Xander is Growing up so fast

Xander is almost 20 lbs now (19.5 this morning), and almost 27 inches long. He's getting so much stronger every day it is just amazing! Last week we were so happy to see him sit on his own for up to 5 minutes or so- now he now sits quite well for half an hour or more, and can reach for things and come back to a sit, or even (sometimes) keep himself from falling to the side by putting out a hand to the floor! He's using this new skill to rediscover his playgym, and to play piano or guitar, and play with board books and the dogs!

He's not the only one growing up-
Check out Leah, Jackson and Jaden in their amazing cuteness glory!




Xander's also getting really good at eating- we're giving him oatmeal, carrots, and peas, he's gotten tastes of lime and lemon and orange and pear and just last night we tried chicken for the first time (not a huge hit, but tolerated if mixed with carrots). He's even holding his own bottles now!

I'm ridiculously proud of him. I'm pretty sure he knows his name, and Mommy and Daddy, and Blitz and Otto and Up and Milk. He's got the sign for "up" mastered and I'm so happy to reward it! Maybe soon I'll get sick of picking him up so often, but I am really just loving the time I have with him. I find that I can't wait to pick him up in the afternoon so I can find out what new and amazing thing he has figured out! Jake and I actually compete for time with him- he is such a joy!

This week GE Transportation announced huge additional layoffs- 1400 hourly and another 150 salaried folks were affected, including my department- and me. Now, being told that one's services are no longer needed is a terrible thing, but I have to admit that an extra 3 months paid time to be with my son sounds pretty darn great. I have already started the job hunt, but I'm not in a panic over it. On the other hand, my connections and networking (thanks Meg!) within GE here locally may have already yielded me a new position.... we'll have to see. Either way, I'm going to take advantage of as much time as I have with Xander.

-Erin