Deven is 6 months old!!

He has his check up next weekday I thought I would give a summary today! As I'm sure all you mom's and dad's know kids grow up fast and Deven is no exception. Between his continuous smile, hilarious raspberries, and babbling dah dah dah nick and I can hardly keep up with our little man.

I will try my best to summarize though:

weight: ~18.08 (unofficial)
Height: see check up blog next week
Hair: it's finally growing and seems to be coming in very blond

Likes:
*rolling over back to front and front to back. He's attempting to sit up but has a long way to go there
*sitting (assisted)
*babbling dah dah dah and sometimes mah mah mah but with no relation to nick or me ; )
* sucking his toes...they must be good
*showing us that he can still sleep through the night but then for fun waking up a couple times the next night
*eating solid foods - blueberries, apples, pears, turkey, squash, peas... yum yum yum!
* Mr. Star on his Einstein chair continues to be his best buddy
* Santa because he brings lots of great presents like a xylophone and a munchkin music box.

Dislikes:
* bananas, these are gross and will be spit across the table if inserted in his mouth
* staying up past bed time - while it doesn't preclude him from waking later Deven is a 7pm kinda guy
*bugger sucker - school has given Deven many good opportunities for growth but has also given him a constant runny nose that occasionally has to be cleared for him to be able to sleep...not fun for anyone!

*sitting still - Deven is mentally on the move but just can't get his body to cooperate; we do a lot of the moving for him at this point.

Well that's it for his monthly up date, here is Deven celebrating his 1/2 b-day sucking an apple at Starbucks assisted by Nick!

Last minute shopping

Deven skipped school and I took a day off from work so we could sleep in and do some last minute errands before our first Christmas together. We ran to the YMCA, became members and signed up for swim lessons to start in January. Then we went to visit Nick at his work (no hooky for dad). We finally made it to the mall where we roamed around for a while trying to figure out what to get all the special people in our lives. Thankfully Nick got off work early, came to our rescue and we picked up some fun stuff. Here are a couple of fun picks of Deven's first Xmas eve day...unfortunately spent at a mall but he didn't seem to mind! More picks to follow as we head to T town for the Johnston Family festivities!!

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Deven in a box...

We like to let Deven explore the things that he stares at...he seemed really interested in this box so we let him sit in it! It was cute!

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Big Boy Johnston

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Rice Cereal

We did some calculating and we figured out that our little guy has been eating from 30 to 40 oz a day. At Deven's last check up the doctor gave us the OK to start trying rice cereal if we wanted to but warned us that generally babies are not truly interested in this until around 6 months. Nick and had originally decided that we might as well just wait. Though after date-night Friday we decided that Deven was a great candidate for those early adopters!!


Here is Deven showing his interest!

We mixed a serving up for lunch and it actually went pretty well. He made a few funny faces and couldn't eat the whole serving but there was definitely some good eatin' involved. Another half serving for dinner went even better. Nick and I are excited for this milestone and really interested to see if it will help fill him up during the day and more importantly during the night. He had been so hungry this past month that he has fallen back into waking up several times a night which as made for some pretty tough days! Cross your fingers!

A Night Out

Nick reminded me earlier this week that our scheduled outing would be the first we have had without Deven, since Deven blessed us with his presence. I actually had to really think about this because I didn't think it was possible for so much time to pass without just hanging with Nick and the gang. Truly though, our "date-night" this Friday was the first in almost five months. If you follow our blog though you realize in no way does this mean we have not made it out at all. Deven is getting to be a restaurant regular in several cities around Washington. So, not to say we have been deprived of good ol' fashioned socialization with the general public but we have been missing the semi worry-free night that a good baby-sitter like Nick's sister could provide.

I don't believe it was Nick's ideal date night but in his words, "I'll take it." Our friend Codie is a die-hard Twilight fan and so she organized a group viewing of the 2nd in the series, New Moon, this last Friday. We (Nick, me, Anne and Deven) synchronized at our house around 5:45. Nick and I took turns flooding Anne's head with information; we hope all useful though I am sure some of it was a little over-kill. Once I gave a smiling, giggling Deven about three hugs and five kisses good-bye Nick and I climbed into the Truck for date night around 6:15.

We were scheduled for an 8pm showing so if you understand the craze that is the Twilight series you will understand that Nick and I were running a little behind. Codie and Alex graciously bought us each a gourmet Red Robin burger and snuck it into the theatre for us where we were diligently holding a spot for the group in the very long line. We were able to scarf down the burger while waiting in line and got the remaining fries past the theatre employee who had made it very clear at least two times that outside food was not permitted.

We couldn't all sit together because there were 10 of us (we were missing the Wilson's - two key players - due to sickness) but we all made it in with relatively good view of the screen. Yes, the theatre was sold out. At one point I looked around and realized just how many people were in the one room and wondered with the CDC would have to say about this scenario.

The movie it self was "OK" being a vampire genre fan from way back I of course love the fact that I can be open about my mild obsession but at the same time I am a little turned off by what has now become so main stream...I will/have gotten over it though. I think all the ladies and even some fellas will agree that the highlight of the film was Jacob Black's chiseled abs but overall the film did its best to stay true to the narrative and gave the audience what it wanted...some good sexual tension between two (or three) star crossed lovers. Good stuff.

After the movie the gang said good-bye to Julie who was so dedicated to seeing the movie that she drove three hours to see it with all of us and Shannon who stuck to her guns and insisted it was bed-time. I should have listened/followed Shan's example. With less than five hours of sleep Nick and I stumbled over to red robin where our sad lot tried to pretend that we hadn't been working and schooling for the last 5 to 7 days straight. I think we each had a drink and called it good. I tried not to feel shame as I saw the obvious disappointment in our servers face...had she pegged us for a big ticket? Sadly, at least on this night, we were not. I have faith though that we will get back on the wagon again soon...perhaps at a better bar in a more exciting city?!?!

Thankfully, Nick and my worries about leaving Deven for the first time at night was quelled by several texts we received throughout the night from Anne telling us that Deven had gone to bed timely was being a good little guy for his auntie. What was really interesting is that we were able to figure out just how much this little guy eats at night which is what will lead to my next post entitled "Rice Cereal."

Overall Nick and I had a good "first-night-out." Maybe next time we will be able to make it passed midnight.

Yup, rolling over!!

So he hasn't made it a habit yet, but D definitely rolled over on Sunday evening so we could actually witness the act. He was surprised, then laughed because we were all clapping and then he cried because he realized he was on his stomach and didn't know what to do next. Ok play-by-play is over...proud parent syndrome at its best!!
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Rolling over - maybe?

We heard Deven crying early this morning right after a feeding. If/when that happens its Nick's job to sooth our little guy so he can get himself back to sleep. A lot of times Nick just needs to help him find his thumb and he's good to go. Well this morning Nick found D on his tummy. He was upset, one because he couldn't figure out how to get at his thumb, and two because he hates tummy time and probably was wondering why he had to do this when he was supposed to be sleeping! So, while we haven't witnessed it, it looks like Deven rolls over now!!

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4 month check up

We have a big little boy on our hands...but I think we all knew that!!

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Misc Pics

Although we were all pretty busy with Halloween celebrations, working on a flooded crawl space, preparing for the week, cleaning house and napping it was a pretty great weekend. Here is a Sunrise on my favorite mountains (view from our backyard) and a cute pic of D chillin'.

Halloween 2009

It was Deven's first Halloween and I successfully picked a costume that will embarrass him when he's older and maybe appreciate when he's even older! His school had trick or treating for the older kids during the day so Deven and his buddies all dressed up for the occasion. He was a hit!!

The Wright's had a party so we ALL got dressed up. This was way out of Nick and my comfort zone but I guess we will do anything because of peer pressure. Here are some pics from the weekend.


1. Deven testing his costume out the night before his school debut. 2. Deven and me all ready to party at the Wright's. 3. Chip and Renee as skeleton's, Ryan as some weird news caster, Matt and Chanel as Scottish folk, Codie as a Geisha, Erin as a private school chick, Alex as the psycho from Clockwork Orange me as Dorothy and Nick...well Nick is the count from Sesame Street!! ; )

Four Months!

Deven turned four months old on Friday! We couldn't believe it!! Last time I weighed him, he was 16 lbs and 6oz; he varies from day to day but I am thinking he is officially over 16 lbs. This was a big month for Deven:


Likes

* All his teachers at school - he always has a big smile when we drop him off and when we pick him up.

* Thumb/hand/fingers - what ever part of the hand, you can generally find it in is mouth

* Feet - Deven found his feet this last week...it was fun to see, we sort of thought he might take after Nick and not be able to touch his toes!

* rattles - no one in particular, but he like to grab on and stick them in his mouth

* car seat toy - not the car seat so much but the fun exciting toy we attached to it makes it a hit most days.

* Talking to himself - we usually try to talk back to help him develop language but it is pretty funny to listen to him amuse himself on the way to and from school every day.

* Einstein Chair - we know the videos are suspect but the chair is awesome, so says Deven. Specifically this month the orange star...Deven talks to it, laughs at it, grabs it and chews on it...freakin' hilarious!

* Eating - Deven went through a growth spurt this last week and had his 4 mo "wakeful period" a little early. I am hoping that it is over, we were getting a little too used to him sleeping through the night.

* Drooling - nick and I haven't figured out if Deven is teething, doesn't have the ability to keep it in his mouth to swallow it or if he is just a drooling king but man alive this little man is a drool machine!

Dislikes

* Napping - still really hates napping...but we (nick and all his teachers) celebrate those hour long ones and make sure to keep this busy boy entertained!

* Colds - Deven had his first cold this month; it sucked but thankfully it was not the dreaded flu. Nick and I have gotten the regular flu shot but the H1N1 shot seems to be out of our reach.

* being away from Nick and me all day...ok this is our dislike, but I am sure if he could talk this is what he would say.

We have his 4 mo check up this next week full of official weighing, measuring and shots. We are hoping the shots go as well as last time which was minimal side effects. Wish us luck. Below are some recent pics from this month.

Grandma and Grandpa Bodle

Grammy and Gramps Bodle came up to visit a couple of weeks ago and took some great pics. They played with Deven while Nick and I tried to kick butt at soccer. We lost literally in the last second but I got my first goal ever! Deven had a really good time and can't wait to see them again.

Pumpkin Patching!

Deven and I took a Field trip to Remlinger Farms today and met up with the Blocks. As with most of our field trips, Deven is a little young to totally "get it" but we had a really good time hanging with friends seeing his first pumpkin patch (and pumpkin for that matter). We went to the actual farm and saw sheep, hens and bunnies. Deven wasn't too impressed but maybe now he will understand a little better when we sing Ol' McDonald at home! Here are some pics from our trip!

a. Shannon and her pumpkin Miss Hadley with Deven and me at the pumpkin patch. b. Deven took a snooze when we were looking around the market (woke in time to see the animals). c. Me and Deven chillin' on a pumpkin! d. Me and the D man!

Deven is famous!!

At least I think so!! Check out my cousins Husky blog which features the D man!!

http://www.crockpotsports.com/

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First Day of School

Deven is adjusting very well to his new daily digs. Nick and I have dropped off and picked up a very happy baby for the last two days. We were a little relieved that his teachers didn't have any more success then us in getting him to take longer naps during the day. We are just thankful that he gets 12hours (with 1 wake up generally) at night. I am working in Everett for the next two weeks so it has been a great transition for us as we figure out logistics. Here is our little man in his "first day of school outfit." Hopefully our luck will continue as we get used to leaving him every day!

Paternity Leave

To stretch out Deven's time at home, Nick took three weeks off from work! I had/am having a hard time being away from our little man so to ease the pain Nick gave me updates every few hours via text and email. Also, as proof that Deven was surviving without his mommy Nick emailed me mobile pics. Here are some of our favorites:

Jam Packed Weekend

We tested our limits as a new little family last weekend with many new 'firsts.'

1. First trip to visit Joyce and Loren and the Blocks in Anacortes since Deven was born...he loved drooling all over their carpet
2. First trip to Bellingham/Western since you know who was born
3. Deven watched his first hockey game...he's been to others but this one he actually watched (for a little bit...before he feel asleep again!!)
4. First unsuccessful trip to a restaurant...mom didn't get dinner that night (thankfully he rebounded this last week with lunch and dinner outings)
5. First night in a dive hotel...thankfully Deven doesn't know that the Chrysalis Inn is way cooler and decided to sleep (most of the night) like a little champ
6. First trip to IHop...since he only slept 'most' of the night, Nick and I had a fun breakfast while D napped
7. Deven and I both had our first trip to Gas Works Park for Nick and my 10 year high school reunion...all three of us have never seen so many 'under-one-year' babies ever

I think that is it, I am sort of blanking on what we did after that but I am pretty sure we all went home and passed out!! What a weekend!! Below are evidence that D was still a happy baby through it all (at least that is what we captured digitally). ; )

a. Deven and me Nick's Alumni Hockey game practice, b. The Fam at Gas Works Park for our 10 year high school reunion, c. A good representation of the '99 Raiderette Drill team...look at all those new babies!!

Stats!

I forgot to post Deven's stats!

As of 12 weeks and if we are measuring correctly:

Height: 25 inches
Weight: 15 lbs. 6 oz

D hasn't gained too much weight so far this month but we are hoping this means he might be letting others catch up!

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Happy 12 weeks to Deven!!

Nick and Deven have been having a blast this past week and a half. We (and by we I mean me) getting used to being apart every day but Deven seems to be pulling through just fine! Here is Deven on his 12 week birthday in his favorite play chair. He is pretty excited because Nick is going to have to change is diaper after he puts the camera down. Here are some details on our growing little man!

Likes:

• Thumb - when Daddy is making a bottle or when he has to go to sleep but needs a little soothing first.
• Einstein chair - especially the cow music
• Auntie Jaymie - who watched him while Daddy ditched him for golf and while Mommy had to work.
• Sammy - because he always likes up the drool on his face
• Walks - to the lake with Dad and Sam facing out in the stroller
• Standing - this is still one of his favorite activities
• Bath time - because mom makes funny faces to make him laugh
• New Friends - Charlie was born last week and Deven can't wait to play with him
• Talking - "baby" talking
• Listening to Dad read - we are on the 2nd chapter of White Mountains

Dislikes:

• When he has to wait for a bottle to warm up or for mom to get home work so he can have his dinner!
• Still HATES getting dressed and undressed
• Afternoon naps - they just aren't cool

As you can see there are a ton more likes than dislikes. Nick and I are having blast playing with him and getting to know him. He is really developing quickly and seems to learn/discover something new everyday.

Last Weekend of Maternity Leave

Last week Deven and I focused on learning to eat from a bottle during the day because I am headed back to work tomorrow. It was tough for both of us but we wanted to be sure to be good at it for Nick. Nick is going to be taking the next three weeks off to spend some quality time with D. I have been promised at least one down town visit before the little guy has his first day of daycare or what I like to call school. This week Deven found his thumb which is a blessing because he doesn't "do" pacifiers. I know we will wonder why we were ever happy about him sucking his thumb but for right now Nick and I think it is pretty cool!!

Here is the latest pic of our little guy at this weeks tailgate. Go Huskies!!

Super Cute Pics (just for fun)!!

D's first UW tailgate

Although I don't think that any of us actually went to UW a bunch of us have embraced the college and the tailgating experiences it has to offer. As a fellow fan stated yesterday, "we are starting our little guy early." Thanks to our friends Ryan and Erin Deven was all ready to go in his Husky Outfit.

Deven had to take a pre-game nap to ensure optimum tailgate activity.

On our way in to the parking lot to meet up with the gang.

Chillin' under the tent, eating some ribs and watching football on the flat screen with great friends.

Not the greatest picture but here is Deven giving daddy one last hug goodbye before mommy brings him home for bedtime. We had a great time, he was a trooper!!