Mama's pregnancy is moving along smoothly... now 21 weeks

Tough guy

Looks pretty goofy, but it works

The result? James can swim! (Well, more like float.)

Mama had a brilliant idea... combine two floaties with a floating swimsuit.

Rawr!

New hairdo

Getting dry and cuddled

Never too early to start

Playing in the sand near Nana and Papa's house

James snoozing with Papa

Logan and James were instant buds

James had a ball playing in the sand and getting near - not too close - the water

Mom and dad took a cruise in June. On the way down to stay with Nana and Papa, we met up with Great Uncle Chris, Great Aunt Teri, and Logan

Check out my new spaceship

Not in the mood for a sit-down photo with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa K

Reading a book to Great Grandpa K

Swimming with dad and duck - doesn't get any better

Another fun addition to the routine - swimming!

A visit from Great Grandma

...sitting way too close to dad's backside.

Springtime brought on a new activity...

Miss.

Success!

James learning to feed himself oatmeal

Kerrigans at Easter

Huge update

If you look below, you will notice about 48 uploaded photos, plus this posting. I've been having some technical snafus with the blog which have kept it WAY out of date for several months. This latest upload includes photos from Christmas, through James's first birthday, up to last week. They are in approximate chronological order (most recent at the top), but not perfect.

Just after Christmas, James got his first teeth. Over the course of a month or so, he got four teeth up on top, then he decided that was enough for the time being. He still only has those four teeth.

He started saying his first words in the last month. "Duck" has been a favorite word to hear for several months, but he clearly started saying it recently. He also learned the baby sign for "more" and says "moowah" when he does the sign. He also does the sign for "eat," and sometimes mixes that with saying "moowah." The r-sound is pretty tough to make. He is adorable in his efforts, though.

He has also added the sign and words for "all done" which he shares whenever he feels like it, even if he is not "all done" with a meal or other activity. He has a sign for and says "dog." He also points at things much more and we tell him what they are.

About three weeks ago, we witnessed his first independent steps. That was a real thrill. I wish I could upload the video clip that we made. Since then, he has steadily improved his balance and speed. He now walks about 50% of the places he goes.

What else?.... Bathing him in a real tub, every other day or so, has helped him to enjoy baths - finally. Now he stands by the side of the tub and watches the water flow into it and bounces his knees with excited anticipation for time to play with his "duh." (You can guess what that means; hint:rhymes with "luck") His laugh is getting more like a little boy's laugh, which is fun. That also means that his fusses are becoming more like toddler fusses, which is less fun. As the weather warms up, we are able to spend more time outside with him and he really likes doing just about anything outside. I know he will enjoy it when he can run outside later in the spring.

I hope you enjoy the updated photos. Thanks for helping to keep this blog alive!

Now he's just showing off his new skills.

The tongue is very important for balance

Hurray for springtime!