Packing up

Freddie is a completely different babe from two weeks ago when we got to FL. He went from scooting around on hands and knees to crawling to sitting up and down on his own to pulling himself up to standing against furniture! He gained 1.5 pounds. (at a solid 19 right now! So heavy!) We celebrated his 6 month birthday. He has been to the beach twice and the pool many many times. He LOVES the water (yay for his water-loving pieces fish mother). He splashes and laughs and holds on tightly and jumps out bravely and puts his face in the water, gets too much, chokes, then smiles and does it again. Hehe.
He does this scream at the top of his lungs (which I learned from a speak therapist friend feels so good on little childrens' vocal cords an lips), and babbles for time on end to join in on our conversations.
He is getting so independent and mobile that he dislikes being constrained even more. And why are baby things all so much like jail: caraeat straps, high walls of pack and plays, stroller straps, high chair belt, grocery store chair belt? We tell him, "sorry you're goin in jail," and it's alway for his good.
We have just gotten into this awesome rhythm with nursing where he comes to me, and we nurse, wherever we are, so quickly and efficiently. He knows what to do. I've nursed him with friends and family, at Disney World, in the pool, (and so many ladies came up to me and commended me for doing it in public).
He has started playing with/sucking on a vegetable here and there. It's so fun watching his reactions. We never force it. Only let him take it if he wants and then he will either mush it in his hands, suck or chew it for a minute, or enjoy watching it drop from his hands to the floor.
He has gotten to play with cousins and other babies. He notices and loves to look at other children so much!! He has loved spending this time with Gramma Lulu and Grandpop Smith. He reaches for them, hugs them, locks gaze with them, smiles for them. He is so blessed to be surrounded by so many who love and adore him.
And Collin and I are taking so much with us too (besides my bright red sunburn from the beach yesterday). This trip was not only visiting family, but it was truly relaxing!!! I feel refreshed and ready for anything. We were able to reconnect on an incredible level, make new and exciting goals with clear heads.
And now we will miss Florida and can't wait till the next visit, but are excited for home. For Montgomery and Dot!!!!!!!!!

BY THE WAY, HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY DOTTIE GIRL! We love you and will see you tonight! BIRTHDAY PARTY TIME!!!!