Open Wide

Sometimes I wonder if Blake could open his mouth any wider, and then he does. This is how he greets me when he wakes up in the morning or from a nap. It seems like he is going to pop from excitement.

Stats

I took Blake to his 6 month check up yesterday. He was 27.75 inches (75th-90th %ile) and weighed 17.14 pounds (50th-75th %ile). His weight percentile actually dropped so the doctor said to feed him more. When it was time for him to get his shots I held his hands and made funny faces while he was on the table. He actually laughed through his first shot and made a slight whimper for the second one.



Blake is always sticking his tongue out- especially when he's babbling. It still sounds like "baba" and "dada" with his tongue out though. Good thing I'm a speech therapist.

He has been rolling over like crazy. The other day I thought I heard him wake up from his nap but wasn't sure. I walked in to find him on his stomach with his head up silently staring me. It scared me--like he was an animal watching his prey.

Visitors

Our good buddies Melodi, Delbert, and their son Drew came to visit us from Texas a couple of weeks ago. They came on a snowy week which made it interesting trying to get out- especially with two little guys. But we managed to make it to the Children's Museum, Museum of Science and Industry (twice), Garrett's Popcorn, and Giordano's for deep dish pizza. Melodi helped me with some decorating ideas for Blake's room and we went to Michael's and Target to get some supplies. We also spent each night talking and playing games. We love these friends!

6 Months

I can't believe Blake is 6 months old--it goes so fast and he is getting so big. Just yesterday someone asked how old he was. After I told her she said, "Whoa, I thought he was a year old." When he was 4 months old people thought he was 8 months. People keep thinking he's double his age. If this keeps up by the time he's getting baptized people will think he can drive.

Winter

You know it's cold when you have thick layers of ice inside your apartment on your windows! I couldn't believe this when I saw it. I haven't been out of the apartment building in 5 days! With the wind chill the temperature has been negative 20ish all week. I am curious to know what it feels like so every time Eric gets home I ask him how bad it is. He said that the second you step outside your nose hairs freeze. Interesting. Blake and I have been going a little crazy not leaving our apartment. To try and keep sane we've walked up 12 flights of stairs each day, had a few dance parties, and visited friends in the building.

Growing Up

Maggie's Wedding

Maggie and Bryce got married on December 27th in the Oakland temple. She was the last Lerch girl to get married-- I can't believe we have so many boys in our family now. Maggie looked beautiful and was so happy. It was fun being with all of our family and friends. There was a luncheon in the afternoon and a family friend let Blake have some Martinelli's sparkling cider. The reception was at our house with lots of desserts. They honeymooned in Maui and are back in Idaho going to school. What a cute couple!

Christmas in Cali

A family tradition of ours is to open one present on Christmas Eve- and that present is always pajamas! These are Blake's from Grandma and Grandpa.

My mom has made all of our stockings. She has been busy with each new addition to our family.

We bought Blake a whole book for Christmas. We're such cool parents.

A few highlights from our 10 days at home:

* Cooking in my parents' beautiful new kitchen

* Playing volleyball and knock out with the fam

* Christmas shopping

* Attending Maggie's wedding

* Serving dinner at an assisted living center

* Seeing friends in Sunnyvale

* Playing games

* Watching Blake hold his own bottle and say "bah"