Big Changes!

I know this blog is supposed to be about Landon.....but, I thought this was newsworthy. I have been growing my hair out for the last 6 years (Scott likes long hair ;) Recently I decided it was time for a change; tattoos are too permanent, hair dying is too high maintenance, so I thought a hair cut was a good option. Worst case scenario, you don't like the cut - it will grow out. So, I took the plunge. Since I had so much to spare, I decided to donate to Locks of Love what I no longer had use for.

I must say, I felt slight anxiety when she made the first cut, but after that I felt liberated. The final product was slightly shorter than I had envisioned, but I think it turned out pretty good. Overall, shorter hair will be much easier to manage....and it feels super healthy. Scott doesn't mind it too much either!

Landon's first Christmas

We were so excited for Landon to experience his first Christmas and eager to see how he would react. Although he was a little overwhelmed, I think he enjoyed it. We had a fairly quiet celebration, staying at home Christmas Eve and Christmas Day because Landon is still on quarantine and Scott worked both days.

For those of you who know me, know that I am all about instant gratification! So, I had to open some of Landon's Christmas presents Christmas Eve instead of waiting until Christmas morning. It was perfect though, because it allowed Scott and Grandpa time to assemble his toys.

He got some pretty cool toys, but I think he needs to grow a bit before he can truly appreciate them.

Christmas morning he was pretty mellow, taking it all in. He really liked his rocking chair. This chair is actually part of a set - chair, rocking chair and table - that I received as a baby. It is now time to pass it onto Landon.

We opened presents Christmas morning when Scott came home from work.

He received several Sesame Street characters, but loved his Elmo doll the best. I think it's something about the eyes -he kept chewing on them! Probably because he has started teething.

Santa came early!

It is a tradition in Kyle for the Fire Department to tour the neighborhoods with "Santa," playing Christmas music and passing out candy canes to children. Because of our involvement with the Department, we were able to persuade Santa to visit our street so Landon could have a glimpse of the bearded gift-giver.

There was a train of 4 trucks, all with lights flashing and blaring Christmas music over the loud speakers. The music was loud enough that children from every house were scrambling outside in their pj's to see what the commotion was.

The lights from the trucks and from people's houses set a wonderful backdrop for Santa's debut.

Landon probably had no idea what was going on, but we enjoyed it!

Best Friends

Ever since we brought Landon home, Rocco has been extremely interested in him. He always wants to be near him, sniffing him, licking him or sitting next to him.

Rocco has also been extremely protective of Landon. If I am burping Landon on my knee, Rocco will stick his nose between my hand and Landon's back, as if to say "Don't hit him!" We are very exciting about this pairing, we think Rocco will look after Landon and Landon will get endless entertainment out of Rocco!

Not to mention, they look pretty cute together!

And Then There Was Cereal

Landon turned 6 months old this week! It seems as though he knew the 6 month mark was coming and decided to grow up a bit. He had his first cereal meal today.....and loved it! I noticed that for the last week or so Landon has been extremely interested in everything I ate or drank. He would stare at me with fascination. Don't tell his pediatrician, but I was eating a tortilla the other day and held up a piece of it to his mouth....he went crazy, reaching for it, licking it and trying (in his primitive, inexperienced way) to eat it. So, I figured it was time to try something other than bottles.

We started with just an ounce, not sure how he would react. Well, it turns out I couldn't get the cereal in his mouth fast enough! We had to scramble to make more once the ounce was gone. He took 3 ounces in all and was very satisfied at the end of his meal.

We are so excited Landon is making such great progress. He has been not only reaching, but crushing his milestones! I couldn't be a prouder mama!

See a pattern forming?

As most of you know, Scott has been a fire fighter since high school. It is a past time he thoroughly enjoys, offering much more adrenaline and excitement compared to working in the hospital! He currently works with Kyle Fire Department here in town, fighting fires and responding to medical calls as a paramedic. Because most people know Scott is a fire fighter, we got tons of fire fighter outfits for Landon. Scott loves it and can't wait for Landon to join him fighting fires!

Future member of Kyle Fire Department!

Landon Update

It is unbelievable to think that back in June Landon arrived at only 2 lbs. 4 oz. and 14 1/2 in. Here we are, almost 6 months later and Landon is over 10 lbs. and 22 in.! He is developing right on schedule, doing the things that most other 3 month old babies are doing (his adjusted age). He is off all his medications-except for Mylanta for minor reflux issues. No more oxygen! He is smiling, giggling, and cooing up a storm.

What has been especially exciting-he has been sleeping up to 7 hours a night! We are definitely taking advantage of this opportunity to get sleep ourselves! His appetite has gotten better as well. When he first came home from the hospital, we were hard pressed to get an ounce of milk in him, now he is gulping down 4 ounces at a time. The doctors, especially his pulmonologist, said the best thing for his health is to gain weight and get bigger. The bigger he gets, the more healthy lung tissue he grows, until he eventually gets to the point where the healthy lung tissue out-numbers the damaged, scarred lung tissue.

Although his doctors still recommend not being around too many people, they have encouraged him getting fresh air. We have been accomplishing that by many walks around the neighborhood, little road trips and hikes throughout the Hill Country.

We have wanted our own family for some time now and are thrilled to finally have it!