Ethan's first half-birthday!

We can hardly believe Ethan has been here for 6 months and we think he gets cuter by the day! We love awakening to his joyful smile and "happy feet" (he pulls his legs up to the ceiling, then slams them down to his bed to happily greet us). He is less of a snuggle bug, as he is so much more interested in exploring his environment, including hair, glasses and faces. He enjoys sitting still for books, and has started to "help" turn the pages. He is ticklish, like his Daddy, and fills the house with the most gleeful sounds.

His 6th month has brought more independence--rolling in both directions, sitting statically with a little support, "jumping" in his exer-saucer, sucking his thumb, drinking from a cup (with help) and trying many new foods. His favorite things: sweet potatoes, banana-cado (banana and avocado mixed), peas and mango. The only thing he hasn't enjoyed is broccoli. He enjoys meals at the table with Mommy and Daddy while sitting in his Bumbo seat gnawing on a wooden spoon, or the spout of his sippy cup.



He increasingly enjoys his bath times as he's figured out kicking and splashing. Mommy's learned lessons after 2 poops on the floor: 1. Never remove his diaper for naked play time prior to the morning poop. 2. Make sure he's done pooping, prior to leaving him alone on the floor to play. (Can we say HUGE mess?!?)

Ethan and Daddy spent their first 9-hour day together, while Mommy worked. They had a great time together. Ethan also started going to the nursery at church this month, and spending time with our friends Brett and Stacey and their foster child, AJ, who is one week younger, during our date nights.

Ethan's favorite play times include regular walks with our friend Ellie and her kids, Micah who is 2 and Moriah who is 8 weeks, soon to be joined by Laura and Luke, who is just 3 days! Mommy is grateful for so many friends who are home and within walking distance. Ethan also enjoys being outside on a blanket, gliding on the swing, sitting on Mommy and Daddy's bed with pillows, and his floor time with Daddy flying like an airplane, or just sitting and playing with anything he can put in his mouth (no teeth yet, but you'd think they'd have to show up soon).

Eric continues to enjoy his work at GE and will be leading the control part of a new contract that was recently awarded. We are grateful that his job is less time consuming than OSU and allows us the opportunity to invest in things besides work. Our friendships in the small group that we lead, continue to deepen. Our group will add 3 babies in 2010 and we are so thankful to have others to learn along side of, and an extended family in which to raise our son.

We have had an early spring and are enjoying getting outside--Daddy is moving more dirt to the garden today. Seeds are started inside for broccoli, chard, lettuce, butternut squash and garlic was put into the ground yesterday. We should be direct seed planting in a week or two. The strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are growing with vigor and we await a bountiful harvest!

We enjoyed visits this month to see the extended Focarelli and Westervelt families. We had a great weather weekend, and enjoyed a cookout and walking to local parks. We are looking forward to traveling this summer to Michigan for the annual Urban family vacation, Cape Cod at the end of August, Colorado in October for Aunt Laurie's wedding, and a few Connecticut trips. Check back often for photos and updates!