Four Month Doctor's Visit

Robbie had his four month checkup, even though he's five months, his doctor is very popular and good so we couldn't get an appointment until today.  He's up to 20lbs and 15.9oz and still in the 95% for babies his age, that also goes for his length and head circumference.  Dr. V. says he can start having pain meds like Tylenol and Ibuprofen, we'd really prefer not to use them unless we have to, not at his age.   We also talked about starting to introduce solid foods.  What foods to start with and how long he should eat them to check for allergies.  Dr. V. also confirmed that his first teeth were on their way, perhaps only a few weeks from breaking through.  We were a little concerned about how sunglasses might affect his eye development, but Dr. V. assured us that as long as they weren't polarized then there was nothing to worry about.

A clean bill of health!

Robbie Roll Over

Because of Robbie's acid re-flux issues he hasn't liked to spend much time on his tummy.  We do TRY and do tummy time at least once a day, but he really doesn't like it.  Within a minute or two he's usually crying and wants to get back onto his back, so he was a little behind in rolling over.  Luckily for us we were both home when he first rolled over, it was very exciting.  Luckily for the video camera he did it a second time right afterwards, you can watch it below.

Happy Memorial Day

Today Mommy and I got to take part in Twinsburg's Memorial Day Parade (Daddy had to do some work from home so he couldn't join us).  Mommy what's a Memorial and a Parade?  Anyway we walked with a whole bunch of people, and I got this neat looking flag it's got red in it and I like red.  Of course the people around me couldn't get over how cute I was, I must get it from Daddy.  The best part was we walked with some bigger kids that were in a red stroller side by side, and that was really cool.  I hope I get a red stroller when I get bigger! 

Swingin'

Mommy took me to the park today and I got to go on the big boy swing!  I had plenty of fun in my baby swing at home but I outgrew that pretty fast, I am a big boy for my age you know.  Mommy wasn't sure how I'd do with it, but I took to it like a pro, I held on and mommy pushed me, it was great fun.  I've even had my sun glasses on, mommy says it's to protect my eyes from the sun (the sun makes me sneeze if it's too bright), but I just think they make me look cool.

I stayed on the swing for over half an hour, and only got off when Mommy made me.  She said I was getting red, but I didn't have a problem with that cuz that's my favorite color!  She forgot to put the sunblock on before we left.... next time, I'll remind her!

Smell the ... Clematis

I really wanted to get a picture of Robbie in front of the Clematis with all its beautiful blooms.  Unfortunately he didn't want to take the pictures by himself, so I had to sit with him.  Hopefully soon he can sit up by himself so we can take more pictures with just his cuteness.  

Apple Core

Lately my gums has been hurting, mommy says that my teeth (whatever those are) are starting to move.  So I have been chewing on anything I can get my hands on, it makes my gums feel better.  Today mommy gave me the rest of her apple to chew on, and oh boy was it good (I love apples).  It was great it helped my gums feel better and I got to eat apple at the same time!

Home Again!

After the long drive home, which we did in record time about 8 1/2 hours.  Robbie slept the whole time, poor little guy was worn out from his first long trip.  So were mommy and daddy, driving at night is great for him but it really messes with our sleep schedules.   However we were all happy to be home, it took Robbie a minute but once he realized he was home he got really excited.  Luckily for mommy and daddy he wanted to sleep more (he didn't sleep well in Nashville) so we got to get a much needed nap.

Poolside

On our last day in Nashville, we wanted to give Robbie an experience in a pool before we left the hotel.  The water was a little chilly so he didn't want to go in much further than his picture with Mommy.  Hopefully next time the water will be warmer.

Chillin' With Gran-Gran

This here is my Gran-Gran.  She is the oldest member of my family.  She is Papi's Mommy, and my Mommy's Grandmother.  She was married to my namesake for over 60 years, which is a really, really long time.  I am her second great-grandchild, but the first boy. 

She came down special to see Uncle Kevin graduate and got to see me for the first time.  I wasn't so sure about her at first, because I was meeting all sorts of new people and strange places when I hadn't had very much sleep, but by the end of the day, we were having a good time.  I sat at the end of the table in the restaurant between Mommy and Gran-Gran, and it was so much fun playing with her and kicking the table.  I got to look around and see everyone else too, which made it lots of fun to make faces at people and play with them.  After I finally got tired and wanted to get out of my high chair, Gran-Gran took me and held me close.  I liked that.  Daddy got this cool picture of us snuggling.  When we go back to Tennessee for Mommy's family reunion, I will get to see her again, and stay with her.  I can hardly wait!  

Robbie with Gran-Gran.  A true "Aww" moment.

Hello Uncle Kevin!

Uncle Kevin is pretty cool.  He let me sleep on his bed, and play with his teddy bears.  We even shared shades.  I tried to keep them on, but they were just too big for me.  He's my youngest uncle, but I think he's the tallest.  Don't tell Uncle Kenneth and Uncle Chris I said that though!  He's going to be going to the University of Tennessee in August, so I won't get to see him too much, but I hope I get to see him again before he leaves!

Robbie chilling out with Uncle Kevin

Uncle Kevin's Graduation

Finally, the big day was here!  The reason why we went to Nashville.  Uncle Kevin's Graduation!  It was hot, very hot, and crowded.  And loud.  Robbie did very well, until people around us started screaming.  Then we walked around for a little bit.  We weren't able to all sit together, but Robbie made the rounds to see everyone.  We tried to video record everything, but it wasn't easy keeping the camera still with the baby around.  Since everyone was wearing Red, the school colors, it helped though.  Robbie's favorite color is Red!

Front Row: Kelly, Robbie, Nana Connie, Tante Kortney,
Step-Great-Grandma Janice, Great Grandma Gran-Gran.
Second Row: Uncle Kenneth, Matthew, Uncle Kevin,
Papi Richard, Great-Grandpa Baw-Baw.

After it was all done, we all had a bathroom break, and then went outside for pictures.  Luckily there were some non-family people with us that were willing to play photographer so we could all get in the pictures.  We took every combination of pictures imaginable.  When we were all done, we joined the queue trying to get out of the parking garage and headed home to decide where to go for dinner.  What a celebration!

The children: Kelly, Kevin, Kortney, Kenneth, and Robbie

Hi Tante Kortney!

Tante Kortney is very special to Robbie.  She is his only Aunt, but rather than be called a bug's name, she chose Tante as her name.  That's okay.  Robbie will be able to say it one day.

Tante wasn't feeling too good when we came to visit.  Robbie tried to make her feel better, and in return, Tante let Robbie play with her teddy bear.  Finally, a bear that makes Robbie look small!

Hi Papi!

Papi, I can't quite figure you out.  You are one cool dude though.  You have this fun chest hair to pull, and gave me a talking Eeyore.  Every time you talk, I have to stop what I'm doing to listen and look.  You've got really cool glasses that change color in the sun.  And as long as my belly is full and I can see Mommy, I'm happy hanging out with you.  Will you show me how to use the chainsaw?  Or lawn mower?  We don't have those at my house, Papi.

Hanging out with the Motts

The Motts: my mom's dad, Baw-Baw, and stepmom, Janice.  Baw-Baw also saw Robbie when he came to see us in January, but Robbie doesn't remember.  I think he was asleep most of that time.  Robbie has grown so much since then.  And he loved meeting Janice!  The timing must have been right or something but Robbie was all smiles and happiness for her the first time meeting her, which didn't happen too often this trip.  Maybe for Robbie's first trip to Indiana we can stop and see Baw-Baw and Janice in their house.  Janice has a great-granddaughter, Addison, so there are lots of fun toys to play with at their house!  Robbie can hardly wait!

Hello Again Nana!

Robbie remembered my mom, Nana.  She came to see him right after he was born, and he also has gotten used to hearing her voice on the phone when I call her.  I think we even have a video of Robbie talking on the phone to Nana before he was 5 months old.  So when we got to Nashville, Robbie was glad to see Nana again.  They played games, and it was good to have someone else besides Matt and myself that he would go to for a few minutes.

Hello Uncle Kenneth!

Uncle Kenneth and Robbie

I think Robbie likes Uncle Kenneth.  They played some games together, and got to know each other pretty well.  Robbie was okay while Uncle Kenneth held him, which says quite a bit.  Robbie doesn't like to go to just any guy...he's a ladies' man!  Usually when Robbie started to fuss, Uncle Kenneth just had to talk to him or make a face at him and Robbie started to smile and laugh.  It won't be long before they can run around and chase each other, play outside or make mud pies. Robbie can't wait!  

Robbie's First Road Trip

We were preparing for Robbie's first overnight road trip to Nashville.  This would be the first time Robbie has been out of Northeast Ohio and even to another state.  My younger brother Kevin was graduating from High School and we wanted to be there to commemorate.

I was really nervous and excited since this would be the first time for most of my family to see Robbie.  My mom, Nana, came in January for a few days to see Robbie and help out, but the rest of my family couldn't make it.  So of course, I had two different checklists going, and I started packing a week in advance.  He had one bag for clothes, one for diapers and burp cloths, and one for towels and blankets.  The hotel we would be staying at had a swimming pool and I was curious to see what Robbie thought of it.

I spent all day Thursday packing, putting everything in the van in just the right place.  We would be leaving at night and traveling the 8 to 9 hours overnight so Robbie would be asleep most of the time and we could travel further faster.  Matt would be driving first so I wasn't worried about having enough sleep.  I've become very good at sleeping anywhere anytime.  New moms out there know what I mean.  Robbie and I went next door to our good neighbor Maria's for a few hours so Matt could get some peace and quiet and hopefully sleep.  I'm not sure how well it worked but we tried.

When we came back, we woke Matt up, and then I hovered and sat around bouncing with excitement.  I think I made him really nervous but I could hardly wait for us to get on the road.  I wanted Robbie to meet his grandfather Papi, his uncles Kenneth and Kevin, and his favorite aunt Tante Kortney.  Then there was extended family to meet as well.  What a busy weekend we have planned; I just hope we all survive it since we don't know how Robbie will act in a new place, sleeping in a strange hotel room, and being around all sorts of strange people.

Nashville or bust!

What's a Shopping Cart?

We went shopping yesterday and decided to try to put Robbie in the shopping cart for the first time ever.  He could basically sit up, but needed a lot of padding to help him out.  I put a couple of blankets around him to make sure he could sit comfortably and gave him a couple of toys to play with.  He wasn't interested in the toys though; he was too entranced with all the activity going on around him.  He couldn't decide which way to look!  

Everyone stopped us to look at him.  No one believed us when we said he was only 5 months old!  They complemented us on how well behaved he was and how cute he looked.  I hope his cuteness and angelic nature continues.  I would hate for him to become one of those kids we all hate that screams and throws himself on the floor in a temper tantrum when he's told he can't buy candy!  

Waffle Thief!

I was trying to sit down and have a little bit of food. Robbie didn't want to sit and play in his high chair anymore, so I put him on my lap to finish eating my sandwich. There I was enjoying my peanut butter and jelly when I look down and he has grabbed my waffle! Well, I wanted to finish my sandwich and didn't think he would do anything to it.  Next thing I knew, Robbie started to "eat" my waffle!  Without any teeth all he could do was gum it, but he still managed to eat and swallow some of it.  Some people start their children off on porridge and cereal, others on fruit purees, but Robbie decided he wanted to start with Waffles instead!  

Robbie's caught red-handed!

Sticking out the Tongue

Robbie discovered that he could stick out his tongue recently. We figured out that he started doing it as a result of him teething. We got a few good pictures of it below.

Return From Philadelphia

Reunited!

While I enjoyed my time in Philadelphia for the trade show, by the time we were done I was ready to get home and see my family. While I've been on trips before were I was away from Kelly, this was the first one since Robbie has been born, it's amazing how quickly you start to miss your child. Kelly told me Robbie could tell that something was different with me not being at home, and I can only imagine what he was thinking. It was great when I got home I had never seen Robbie so excited before, he was smiling, squealing, and waving his arms around like excited babies do.

Hello Koby Ladies!

"Aunt" Sarah holds me while Miriam talks

Mommy and I went to see "Aunt" Sarah today.  We had all sorts of fun going here and there and everywhere.  Of course, Mommy made me have the dreaded tummy time while we were there, but Aunt Sarah made up for it by playing games with me.

When Aunt Sarah's sisters Elizabeth and Miriam came back from their walk they stayed and talked with me too.  It was lots of fun.  And of course, I was surrounded by girls, which is the way I like it!

When can we go see Aunt Sarah again Mommy?

Chillin' in the Chair

While we were waiting for Daddy to come back home from Philly, Robbie and I went outside to enjoy the nice weather.  I finally felt comfortable putting him in his folding chair and letting him sit up by himself.  We sat outside on the deck for a little while.  He had fun looking around at the cats and putting his hands up on the arm rests of the chair.  

We then went outside in the yard.  He seemed to enjoy it quite a bit, and had fun looking around at the elements of nature around him.  It was also fun to look in on the cats looking out instead of looking out with the cats sharing the view.  He seemed to notice his toes for the first time as well, which meant I couldn't get him to look up for the camera no matter how hard I tried!  

It's hard to believe he's over four months old already, but I guess time flies faster than we want when we have children.  Neither one of us can wait until Matt gets back so we can be a family together again. 

Outside on the deck

Chillin' in the yard

Going on a Car Trip

Well, while Daddy was in Philadelphia, Mommy and I decided to take a ride.  The only thing was, I tried to convince her I knew how to drive!  I sat in the front seat like a big boy, and started to look around.  I was getting a feel for the van, and the seat wouldn't go high enough for me to see out.  Plus, Mommy wouldn't give me the car keys so we were stuck at home. I bet Daddy would let me drive!

Let's go Mom!  I'm driving!  

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!

Yesterday we spent some time with Matt's mom so she had a good Mother's Day, and we had some good food.  We also got to enjoy Robbie being at their house, which doesn't happen often enough.  He had quite a bit of fun there!

Robbie worn out at Grammy's - busy boy!

Matt had to leave early this morning to go to Philadelphia for work.  This made me really sad he would miss my first Mother's Day, but he made up for it with a surprise tulip from the garden.  My favorite ones!  Robbie and I spent a nice quiet day together, and remembered to take a picture of us with the flower from Matt.    The two of us together was the best Mother's Day I could have had.  Here's to many more!

Happy Mother's Day from Robbie and Kelly

Mom, Can I Eat Your Finger?

 I'm Teething!  This teeth stuff hurts!  I tried chewing on my own fingers, but they just don't seem to be doing the trick.  I need to find something else to chew on.  

My fingers don't quite do the trick...

I look around, and right at hand, is Mommy's finger!  I grab it and put it in my mouth.  Ahh!  Much better!

Mommy's finger is much better!  

Can I take it everywhere with me Mommy?  You're not using it right now...  right?