Our little football player...

I'm struggling a bit as a mother at the moment. Yesterday Dennis and I decided to move ahead with the cranial band for Ethan. These pictures were taken during his head scan that they will use to fit the helmet perfectly to his head. Basically, Ethan has a pretty severe case of flat head. It's not uncommon with preemies because their skulls are so soft, and it was even worse for Ethan because he had to stay in the hospital so long. His Nai Nai (Grandma Chen) noticed it very early on and we tried repositioning, but to no avail. Basically there is a 13mm difference in the diagonals of his head, and one ear is shifting forward. If we don't treat it, Ethan could have jaw problems, etc...so it's not just a cosmetic thing. So, while I want what is best for Ethan, I'm sad that the next few months will not include kisses on his head and other snuggles. I'm also worried that people will no longer smile and talk to him in public because they won't know what is wrong with him. Hopefully he'll only need it for the minimum time (3 months), but they said it could take up to FIVE MONTHS to fully correct the problem. I don't want my little baby to spend half of his first year of life in a helmet. :( But, at least the helmet will be Duke blue. Go Blue Devils! Maybe people will just think he's an aspiring football star...

New skills, new toys...

His new favorite toy--the exersaucer!

One of his first attempts to roll from his back to his belly--



Ethan has had a busy month! I (Liz) can't believe he's 5 1/2 months old, but at the same time I can't remember life without him. Tonight when I was giving him a bath I realized my face hurt from smiling with him so much. He is so happy! He's grabbing things (including his own feet!), loves to stand with assistance, and thinks he is such a big boy when he rolls over. He seems to know what he's saying to me when he babbles on and on...

Beach Trip #2

Nap time with Daddy!



This time Dennis got to join us for 5 days at Hilton Head! It started out very rainy and cloudy, but the last 3 1/2 days were gorgeous. Ethan wasn't a super fan of the tent this time, but he was a trooper. Unfortunately the pool was a bit chilly for our little man. He really enjoyed time with his cousins, aunt, uncle, and grandparents, but mostly his daddy.

Ethan loves to eat...can you tell??

Ethan started eating solids (rice cereal and a different veggie or fruit every 3 days) on August 25. He LOVES it--so much so that he doesn't like his afternoon bottle anymore. It's a little messy but he's a fabulous eater. He hasn't totally rejected anything yet! His current faves are carrots and prunes. Yum Yum!!

Ethan's growing!

his favorite "exercise" mat (with cousin Liam)

It has been amazing to watch Ethan grow physically, as well as to see his personality shine. He loves to flirt (he especially likes women, seriously!) and has a killer smile. Dennis is already saying how difficult it will be to discipline him. :) He can hold his head up pretty well now and is definitely trying to roll over. He spends a lot of time kicking and giggling, and makes the most adorable sounds.

At his four month appointment yesterday, Ethan performed very well! Dr. Satterfield said he's just "perfect" and absolutely growing. Ethan (as of yesterday) is 14 lb 4 oz (50%), 15 1/2 inches (75%--who would have guessed that Dennis and I would have a "tall" 4 month old?), and his head circumference is 17 1/4 inches (90%--yes, big head means big brains!).

Visits with Family and Friends

Auntie MargaretGreat Grand-Martha McClure
Uncle Marcus and Auntie Anna
Cousin Larry

Sorry for the delay...it's been a busy month!! Ethan has attracted many friends and family to our new home, and we've had a great time!! Ethan and I have also made several trips to Augusta to prepare for Uncle Chad's wedding. We saw the great grandparents in the mountains--Catie, the kids, and I put up 209 ears of corn from the farm! After some major traveling weeks, we are ready to settle in Charlotte for a bit.

Adventures in traveling

Last week was full of traveling and "firsts" for us as a family. Ethan's first 4+ hour car ride alone with mommy, Ethan's first time at the beach, our first pair of flights as a family, and Ethan's first wedding! The first half of the week was spent at Hilton Head with Liz's parents and brother Matthew. The second half took us to Denver for Dennis' brother Albert's wedding. Ethan was an amazing little guy and is a natural traveler! He really enjoyed seeing both sides of the family, and meeting many of Dennis' relatives for the first time. (including the bride and groom--Uncle Albert and Aunt Abby!)

Ethan is FULL of smiles these days...it's such a joy to play with him and just watch him giggle at himself.