So Long, Seattle.

James rocking his Seattle outfit (Mariners hat Kenny Griffey Jr style, Pearl Jam t-shirt)

Five years ago, Matthew and I never thought that we would become so attached to Seattle.  We moved here one month after we were married into a little apartment north of the city.  We were in love with each other, and soon fell in love with the Emerald City.  We bought our first car and our first house, we made life long friends, ate many incredible meals, tasted delicious wines and beers, learned to snowboard, saw concerts that we will never forget, ran races and rode bike rides, explored some of the most amazing natural sites from sea to mountains , and best of all, welcomed a tiny little Seattlite into the world!

We are sad to be leaving our favorite city ever, but we know Madison will be great too.  Since we are soon to be headed east, we decided to show James around the city he was born in ... and of course take lots of picture of him.

Hope you enjoy!  Back to packing and the start of a new adventure.

Fish Ladder at the Hiram H. Chittenden Locks (aka Ballard Locks)

 

Pike Place Market

James showing off his Halibut Cheeks

Kerry Park & the Space Needle

 

Thanks to our beautiful friend Kendra for being our photographer :)

3 Month Pics

I can't believe our little guy is already 3 months old!  To be exact, he turned 3 months a week and a half ago, but I haven't gotten around to posting this because we've been a little busy lately with all the packing and whatnot :)

His relationship with Teddy has improved quite a bit since James was 2 months old.  They're best buds now.

James is very proud of his age.  "Look how old I am!"

James's Auntie Em (or "Arntie Em" as she is known in Merry Old England.  Shoutout to Brother Phil!) knitted him a blanket that my dad brought with him when he came to visit.  Thanks, Auntie Em!

You may not be able to tell from these pictures, but he loves it :)

James thought that if he looked cute and puckered up, that he might get a kiss from a pretty girl...

...but was very disappointed to only get a kiss from Daddy.  Maybe next time, little guy.

Visit from Papaw

This past week, my dad (also known as Papaw) came to visit to help us get ready for the big move and to spend some quality time with his grandson.  Lucky for me (and all of you reading this!), they didn't mind me following them around with the camera all week.

Hardcore IU fans

Story Time!

Play Time!

Just hanging out.

James's first trip to a liquor store.  Papaw is such a good influence :)

James's First MLB game.  Mariners beat the Phillies, 4-2.

My 3 favorite men showing off Jame's certificate for his first baseball game.

As you can see, we had a great time, and were sad to see Papaw leave.  We love you!

June 10 on 10

 Today I took part in the 10 on 10 project.  Once a month on the tenth, participants take a photo an hour for ten consecutive hours to document the life and beauty among the ordinary things of our day.  Click HERE or on the button to the right for more information about the project.  Hope you enjoy my first 10 on 10!

Rockin' & Rollin'

James's cousin Kyla (my cousin Ricki's daughter) rolled over for the first time when she was 12 weeks old.  Since she's exactly two weeks older than James, I told him at the time that he had two weeks to roll over himself.  He thought about it a few times

And even tried once or twice

But mostly just got frustrated and gave up.

Saturday night, I had a dream that he rolled over.  Once he did the first roll, he then started rolling like a log.  It was pretty impressive.  I told Matthew about the dream when we woke up on Sunday, and then didn't think much of it.  Later that day, I was downstairs cleaning, and Matthew laid him on the floor on his belly.  He turned his back for a second to get things ready to change his diaper, and when he turned back around, James was on his back!  The little stinker rolled over for the first time, and both of us missed it! (He was 12 weeks and one day)

I tried to get him to roll over for me all day on Monday to no avail.  But today, he decided to cooperate, and I was able to catch it on camera:

Thinking about his game plan.

Getting ready...

And he's off!

Whew!  That was tough work.

Getting a celebratory hug and kiss from Mommy.

Matthew was outside cutting the grass, and when he came in, James gave a repeat performance (this one was quicker & more angry):

Getting a little advice from Daddy.

And now a little encouragement.

Here he goes!

The things I do for my parents...

He's not quite rolling like a log, yet, but we're still very proud of our tiny little man :)

So last night, Matthew had a dream that James started talking, and when he called me into the room, James kept saying "Hello, Mommy" in a Christian Bale Batman-like voice.  Kind of creepy.  Let's hope that dream doesn't come true.

(Oh, and don't worry - he looks much closer to the coffee table in the pictures then he actually was.)