created especially for us: Long Days, Short Months

Near or shortly after having James, Brian's cousin Erin said to me, "The days are long but the weeks and months go by so fast." I had no doubts about that statement, however I didn't realize that the phenomenon would actually continue well beyond the newborn stage. It's incredible how fast these months are flying by and I'm trying hard to soak up each and every day.

The last few months have been a bit of a blur. October was filled with lots of late nights and little down time as Brian prepared for his Professional Engineering (PE) exam and I was studying for my personal trainer certification. Brian took his test at the end of October and just got the results of his test last Thursday that he passed his exam! Starting in January he will be a licensed professional engineer, lots of celebration and relief (on his part, I had no doubts he would pass )! November was my major study month as I worked toward taking my certification exam after Thanksgiving. I also passed my exam and I am now a certified personal trainer! I'm very much looking forward to putting it to use after the holidays. If anyone ever has questions or anything for me, please feel free to email me at: mammatusfitness@gmail.com. You can also check out my fitness page (which will be updated much more regularly in the near future) at www.facebook.com/gluteusmammatus

James has been doing awesome. I love experiencing each new stage with him. He is SO inquisitive about everyyything. It's extremely rare for him to sit still for more than a minute or so. Some more updates on him:

15 months: James hit 15 months at the end of November and is at the 90th percentile for height (32.5") and 83rd for weight (25lbs 6oz). He still doesn't have a ton of hair but what he does have is blonde and curly.

Eating: It is absolutely astonishing the amount of food he can put away in one sitting. Thankfully he's not a very picky eater except with some vegetables but I've discovered a few ways around that.

Teeth: Thankfully teething has never seemed to be much of an issue for James. A month ago I got a good glimpse in his mouth to realize he had five-six new teeth coming in at once, four of which were molars! I never would have guessed if I hadn't seen them. We have upgraded from wiping his teeth with a cloth to brushing his teeth twice a day which he weirdly enjoys much more than the cloth. Hopefully he keeps up that attitude!

Running: His new favorite form of transportation =]

Talking: We still haven't reach any real coherent talk yet, which I'm admittedly a bit bummed about. He says sort of half-words or slurs that sort of sound like words. We continue to teach him signs so that he can communicate with us without getting frustrated. He now knows the signs for milk, please, more, and eat, and often points at what he wants accompanied with the sign for please. I'm still holding strong to the notion that when he does start talking it's going to come out in sentences!

Social: He LOVES smiling, waving, and blowing kisses at anyone and everyone. I can't go anywhere with him without getting comments about it. A little part of me wishes he had a little more "healthy stranger anxiety" but I also love that he is social.

Sleeping: James has been down to one nap a day for several months now. As with anything else, some days are better than others but he was definitely ready for it. He has also turned it to a great night sleeper. He does wake up about once a night, sometimes he goes right back to sleep on his own and sometimes I give him back his pacifier and then he goes back to sleep. I'm definitely sleeping much better now because of it!

We borrowed the DVDs and Brian started doing Insanity as a way to change up his routine and get on a consistent cardio workout schedule since running outside in the winter is not always easy or doable. I told him I would do it with him as a way for us to workout together again, something we used to do quite a bit of before I was pregnant, and he has definitely held me to that. We have been getting up around five to get the workouts in before work/James gets up and I'm also weightlifting in the afternoon three times a week because lifting is something that's important to me and something I really enjoy. The two a days are bruuutal but I kind of love it.

Not a whole lot else is going on with us right now except the typical holiday stuff. All of our Christmas shopping is done (woo!) and we are looking forward to spending a few weeks with family. Every day I continue to be so amazed by all God has given us. He is the reason I have anything and everything that I have.

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." - Hebrews 6:19