8th months already gone by!

Ethan and I are sitting outside on a nearly perfect day. Partly sunny, blue sky with a gentle breeze blowing and the sweet babble of my son to keep me company. I've been reflecting on the brevity of life recently--it is good to drink in these moments and consider how the world will be different at the end of each day: Did I learn something about myself? Did I reflect what I know to be true of God? Were others loved? I hope the "lazy days of summer" are allowing you time for some restful reflection...

We can hardly believe Ethan is 8 months old! He is increasingly such a little man--still a very mild-tempered kid, but starting to express his displeasure when he doesn't get what he wants. He is very social and loves interacting with Mom and Dad. He continues to do well with others, attending the nursery at church each week. He sits very well now and moves from sitting onto his tummy to reach for things. His fine motor skills are developing rapidly, requiring Mommy to be attentive to the cleanliness of her floor! Despite his pinchers working well, he is not really interested in finger foods yet, and we are still awaiting teeth. He now uses rolling as a mode of
transportation and I often find him far from where I left him. With Mommy's help he can balance on hands and knees for a short while, or stand at the footstool and "play" the piano. He loves his "boytime" with Daddy--running around the house, swinging in his towel hammock and general rough-housing. Daddy loves it too! He is quite vocal these days, babbling and squealing to express his delight and just hear himself talk!

One of the great things about the natural beauty of this area, is that you find hidden treasures right in the middle of suburbia. This photo was taken during a family hike at a bird sanctuary about 5 minutes from our home. Ethan fell asleep, face down in his pack, about half way through our hike!

Other highlights this month included vacationing with most of the Urban family in Michigan, beginning to enjoy the fruits of our labor from our garden, and co-hosting our annual block party.

On our trip to Michigan, Ethan did great despite a 3-hour delay for our departing flight. (Fortunately, we were not on the plane). We enjoyed beautiful weather, walks to the local ice cream shop, a family squirt gun fight, roasting marshmellows, and lots of time with cousins, aunts, uncles and Grandma and Grandpa. The photo below is Ethan's first time in a "swimming" pool in his new suit and swim shirt from Aunt Sara. He loved it! Daddy and Ethan enjoyed an afternoon swing, followed by a snooze, in Grandma's cool chair.

We were so excited to return to our first strawberry harvest! We have enjoyed many strawberry treats over the past few weeks and also were able to make some jam (thanks for the tips, Mom!) We have also been enjoying lettuce and spinach, as well as a variety of fresh herbs. It's a bit crazy how much we delight in checking the daily garden progress.

Our block party was a success, in-spite of a chilly, windy day. We are grateful for God's faithfulness in providing us a caring community that is beginning to feel like home.