Long Time, No Post

I actually posted these pictures to the blog before we left for CA hoping I'd update it in CA. However, we were too busy for me to write, so the date on the entry isn't correct, I'm writing this on Tuesday, 9/22 :)

I know, I know, it's been forever since I have posted. And we have a lot to catch up on! First, Dylan turned 5 months old on August 31st. I can't believe how much he's changed in 5 little months. I was talking to somebody recently about the amount of changes a baby makes in the first year of life and how unreal it is. He has gotten such a personality (which is still super sweet) and he's so happy all of the time. Just within the past two weeks he's learned to scream (I blame Ella!). It's this really high pitched squeal that he loves to do (especially when I do it back to him), and after he does it he just grins at himself like look what I did. He's still super physical and can sit fairly well by himself, although he usually prefers to stand with a little support from me. He's still laughing all of the time, which melts my heart every time.

Here's his official 5 month picture. I have each month's picture up at work (kind of my own photo gallery) and it's amazing how big he's getting in relation to his Hawkeye bear.

Speaking of Hawkeyes, check out how cute Dylan looks in jeans and his Hawkeye jersey. He sported it for their game against UNI and it was almost the last time he wore it if the Hawkeyes hadn't managed to block two consecutive field goals for the victory.

Whole family of Hawks!!

Kelly came to visit Kansas City and got to meet Dylan for the first time. Dylan immediately fell in love with her and laughed quite a bit for her. She was staying with a fellow Iowa grad, Lela. We went over to Lela's house to watch the game. Lela, her husband Mike and new baby girl Emma were fabulous hosts! We all had a great time and Dylan and Emma hit it off.

Looking awfully cute with Kelly :)

Lela and her daughter Emma...look at all that hair, I think Dylan was a bit jealous!

Hawkeyes from birth!!

That same weekend, we decided to head to Deanna Rose (the free petting zoo) with my mom, Andrea, Ella, Kristen, Matt and their niece Ella. We had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful weather we've been having.

Always happy to be in Kris' arms!

Smiling with Matt

Kristen and Ella feeding the goats. (for those of you who have been around me since Dylan, I refer to myself as a goat while feeding him...so this picture makes me laugh out loud!)

My friend Kristy came to visit her new niece who also had a brief stint at Children's. Luckily, she's doing great and is already home and we really enjoyed getting to hang out with Kristy. We've promised to go visit her in Denver soon!

Nicki came back for a short trip after she got back from Greece/Turkey. It was so nice to see her and she had a great time getting to hang out with Dylan, Ella and everybody else.

Nicki hanging out with Dylan and Ella at the indoor pool!

Andrea and Ella having fun in the water!

On Saturday, before Nicki left, we got professional pictures taken of Dylan, Nicki, Andrea, Ella and me (and about every combo of that group possible). The photo shoot was made possible by the extreme generosity of Jennifer Fields. She takes amazing pictures (you can visit her at http://www.jfieldsphotography.com/). She donated the session and a number of prints to Dylan and me and we are extremely grateful. She was so much fun to work with and really put us all at ease! She's sent me a couple of sneak pics from the day and they are great! I can't wait to see them all!

I love the way Jen captured the sparkle in Dylan's eyes!

Annie O. came back to visit before she heads east to Boston. We all watched Iowa destroy Iowa State at Andrea's house. We had a great time hanging out. Very few people can make Dylan laugh as much as Annie does. And of course, in her tradition, Liz brought us some great cookies to eat! Annie came over and hung out at our house on Sunday before driving back. We had a great time and promised to come visit her in Boston this spring!

Happy in Liz's arms...although wondering when he gets to partake in the cookies!

Liz and Ella had a great time playing during the game!

Annie was always able to make Zach laugh (although maybe sometimes at her vs. w/her). Apparently, that has passed on to Dylan!

Dylan seems to be thriving in daycare. They all love him there! (pretty hard not to love such a cute, smiley baby!). I've adjusted as well to having him in daycare. I know how good it is for him and the teachers are great. He has officially gotten his first cold which I know was inevitable. I keep reminding myself that it's better for him to build up his immune system now versus later.

We all went to California this past week for a family reunion. Dylan got to meet a TON of family and I got to meet some of my cousin's adorable kiddos. Look for a post and lots of pics of that soon!

As always, here are just some fun pictures from the last few weeks.

Jody (who's husband I work with) made Andrea a delicious cookie cake. She made one for somebody's last day in the office and Andrea was super jealous when I told her about it. Jody very sweetly made one for Andrea, who enjoyed it immensely, especially since so many foods still make her sick. It was very thoughtful of Jody, and very much appreciated!

Dylan gearing up for Da' Bears!!

What 5 month old doesn't need a passport?!? We're planning on visiting Aunt Nicki in Argentina this spring (and yes for those of you keeping track, Dylan is one, well-traveled little man!)

Napping with grandpa!
I love laying on mommy's lap!
I finally bit the bullet and got rid of my Saturn. It had been taking up garage/street space for the past few months. It's surprising to me how hard it was for me to get rid of it. It was a great car...here's me driving it one last time!