We have found that the crib is a great place for practicing sitting without support- there's padding all around in case he falls over. Today David sat unsupported for about 15 seconds several times!

But, he still hasn't rolled over completely. He can get to his side and then just lays there or flings himself back on his back. His hands are always in his mouth and act like a kickstand when he's on his side. I guess he'll do it when he's good and ready.

Here's some of my favorite pictures from yesterday and today.

Gilbert/Haynes Family Reunions

What a busy weekend we had filled with family, fun, and fellowship! On Saturday afternoon we headed over to Henager, Alabama for the Gilbert Gathering. My Dad's dad (William Oren Gilbert) had lots of brothers and sisters and every year their descendants get together at the home of Donald and Lucretia (pictured with David and Cate) Murdock. This year they hosted a Watermelon Cutting with watermelons grown in their garden. It was a great chance for our extended family to meet David. He was the hit of the party for sure. The weather was perfect and the time with family was priceless. Cousin Cate kept a close eye on whoever was holding David.

On Sunday we attended another family reunion. This one included descendants from my grandfather's grandparents (Thomas and Rhoda Haynes). Every year we meet at New Canaan Church (a very small, 100+ year old church) for Sacred Harp singing and dinner on the grounds. David enjoyed the singing and reading the music.

After dinner on the grounds, we have "roll call". Thomas and Rhoda had many children (I think about 15 or so). We go in birth order of those children. Each family stands in the middle of the choir area and chooses songs for everyone to sing. Many choose songs that honor those that have passed on from their family. Sacred Harp singing is quite unique and different from typical hymn singing, but I think it's very beautiful.

It's a long drive over, but I am always so glad we make the trek because I love seeing our extended family and singing with them. This year was even more special because David was introduced to this tradition. I hope he grows to love it as much as I do.

YEA!!! David slept from 11:30pm to 5:00am!! He would have slept longer, but I felt I should change the extremely dirty diaper he had filled up. We are making progress and he is learning how to get comfortable and go back to sleep on his own. :o)

A Big Step

Just a few hours before he turned 4 months old, I laid David down in his crib for the first time (at night). He has taken a few naps in it before, but never at night. I was a little reluctant to put him in his crib. He's been in the bassinet next to our bed since we came home from the hospital.

But, Ryan set up the AngelCare monitor that afternoon so I could sleep a little better. I fed David at 11:30pm and put him down. He slept great until 2:30am- time to eat again. He fell back asleep soon after eating. He woke up several times between then and 7:30am, but was able to put himself back to sleep rather quickly. He ate at 7:30am and had a sleepy snuggle in bed with me for about an hour. All in all it was a successful first night in his "big boy bed"!

Our dear friends, David and Stephanie Cannon, took beautiful 3 month pictures of David (and his family) a few weeks ago at the lake house. Here is the link to his album:

http://speedbumplove.zenfolio.com/davidedward3mo

They took precious newborn pictures of him too:

http://speedbumplove.zenfolio.com/p918188705

And maternity pictures (taken only 10 days before David was born): http://speedbumplove.zenfolio.com/p1057752896

We are so grateful to David and Stephanie for capturing these important moments as our family grows.

Speaking of bath time, David saw his feet for the first time tonight in the bath as I was dripping water on them. It was amazing to watch his face as he realized HE was controlling those cute, little feet. He stayed in the water until it was cold just laughing and playing with his new-found feet! I am so blessed to be his mother and to witness his firsts, as little as they may be. He is growing everyday and I thank God I'm not missing a moment.

Bath time is LOTS of fun these days! David loves to splish and splash in his little whale-shaped tub. He loves to feel the water with his hands and "play" (more like chew on, since everything goes in his mouth these days) with his rubber ducky. We have established a great bedtime routine starting with a nice warm bath and ending with a sleeping baby boy.

A big change since our first experience with a real bath. I had the water a little too cool because I was so afraid of burning him. He was not a happy boy. And my goodness...was he really that tiny?!

These last few days have been very big, developmentally, for David. He is learning to reach for and grasp things and then immediately puts them in his mouth.

and he is finally enjoying "tummy time", sort of.

Also, today he played Peek-a-Boo with me for the first time. It was SO much fun! I love to watch his face as his little brain tries to figure things out everyday.

*I met a lady today who, after holding him for maybe two seconds, told me David would be a good man and do great things. I pray she is right.

With 3 separate parties at my parent's house this weekend, it was not exactly what you would call a relaxing weekend. But, David enjoyed them all and was a very well behaved baby. One party was a farewell to my cousin, Jessica, who is leaving for graduate school at UCLA in a few weeks. David has become quite fond of her and she of him. He (and all of us) is going to miss her and can't wait to see her again at Christmas!

I thought I had lost this video, but I just found it and HAD to share. I walked in to find David doing this after his morning nap. It's too cute for words. (or at least I think so)

David has been working very hard at rolling over these days. He can make it to his side and is content to lay there. He's not so sure about being on his stomach.

Most of the time, though, he is much happier attempting to sit up.

Just in case we have deceived anyone into thinking David never cries....well, he does.

Play Date

David went for his very first play date yesterday. He was the youngest of the four (the others were 2 years, 15 months, and 9 months old). He was trying really hard to talk to them and participate in the playing until...

We've had a special request for pictures of the nursery. As I took these pictures, I realized how many people love David. Much of the decorations, furniture, toys, books, and accessories are from family and friends who have helped us welcome David into the world. Everywhere you look in his nursery there are reminders of those special people in his life. It looks much better in person, but here are a few pictures of David's room.

From the doorway:

His crib:

Changing table (across from the crib):

Puppy dog doorstop:

One of my favorites:

From Ryan's childhood room:

David absolutely loves the car seat entertainer we bought for our long road trip to the beach. I can't get a great video of his excitement, though. It seems like as soon as I turn on the camera he stops. But, this is the best we could do on our way to dinner last week.

A Look Back

Here's a few of my favorite pictures from our week at the beach.