm going to become more like.


Road runners are fast. After spotting us, it went off-roading in a nearby tree. Funny, he doesn't look anything like the cartoon. : )

I saw this ugly, seemingly decaying cactus from a distance. Upon closer inspection, it was a reminder to me how God can breathe a sweet new life into something ugly and unworthy. Thank you, Lord.

And butterflies are another reminder of new life. They emerge from their cocoon anew...with little to no trace of their former selves. And so incredible...

Boy Toys

Oliver was innocently playing on the floor near Reece.
You know how Reece likes his feet...today, he tried Oliver's.I guess he liked it and decided to try a few other parts.
Oliver seems to have had enough.
I think they decided to arm wrestle for it.
Called a truce instead.
Found a new toy.
Tara wore herself out blowing that thing.
And between Chrys, Oliver, Reece and me...
I'm not sure who was laughing hardest.
Although, Oliver's snort laugh was pretty funny.
>Overall, fun afternoon at Tara's.

Bath and Body Works

To answer the frequently asked question of which one of us Reece favors the most, I copied a pose I found of Darren as a baby. My plan was to post the pic of him and the copied one above of Reece, then do the same with a pic of me. D nixed that idea...evidently no bath photos of D will be making it to this blog.

But, we got something great from it....a new method of bathing that Reece really enjoyed and, of course, an adorable pic...thanks Grandmama for the original.
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BTW, it was such a non-event, I forgot to give any further updates. The unswaddling process is definitely complete. After just a few nights and very few wake-ups, Reece is unswaddled and rolling around his crib as he pleases. I am guessing it went so smoothly since we waited until it seemed like he was ready. Good stuff.

Let Go My Gecko

Such posers.
I know I've done a similar pic, but I just love baby feet!
Everything goes in the mouth these days.Mom, what is this thing on my shoulder?
Seems to have made a friend.