Five Months!

5 Months! That's almost half a year, folks. Time sure is flying around the Pughplex. I have quite the personality now, being just as fun as can be. There's never a dull moment around these parts. If there is, it's because I'm sleeping [which can still be pretty entertaining].

Speaking of which, during my fifth month, Mom laid down the law when it came to a nap schedule. We're adapting the eat, play, sleep mentality and it's been fairly successful. I'm still not a robot [as Mom tends to remind herself], but it's good to have something to strive for. My nights aren't always predictable either, but I'm definitely capable of sleeping through the night—although I did play a fun game the past few nights where I woke up every 2-3 hours. Mom and Dad were not amused…

Be forewarned: you cannot contain me. I now officially swat at and grab things, so Mom and Dad are getting in the practice of moving hazardous objects out of my ever so powerful reach. Dad learned his lesson when I stuck my hand in his dinner bowl one night, so their awareness has changed since that occurrence. Probably my biggest feat of strength happened in the middle of the night when we were visiting T and Big Daddy. When Dad came to get me up in the morning, I had successfully wiggled my arms out of the swaddle they hold so dear. On top of that, my wedges that usually serve as sleeping boundaries had made their way to the bottom corner of the crib AND I was asleep on my stomach.  Take that! I'm rolling over like a champ these days and am SO ready to be able to scoot around. I'm pushing my bum up like I'm ready to crawl, but can't quite master the other coordinating movements just yet.

Since my two best friends are my fists these days, everyone always asks if I'm teething. I guess technically I'm old enough to be, but there's no fruit of that labor just yet. Regardless, I'm chewing on my fists and fingers a majority of the day [and occasionally during my sleep if I escape the swaddle]. If you get close enough, I will gnaw on your appendages as well. Beware, my bite is worse than my bark.

Bring on the drool!

I've also definitely discovered my feet. I'm still trying to add them to the chewable club, but can't quite make the reach just yet. Still, it's fun to grab them and make the effort.

In the communication department, I'm still cooing and such, but my main thing these days are squeals and squawks with the occasional giggle. I'm rather amazed by the sounds I can make. Mom and Dad think I'm pretty cute when I do it as well, so there's much encouragement in my experimentation.  

In other news, I am officially a world traveler. Well not quite, but it felt like it. I'm pretty sure we went everywhere in the month of December. I celebrated my 4 month birthday in Decatur [not sure if you noticed my change in location for that monthly photo shoot]. Dad had to be in Louisville for a J-term class, so Mom and I stayed at Nana and Papa's for the week. That was the longest time I'd been away from him and I sure hope we don't have to do that again anytime soon. Mom's great, but there's just something about that bearded man that brings joy into my days.

Dinner night with the Kleins + Emma. We had Dad's favorite meal. He was greatly missed!

Reading time with Nana.

It's good to be back with the beard.

But that venture began our traveling escapades for my fifth month. Next came a surprise visit to Tuscaloosa [apparently my parents like to do that a lot]. The Kizziah family had arrived in Tuscaloosa earlier in the week and we just couldn't wait to see them, so we headed their way a few days earlier than expected. I finally met all of my cousins, not to mention Aunt Katie and Uncle David! It was pretty cool that Mom, Dad, and I got to meet cousin Karis for the first time together. I think that covers all my immediate family. Well at least until Cohen and Baby Batrich arrive [did I mention that both of my Mom's sisters are pregnant?! Don't get any ideas Mom…]

Karis!

She's so pretty.

Then came my first wedding experience. A Sylacauga one at that. Well, technically I was in the nursery during the actual ceremony, but was involved in all the other festivities. My Dad's cousin, Hillary, got married on the 22nd to Mr. David Sikes. This was another way that I got to meet a lot more people. Well, they got to meet me. It was also pretty neat to see the place where my parents got married. I'm rather glad that happened :)

Mr. & Mrs. David Sikes!!!! Photo courtesy of K.J. Pugh

Me looking suave at the wedding. Photo courtesy of Lynn Pugh

Throwback to 2010- Mom and Dad's wedding at First Baptist Sylacauga.

After the wedding, we headed to Tuscaloosa to have the first of our three Christmas celebrations. This one was with Big Daddy and T, the Kizziahs, the KJPughs, Aunt Stephanie [T's sister] and her daughter Dabney. I really took a liking to Aunt Stephanie. They said it was because she reminded me of Nana [dark spiky hair and glasses], but the real reason is because she's awesome. That's all.

Snuggle time with Great Aunt Stephanie.

The cousins!! Photo courtesy of Lynn Pugh

Family shot! Photo courtesy of Lynn Pugh

I got to open my first presents and really had fun with the wrapping paper. I can definitely get used to this!

My very own stocking! Thanks T.

Another AWESOME photo shoot with Aunt Lynn.

First family Christmas!

After enjoying some Pugh family Christmas traditions, we headed to Decatur to celebrate with Nana and Papa.

New toys!

Playtime with Papa!

Then after a couple of days there, we headed back to Tuscaloosa to celebrate with Big Daddy's side of the family. I'm so thankful I got to meet Granny [along with many more family members].

I promise I was excited to see her...

We went back to Auburn for almost a day before heading back on the road. The trip to Lake Santa Fe was my longest riding journey yet and I did kind of okay. Usually after my first long nap in the car, we're almost to our destination. This time, we were only halfway there so my restlessness kicked in. Sorry guys, I can only appreciate the car seat for so long… But the sacrifices made for this trip did not disappoint. I finally got to meet Grammy and Daddy Jim, as well as experience this magical place they call Lake Santa Fe for the first time.

We had some family fun with the camera's self-timer.

At Lake Santa Fe, time in the La-Z-Boy is mandatory. Here's my sleepy face.

Happy La-Z-Boy face!

Walking in the neighborhood with Daddy Jim.

Dad likes to make silly faces.

Another silly face...

I tried to make some faces of my own, but haven't reached his level of expressive excellence just yet.

I was on my best behavior the whole time and had a stellar sleeping schedule. That was my Christmas present to my parents— a relaxing Lake Santa Fe vacation. You're welcome.

After a few days of Florida fun, we were on our way back to Auburn—this time for good. I now get slightly nervous each time I'm put in my car seat, never know if it's going to be 10 minutes or 5 hours, but I'm sure I'll recover. Some day.

Lastly, another change has occurred to my weekly schedule. Mom is going back to work in the office for a few days. I'm not sure why she has to work, but she says it has something to do with eating bacon. I asked Dad and he said it's because Mom is full of sugar, or something like that. My parents don't make sense sometimes. Any way, I go to the office with Mom all day Monday and then I stay with Dad Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We just completed our first week of this and it didn't go too terribly. I'm still not having the bottle though, so that makes things interesting. I'm okay holding off a few hours for the real thing...

Well, I think that covers a lot of the main points. This was a very busy month for me. I'm looking forward to number 6! Also, if you haven't exceeded your Haddon photo intake, as usual, we had a monthly photo shoot. Mom just posted them on facebook. Enjoy!

Love,
Haddon

 

An Andy P. Addendum!

I meant to share this video in my last post. It seemed appropriate to the theme :)

A Year Ago — Beholding the Lamb

I'm NOT pregnant.

But a year ago today, I found out that I was. I'm not sure how late I was, but Kam and I decided that if the way of women [Gen. 18:11; 31:35—you're welcome for that!] was still not with me by the end of the day, we'd take a pregnancy test. It was a Tuesday night, and my friend Lindsay and I were headed to Montgomery to see Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God concert [Haddon told you in his last post that I'd be writing about this]. Our husbands were not with us because they had a deacon's meeting, so Kam had to miss the traditional Christmas event.

We love Andrew Peterson's music. When I say he's my favorite singer/songwriter, that's saying a lot. Not because I'm some amazing music critic, but because "favorite" questions make me nervous. Just ask my husband! The definitive tone of them is overwhelming to me... Anyway, he's ridiculously talented and his music is often a means of worship for me. So, Andy P's music has a special place in the KamPugh hearts and home.

After December 13, 2011, it became even more near and dear to us [and by us, I mean me and Haddon].

The whole time I sat there in the dark listening to this wonderful music, I was wondering if there was a little life growing inside of me. Though I often tear up listening to Andy P [sorry, that's his nickname in the Pugh home, or maybe I just say it, I don't know...] this night I was a bit more emotional. As we drove back from Montgomery, my heart was full, overwhelmed with a love for Jesus because of what I'd just heard and also wondering if the next turn of events would change our lives forever.

Kameron was with me when I took the test. We were going to look at the results together, but honestly, I'm pretty sure I saw it change right away... but I set the timer and walked away. 3 minutes later, we looked at a simple little stick that ushered in a new season of life. We would never be the same again.

Last Sunday night, we took our little boy to his second Behold the Lamb concert. Though I questioned our sanity for driving him to Birmingham to do this, it was a sweet thing for the KamPughs. A Christmas tradition that I hope we'll be able to keep for years to come. A beautiful story [that's true!!!] of redemption that I pray will take root in Haddon Pugh's little heart and change his life forever. 

Another wonderful thing about this concert is that it begins with a reading from the Jesus Storybook Bible. [Another thing you should know about if you don't!] I'll close with that...

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No, the Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It's an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It's a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne — everything — to rescue the one he loves. It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!

You see, the best thing about this Story is — it's true.

There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.

It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece of a puzzle — the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture.

And this is no ordinary baby. This is the Child upon whom everything would depend. This is the Child who would one day — but wait. Our Story starts where all good stories start. Right at the very beginning...

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This Christmas, [and every day] may we truly behold the Lamb of God, who takes away our sins.

Four Months!

Whoa everyone... can you believe we're here already? Hello 4 months! Things seem to be going by faster and faster everyday. Sometimes I wonder if Mom can keep up. I'm sure she'll get the hang of it.

Well, I guess I should start filling you in on what I'm doing these days. I still really like chewing and sucking on my fists/hands/fingers. This used to take away from all my cooing, but I've gotten better at being a talker. Mom and Dad really enjoy it, so I try to humor them.



I also laughed for the first time this month. I laughed and Mom cried... that crazy lady. Dad makes me laugh the most. He's pretty awesome. I've also been squealing as well. It's really fun to hear myself. I think it's entertaining for the parentals as well— especially when I'm riding in the back seat by myself.

A new game I enjoy now is something you folks call "peek-a-boo." It never ceases to amaze me when they pull the blanket away from my face. It's a good distraction when I start to get whiney. 


In other fun milestones, I'm practically rolling over. Mom's not sure whether or not to count my progress because I may or may not have had a head start in momentum, so I don't know what's been my own effort or not. BUT, I have rolled from back to belly then returned to my back. AND I've gone from belly to back as well.

Sheer determination...

I'm also enjoying a new place to sit— the Bumbo seat! I feel [and look] very grown up when I'm in it. And I get to sit with Mom and Dad a lot more often now that there's a convenient place to have me around and in on the action.

This looks like I'm posing for Olan Mills!

I'm also growing into a new clothes size. I'm in 3-6 months now and can even wear some 6 months stuff. I don't know if you read my stats from Mom's last post, but I'm long and strong my friends!

My first 3-6 months outfit.

In other news, I got to celebrate Thanksgiving for the first time. We got to spend time with Big Daddy and T and Nana and Papa. It was a fun-filled week, but boy was I worn out after that. I also didn't understand why Mom and Dad couldn't hold me all the time once we got home from our Thanksgiving travels. It sure doesn't seem to bother the grandparents much...

They even let me help with some of the cooking!

We got to meet 4 of T's international friends. They were really nice and even got me socks!

This month my Aunt Valerie found out that she is having a BOY!!!!! I can't wait for my buddy, Cohen Michael, to get here in April. Together we'll for sure create a force to be reckoned with...

This was the picture Aunt V sent us to tell us it's a "HE"

I also went to my first concert this month! I won't say much because Mom plans on posting about it soon, so I won't steal her thunder. Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God has a special place in my family's heart, so I'll let her share those things with you. But it was awesome and I behaved pretty well for being drug to and from Birmingham in a night. The only time I really let loose was at the end Labor of Love which was probably the most appropriate time in the show for a baby to cry.

Another fun thing you should get a glimpse of from my 4th month is the photo shoot with Aunt Lynn. She's pretty great and always wants to take pictures of me—I guess that means I'm kind of a big deal, right? She receives all the glory for the next few shots.

"How many National Championship rings does your grandfather have?"

Lastly, I got an early Christmas present from my Dad. I feel honored to be the namesake of this handsome fella. Can you see a resemblance?

I thought I'd put on my serious theological face for these shots...

I'll close on a serious note [out of character, I know]. There's actually a Spurgeon quote that Mom and Dad have framed in my room. It was a gift from the Douthits [WHO I GOT TO MEET AND HANG OUT WITH MULTIPLE TIMES THIS MONTH!!!!!!! But Mom never took our picture. We must remedy that...] Can you pray that this would be true of me?

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You may speak but a word to a child, and in that child there may be slumbering a noble heart which shall stir the Christian Church in years to come. —Charles Haddon Spurgeon
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Love, 

Haddon

P.S. As usual, Mom posted scads of pictures on Facebook from our monthly photoshoot. This one has a bit of holiday flair to it. We're also on location at Nana and Papa's this week. Enjoy!

Not sure what this whole snowman thing is about, but Nana seems to like them.

Our Growing Boy

On Monday we had our 4 month check up. We went in early because we'll be out of town next week when he actually turns 4 months and the Pediatric Clinic is closed the week before Christmas. Now that you know way more than you need to know about the logistics of that, I'll tell you how it went :)

Our sweet little guy is coming right along and is proving to be a healthy young man! More vaccines were given, and I gave Haddon permission to kick the nurse if he got the chance. He was a gentlemen and refrained.

Here's a recap for you:
[8.10.12]
> 6 lbs. 11oz.
> 20 inches long
> Last growth post, I declared his head size would forever be a mystery, because "7.5" is written on his charts. BUT, I asked this past visit and it was 13.75" — case closed.

[9.12.12]
> 8 lbs. 11 oz. [15th percentile]
> 20.25 inches long [5th percentile]
> Head circumference of 14.75" [50th percentile]

[10.22.12]
> 10 lbs. 15 oz. [15th percentile]
> 22.75 inches long [20th percentile]
> Head circumference of 15.75" [50th-75th percentile]

New stats:
[12.3.12]
> 13 lbs. 7 oz. [15th percentile]
> 24.25 inches long [15th percentile]
> Head circumference of 16.25" [50th percentile]

We praise the Lord for a healthy boy. Here are some pictures that show how big he's gotten. Yes, the cliche is true— "They grow up so fast!"

And here's our superstar lifting his head. He's so strong :)

Thankful

Wow... I apologize for the lack of posts here lately. I know you have been scouring this page daily, just waiting for an update to pop up, so I am sorry for the constant disappointment that has given you. [please detect my sarcasm, I promise I'm not that full of myself!] To be honest, the decline in posting has been because of Haddon. He's scared I'll steal material from his four month update, so I feel the need to be selective about what I post in between those times. Oh children :)

I thought I'd give you some pictures from our Thanksgiving tour. We were able to spend time with both sides of the family throughout the week, which is always a blessing. Here are some shots from our time with the Klein clan in Decatur.

Clearly he was a better sport about the bib than the hood :) Thanks for the festive gear, Aunt E.

We took a ride to some trails by the river to walk off our Thanksgiving feast. Haddon snoozed the whole time!

Thankful for our little Pugh family!

Thankful for a playful husband.

Thankful for a momma that has faithfully loved me in a way that I can't even put into words.

Thankful for parents that love the Lord and love each other.

Thankful for Papa hugs and grandparents that love our little boy SO much.