Lovely Locks

When Henry was born we thought he had a lot of hair. At least in comparison with other fair haired babies.

 It was long enough that I could even put a little part in his hair after his bath.

Once he started turning his head, he created a bald spot in the back of his head but directly below it, there was lots of long hair, so he looked like he had a mullet. We weren't that fond of it, so we didn't take pictures of it.

But now that he's 10 months old his hair was starting to hang over his ears. I didn't want to pay to have it cut (and have the chance that Henry would have a melt-down during the hair cut). So I decided I would do it myself! Very ambitious, I know. I watched lots of youtube videos and finally built up enough courage to give it a try.

Sam distracted him with toys and letting him rip pieces of paper while I started trimming. Henry did really well for his age. He squirmed a bit, but it wasn't too bad. No tears and no melt-downs! I know I'm not a professional, but it was effective. I was just thinking about how much money you could save by cutting your kids hair. It could save a lot, especially if you had quite a few kids. It would be a really useful skill to learn. Maybe one day...

Investment News Article

Sam had the privilege of being interviewed for an article in the Investment News Magazine. Over the next few years they will keep in touch with him to document his progress and career. Sam is really enjoying his job as a financial planning associate. Here is Plancorp's website if you want more information about what he does.

It has been a big transition from Sam being a full-time student, working 3 jobs and involved in clubs and groups to just being a full-time employee. I love that when Sam comes home at the end of the day, he doesn't have to eat a quick dinner and start doing homework and preparing for the next test. Although he will study for the CFP exam that he'll take in March.

It's nice to spend so much more time with him and see him play with Henry. When Sam was in school it was hard to make time for date night, but now after Henry goes to bed, we can have date night every night (in our house, of course)!

Speaking of date nights, this is one that we had recently. We take turns planning our dates and this was one of my ideas. A paper airplane toss! You throw your airplane through different holes, the smaller the hole the more points it is worth. I was in the lead and Sam was 230 points behind and he said I would have to get the 200 hole and the 30 hole to get caught up (up to this point no one had been able to get the 200 hole). And then he gets the 200 and the 30 hole! He was really talented...or lucky.

Meet the Splash Pad

Splash pads are wonderful inventions. We have one within a 10 minute walk of where we live right beside a  park. Henry really likes water and playing in the little fountains. Now that he can crawl he can go explore them more freely too! This one will be nice once Henry starts walking because it has a fenced area so he can roam but not run away.

Henry is starting to develop a adventurous spirit since he started crawling. He will try to dive off couches/chairs, chase vacuum cleaners, touch dogs, splash in pools and pull himself up to standing on anything. His favorite places around the house are the bathroom (we always have to leave the door closed or else he will go in there), and the place where I keep the broom. He is fascinated with the broom, so much that I can't sweep while he's around or he'll chase it. 

The 4th

We are blessed to live in such a wonderful land with so many freedoms. I'm thankful for the safety and security I feel, for the religious freedom to worship and assemble, for the freedom of speech and the freedom to vote in a democracy.

In honor of the 4th of July, we all dressed up in our red, white and blue and spent time together as a family at the St. Charles River Fest.

 Family, food, and fun.

My handsome boys :)

This is in front of a memorial to Lewis and Clark, found in St. Charles.

 Here is the the "Big Muddy" aka the Missouri River. Pretty view, but I wouldn't want to go swimming in it.

We tried our 1st funnel cake! Yum! 

Oh, that little boy

Some of Henry's favorite things now that he's a little over 9 months include:

--computers and keyboards, make that all electronics

--thumbing through the pages of books

--looking at books, especially touch and feel books

--playing with keys and helping me check the mail

--ripping and eating paper

--squeaking toys

--peek-a-boo

--playing in the swimming pool or at splash pads
--making motor boat noises

He's crawling!

There were times when I thought Henry would skip crawling altogether, but he surprised us!  He just didn't know how to get his legs underneath himself so he would end up kicking wildly while on his stomach. We had been practicing with him for months to no avail. We would tempt him with toys just outside his reach, have him watch us crawl, help him get on his hands and knees, and even move his legs while he moved his arms. Then one morning, as a complete surprise, Henry was sitting on the floor and starts crawling to us! Sam and I were in shock!

Now that he can crawl he is already a much happier baby because he can explore. That means lots of quick baby-proofing our house. Yikes, I'm not prepared!