Poor sick baby

So the Howards had their first (of probably several to come over our lifetime) trip to the emergency room last night. Geoff and I don't consider ourselves to be panicky parents, but after Liam's fever only crept higher yesterday to 103.1 after 2 doses of ibuprofen, to the hospital we went. Liam was diagnosed with a pretty rough ear infection and was prescribed amoxicillin for 10 days. After awaking every 2 hours last night, more doses of Tylenol alternating with Motrin, and 2 rounds of his antibiotic, he seems to be feeling much better this morning. As for his exhausted parents, that's another story. Poor Geoff had to work today, but I am gratefully at home taking care of my little man. At the hospital, we found out Liam weighs almost 20 pounds now, and he made lots of friends with the lady nurses who took care of him! And who could blame them--look at that precious thing in his tiny hospital gown!

8 months already!

Can you believe Liam is 8 months old?

His biggest accomplishment this month has been his development into a mobile baby. He is not crawling in the classic crawling pose, but he sure is fast using his own method! He scooches by pulling himself forward with his arms. When he starts to crawl, he looks as if he wants to use his knees or feet, often looking like a yoga master in downward dog or like Spiderman ready to attack, but then he just reverts back to his army crawl. I'm not worried. Many babies never use the traditional method before they learn to walk, or so I am told.



Liam's also trying to "pull-up" into a standing position. He likes using Geoff or me for this instead of any furniture, but I am sure that's only a matter of time since he is always more interested in the items on the tables than his toys. When we help him stand, he likes to pick up his feet and "walk" holding on to our fingers or hands. My guess is he'll be an early walker because he's got great balance and leg strength. Lord, help us!



I also think I have heard "Mama" a couple of times. It's happened when he's upset and I am not in sight. So, either my ears are playing tricks on me, making me hear my heart's desire, or Liam really understands who I am and is calling for me! Let's just say it's the latter.



I have no official stats on height or weight--those will come with his 9 month appointment next month, but Liam is still on the taller end of the spectrum. He is ready for 12 month onesies, and I will be buying size 4 diapers on the next shopping trip!

In addition to his progress, Liam is still a smiling, happy boy. He really does have a smile to share with everyone, and we hope that he can share on with you all soon! All our love!

while Daddy is away...

I was trying to take a picture of Liam and me to send to Geoff while he is away, but Liam kept going for the lens cap, so this is the best one I got. Holding a squirmy worm in one hand and trying to snap a photo with the other proved beyond me, but look how happy I look in my attempt! Also, please note the Spiderman pose my son now takes when he starts to crawl!

Liam's on the move!

Well, it's official. Geoff and I have a mobile baby! And boy is he into everything! He finds stuff Geoff and I don't even notice--iPod cords plugged into the computer, fingernail files that have fallen under the table...basically anything he should not be playing with, he goes after! Here's a photo to abate your interest while we upload a video. We promise one is forthcoming!

7 months old

Liam turned 7 months old last Tuesday. He is getting to be such a big boy AND quite the little traveler. He has now flown 8 times--more times in 7 months than I flew in 22 years!

His recent accomplishments:

Sitting up steadily

Feeding self "puffs," a soft finger food (see photo)

Reaching arms out when wanting to be picked up (by his Mama)

Drinking water from a sippy cup

Scooching backwards and around in a circle, helicopter style (not a full-on crawl yet)

We are still waiting, a bit impatiently now, for hair and teeth, but little Liam is growing into such a smiling, precious little man. We love him so!

Liam's first Easter

This is a tad late in posting, but Geoff and I wanted to share some photos of Liam's first Easter. He enjoyed what the Easter bunny brought him: soft blocks, "rollarounds", a soft, snuggly Peter Rabbit book, and a fluffy, white bunny!

Springtime in Alabama

Liam and I just returned from our visit to Alabama...Liam's first! He got to meet almost the entire Watson side of the family, and he loved being outside in the warm sunshine after our long winter! Here are some highlights!

Playing with Uncle Connor and Aunt Shannon!

Getting ready for some fishing with Grandfather!



Getting kisses from Landon Guinn!

Watching my first sunset over Logan Martin Lake with Grandfather.

Being a "Jumping Bean" on Mims's lap.

Playing with Cousin Garrett.

And hanging out with Grandwacky!