The Roux

First Birthday

It's a special day over here. Case is one year old today! He was born at 7:29 pm this evening so throughout yesterday and today I've been playing back my memory of his birth. It all started on Mother's Day a year ago, 8 am, and by the next evening we had an 8 pound 15 ounce baby boy who we named Case James Phinney. And oh how I love him! 

'tar

Case LOVES guitars. He acquired this coveted electric, blow-up guitar from a friend's first birthday party. It was a party favor. And I couldn't be happier about the Stratocaster printed pj's that were handed down to us recently. He will wear this shirt a LOT and not only to bed. 

Case has started saying words! One of his first is "taaarrr," a simply excellent version of "guitar." He says it over and over as he carries this silly green thing around the house. 

You might notice Case's runny nose. We recently experienced our first fever. Little baby was hot! We gave him extra TLC and dye-free acetaminophen and after a few days he was back to his old 'tar-loving self. 

Lunch Time

I'm still trying to broaden Case's diet. It's quite a chore to get up to speed on food by one year of age in order to wean from the bottle. Slowly, but surely we'll do it! The past two nights Case has eaten unsalted versions of our dinners, which included tofu cooked with ginger and garlic, quinoa, mushrooms, and onions. Here he's eating a sandwich with a simple avocado spread. I've also used a homemade white bean and carrot spread. Sandwiches are definitely on the tall side for his teeny mouth so they're better eaten in doled out pieces, as is most of his food. He seems to enjoy putting food into his mouth as an exercise and often ends up with too much and simply doesn't know what to do. My finger has been stuck in the clenched jaw of his little shark teeth many times. All six of them.

In Bloom

It's Spring! And this is exactly why we love our neighborhood: charming homes with green grass and flower beds, enormous Sycamore trees lining the streets, and a small town feel. 

Flying the Coop

It's been perfect weather for our toddling ten month old to get outside and explore. He's even been walking Charlie with me in the evenings, without the stroller or carrier! We recently went to pick up eggs from a neighbor that keeps hens in her backyard. Case had a great time interacting with the girls. This could turn into a regular activity!

Just Wakin' Up

Our little Casey usually wakes up, calls out for us and greets us with a big smile, and then he promptly jumps around in his crib, buries his head, goads us into chasing him from end to end (really cute!), and plays with his stuffed animals. This is all done while we come in for hugs and kisses, turn off the TWO white noise machines and open the curtains. We're having a good time!

Laundry Friends

Charlie loves laying in the laundry. He spent all day in this pile because it was there ALL day. Why fold clothes when you can go to the park on a warm February day and swing on the swings?

Getting It Together

So, yeah, this baby is much older than the last post. Case is almost nine months now. I've recently been nudged by my creative self, since I've done nothing but "baby" for almost nine months, and have decided to get this blog going again. I'm not sure I'll be as eloquent as or even comparable to Rummage, a recent find that is extremely nice on the eyes. I'm not as crafty. But my baby is very cute and I might actually have the impulse to talk about something else one of these days. What kind of diapers are you using?

Best Friends Forever

Case has acquired several new friends. Elephant is equipped with a built-in lullabye mechanism. Giraffe rides with him in the stroller. Doggie likes to hang out during tummy time. I remember how much I loved my stuffed animals. Each and every one of them having their own unique personality and place in my heart. And that way you can NEVER get rid of ANY of them. Mine are all sitting in a great big pile in my parents attic as I write this blog post. I should donate them. I'll put that on my to-do list. 

Looking Up

Case is two months old now! I've heard it so many times - "enjoy this time, they grow so fast!" And it's so true. I'm already wondering if I've taken enough pictures of the earlier days.