Here in Michigan

Liam at the Children's Museum

We are still having fun. It's a little hectic this week as Ryan is back to school and work. I am working five hours a week from home. Well, I'm supposed to be working five hours a week from home. But it seems to be closer to ten at the moment. My replacement starts next Monday so I'm sure we'll get there! And we are thankful for the income. :)

Here are some photos. CLICK HERE. To check out.

Liam is learning so fast now. He can read early reader books with some help (For example, The Cat in the Hat, Are you My Mother?)  Shelley also found some old books on tape and a cassette player for Liam, which he adores. Today we went to the library and I was excited to see that they have books with companion tapes. We checked out two (the limit) and brought them home. He's been enjoying a book called Mud Pies this evening while going to sleep. Liam is also quite the cook. While Jude naps in the mornings, Liam and I prep all the food for lunch and dinner. He is so focused and such a joy while cooking with me. It's also great for his math skills!

Jude is about ready to take his first steps. He's let go of support a few times recently and tried taking a step this week. He seems undeterred by falling--no fear. A few weeks ago he climbed our flight of stairs (with me behind him) by himself. He is also starting to really understand language. Yesterday Ryan told him to put a block into a wooden box, and he followed directions. Today, I asked him to point to the baby in his book, and he did. He just loves Liam and follows him everywhere, often trying to copy him. He's started eating regular table food if it's soft. Tonight he had some falafel and loved it! I've also started giving him a cup with lid to drink water. His eyes are also still changing color. They were gray-blue, then blue, and now they are starting to look more green. I wonder what color they will settle on! Hard to believe he's almost a year old already.

That's about it for now. Be sure to check out the new photos!