8 months old? What?

Pulling up on furniture, navigating under the dining room table, and discovering the step in the living room. Jax has kept himself busy as he picks up his speed and figures out how to roam from room to room. He has also kept us busy as we create different barriers to keep him safe. We've got a package of toilet paper and water bottles blocking off the laundry room. We're using a plastic tub full of unopened kitchen supplies to block off the living room and at all times doors to bedrooms and restrooms are closed. We're using what we've got because I have a feeling he is going to be up on his feet real soon.

The weather has given us lots of rainy days this past month which means he was home with Papi during the day. I can tell the extra time they spent together created an every deeper bond between them and I love it! I love seeing them tossing the plush soccer ball throughout the house and watching Jax react to the energy that his papi has! I never thought our living room would turn into a soccer field but I love it! Also, I would like to mention that my husband does a pretty solid Elmo impression!

Once all the rain went away we were left with warmer weather and took advantage of the park right down the road from our home. Jax experienced the swing for the first time and he didn't hate it but didn't seem to love it. He also discovered grass! It was hilarious to see him brushing his hand across the pokey grass and trying to eat it. Once again, didn't hate it but didn't love it. It's those moments when I see my personality come out in him. When I try new things even if I like them, I don't always show it on the outside.

 

I love his curious personality. He is so much like his Papi and is down for anything! He will try new foods, explore the unknown, and smile at strangers. It's such an amazing and scary responsibility to raise up a person. As we keep navigating each day through this hood we learn what we can and show Jax through our behavior how bring out the best in each moment!

 

Oh... Jax is also pointing at everything! We love it!

Our 7 Month Old

 

Jax has one tooth, three more on the way and is starting to crawl. He is about one more day away from asking for the car keys. Seriously, that's how fast I feel like time is flying by! I am still ok with it though because the more active he gets the more fun he becomes.

He has been working on his solids for a couple months but this past month he really amped it up. I realized quickly that all those baby food purees were not going to be his thing and he would prefer to eat whatever is on mine or Papi's plates. We're totally ok with that! His favorites are avocados, frijoles, applesauce, and huevos. And don't forget any and all types of puffs. We're still working on his sippy cup skills and thankfully he hasn't used any of his ninja skills when it comes to his sippy cup. Although I am sure a sippy cup flying across the dining room is in our near future.

This past month he had his first trip to the ER and it was scary. While Fabian was just getting over the flu and I had some type of viral sinus thing going on, Jax was congested and started to wheeze and develop a croup-y cough. Note to all those parents out there, be sure you know where your closest urgent care center is because when we got in the car at midnight neither of us knew where we were going. And in panic mode it's really hard to figure it out. Thankfully we walked right in and they gave Jax some incredible care. Within about 5 days he was back to his loud and active self.

I know these next few months he is going to change and become this little toddler and as much as we will miss the baby stage, I think we're ready to have a toddler crawling around our feet. At least my back and arms are ready for him to start moving more on his own. He is currently 23lbs and very squirmy.

Caring for Jax has been one of our greatest joys. I am reminded daily that the life we are building now is our legacy for him. Each moment of training and each day full of hard work is for the generation that is coming up behind us. No pressure, but that for sure makes us want to be better parents.

-Fabian & Bee and of course Jax

Twas the Night before Christmas & the flu test was positive

Our first Christmas as a family of three looked quite different than we all expected. Some how Fabian came down hard with the flu and spent most of Christmas in our bedroom. His fever got up to 102.6 and he wasn't able to keep any food down or speak louder than a whisper. We ended up at two different clinics getting him meds and tests for strep and the flu. Thankfully he was able to come out and open presents with my family on Christmas morning. We still have yet to celebrate Christmas with his side of the family. Hopefully that will happen this week.

Our Pastor reminded me that he didn't say "in sickness and in health" during our vows but he said, "in every season." Well, the flu season is included in that statement. This past weekend showed me how much more grace I need and also how grateful I am for our families that were able to help. Jax did so great as we gracefully walked through each eventful moment of the weekend. Thankfully him and I have stayed flu free. Praise God for Lysol wipes.

Christmas break didn't go as we planned but we're together as a family and were able to create memories. We started a new tradition, Christmas Brunch at our home with my family. I cooked up a pinterest worthy skillet, cinnamon rolls, and my mom brought the tamales and fruit.

My brother even flew down from Michigan to spend the week with us. That was his present from my parents. I am always excited to see him anytime he gets a chance to come to Texas. Jax is still trying to warm up to him but little by little their personalities are starting to mesh.

Despite sickness coming to try and ruin our weekend we said, "not today Satan" and carried on! Enjoy some moments that we captured during our Christmas! Thankfully as I write this Fabian is feeling much better. That big fuzzy blanket I got him for Christmas came in handy this weekend.

 

We hope that you had a great Christmas filled with memories!

 

-F & B and Jax