5 Month Pictures!

We finally got some more professional pictures of Westen and our cute little family. He was sleepy, so he wasn't his usual smiley self, but we did get some cute pictures!

(Pictures were taken by Lori Romney (loriromneyphotography.com))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Experiencing New Things

In the past 2 weeks, Westen has been experiencing lots of new things....

 He is now able to hold his head up, so mommy put together his new jumperoo zoo bouncer. It lights up and plays songs. He really likes to jump and kick. He can also roll over now!

For some reason, the picture of Westen in his bumbo chair reminds me of my Grandpa Russ everytime I look at it and it makes me smile!

 At his 4 month appointment last week, he weighed in at 17.1 lbs (90th percentile), 27.75 inches (95th percentile), and his head was in the 75th percentile. His Dr. says he is healthy and growing well ;). Now that he is 4 months old he is eating rice cereal now! This week we will try some fruit and veggie baby food. He has never had a problem eating, as you can tell, so no surprise that he has eaten with a spoon since the first try!

He is also starting to try to hold his bottle. He still doesn't understand that he needs to hold it up in the air, but he is getting there.

We also has discovered his toes. He grabs onto them and sometimes gets frustrated when he can't get his foot free and forgets that he is the one holding it. It's kind of funny. His toes are also yummy to chew on apparently, and double as good nose pickers.

We planned to go camping with our friends over Memorial Day Weekend in our new trailer! So, Westen and mommy went to the store to stock up on trailer stuff....he was so good. He slept for an hour while mommy filled up the cart around him.

 We didn't end up camping with our friends because it was too windy. Monday was the only nice day, so we drove up to Strawberry Reservoir with Uncle Kevin, Aunt Amanda (with Cousin Kade in her belly) and cousin Blake.

 We attempted fishing by the lake, but it was too windy, so we went up to a campspot in the trees and lounged in chairs and walked around.

 Even though we didn't get to take our new trailer camping, we did take the Excursion on its first family trip.

 Cousin Blake is getting so big and he is very nice with Westen. He loves Westen so much and likes to cuddle him when he can! We can't wait for baby cousin Kade to be born (in July!)

 Westen did such a good job outside. This was his first real outdoor adventure. He looked extra chubby in his little fishing hat :)

We are so glad that Westen is in our family! He makes us so happy and we couldn't have imagined a happier, cuter baby with a better birth family! We are so blessed! We are excited for summer to be here, so hopefully there will be a lot more pictures to post in the coming months!

Mother's Day Tribute to Audrey

Audrey's sister, Connie, was with us when Westen was born. She took some pictures of everyone and put them into a beautiful video. Check it out:

http://conniesowards.blogspot.com/2012/05/mother-i-admire-most.html

Happy Birth Mother's Day Audrey!!!

The Saturday before Mother's Day is Birth Mother's Day. Our agency hosts a birth mother's day walk at Provo High every year. So, we went with our family and Audrey's family to celebrate!

 Westen was sporting his "I love my birth mom" onesie!

 We are so grateful that Audrey and her family are so active in our lives! They always make an effort to some see us and we love and appreciate them for that. (In the picture: Audrey's brother Alan, her mom Barbara, Audrey, and of course baby Westen!)

 Audrey's family (BYU fans) were glad Cosmo came.....we (Utah fans) made an exception and allowed our child to be in a picture with Cosmo :)

Uncle Kevin and Cousin Blake (Behind Cosmo) and this cute little adopted boy that talked to everyone!

 The mommies. We are go glad that this year we have a name to write on our "In Honor Of..." paper! And also glad to have an excuse to make Westen's cute little "I love my birth mom" banner for his stroller :)

 After one lap around the track, all of the adopted kids meet in the middle of the field, get a balloon, and release it in honor of their birth mom!

 We gave Westen a balloon. It took him a few seconds to let it go, so it was a bit behind the other baloons.

 Happy Birth Mother's Day to the best birth mom! We couldn't ask for a kinder, smarter, more beautiful, or more driven birth mom! We love Audrey!

 We are also grateful for our families who came to support us!

 Westen made it for about an hour and then he was out. As soon as Audrey's arm got tired, he took a little snooze in his stroller.

After the walk, we (including Audrey and her boyfriend Kevin), went to Grandma Leah and Grandpa Don's new house and had a yummy BBQ to celebrate Mommy's birthday, Daddy's birthday, Mother's Day and of course, Birth Mother's Day.

Audrey's Visit & The Zoo!

 Audrey came up a few weekends ago to visit. She visited with us 3 days in a row. We are always glad when she comes to visit. It's an awesome feeling when someone looks at your baby and you know that they love him as much as you do!

 On Saturday we went to the Zoo with Audrey's family and Branden's family.

 It was hot, but we made it!

 In May, Branden's brother Kevin graduated with his Bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix. We are huge believers in higher education and we are so proud of Kevin. We are also super excited that Audrey starts school this summer. She moves into her first apartment today!!!

 Random nap time picture :). (Our kitty is not ill....we shave her on purpose every spring....too hairy)

Westen is getting so strong! He loves when he has tummy time and he is getting strong enough to push himself up. He was smiling and laughing at his daddy. So cute!

Spring Time

4 Generations....

 Grandma Helen and Great-Grandma Janice came out and we went on a walk around the neighborhood. We are happy that the weather is getting warmer because Westen likes to be outside.

Baby Shower......

 Our friends threw Westen a baby shower a week ago. There was a ton of yummy (and very pretty) food and lots of bright fun decorations.

 Thanks for Amanda for letting us invade your house!

Easter.....

 On Easter weekend, we went out to Branden's parents house for lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Bunny brought Westen and Easter Bucket with books, balls, a summer outfit, and toys. 

 Grandma Colleen also gave Westen an Easter onesie that he wore to the Easter party.

 On Easter Sunday, Mommy made Westen a cute little springy Easter outfit for church. He got lots of compliments on his cute little bow-tie and suspenders. After church we went out to a luncheon with Branden's extended family.

Thanksgiving Pointe.....

 Last week our neighbors invited us to go to Thanksgiving Pointe with them to walk around the gardens. They were getting ready for the Tulip Festival and there were lots of pretty flowers in bloom.  It was too bright for Westen to open his eyes for a picture though.....

Baby Shower #3.....

 I have really awesome friends where I work. They organized a baby shower for us just a few days ago. Westen and I drove into Salt Lake to my work for the festivities. I was overwhelmed by the amount of people that came. I can't believe how many people gave the little man presents too. It was really sweet. A cute little grandma at my work made him this diaper cake. Branden wanted a picture...so here it is in all its glory.

Blake's Birthday.....

Blake turned 2 this last week, so this weekend we went to his birthday party. We at pizza and cake and then we went swimming. The little monkey just got his bum wet in the swing and then sat on mommy's lap in the water for a few minutes. Then grandma rescued him while mommy and daddy played with Blake in the water. Just for the record...he is almost 3 months old and he is wearing a 6-9 month swim suit and swim shirt :)