This big guy had his 6 month checkup on December 5th. We’re a bit behind as his first checkups were delayed at the start since we were on vacation. In any case, an excellent report from the doctor. He weighed in at 17 pounds 2.6 ounces (35th percentile), 27″ long (53rd percentile), and head circumference of 45 cm (86th percentile). We’re going to start experimenting with some more foods and they also encouraged giving him a sippy cup with water so he can begin learning how to drink from a cup. I was kind of surprised as I don’t remember that so early with Griffin but we will give it a go! I hadn’t even though of it yet! The boys had a fun-filled week at home with several fun activities including making gingerbread cookies, making themselves as elves, writing letters to Santa and dropping them off at the box, and various Christmas painting projects. This year Griffin wrote out his entire letter to Santa himself! Reid was also quite happy with himself one day when he was able to open the beverage fridge. He is quite a strong little man.  Despite Brutus being the size of small pony, when he naps he loves to curl up into the tiniest of balls. I especially love that his tucks his nose under his leg.  This guy has caught a little cold and isn’t feeling the greatest. This picture captures what I think he feels like. Poor man. He’s been wanting extra snuggles and from all of his congestion and such hasn’t been sleeping the greatest. Kevin has been going in during the nighttime when Reid wakes. We’ve found if I go in then he sometimes will settle but other times isn’t happy unless he gets fed! So I snapped this pic of Kevin and Reid taking in some night time snuggles.  Griffin loves to be my baker helper. We made some brownies for the church musical and he’s a high energy mixer. The Bethune’s went on a 10-year anniversary trip so Mom and Dad came down and stayed at their house and watched the kiddos for the weekend. Griffin, Reid, and I met up with them for hockey and skating lessons on Saturday morning. It’s chilly in the rink so we were bundled up. I think Reid enjoyed his first observation experience.  After hockey and lunch at McDonald’s with the crew the kids and I headed to Enon for Jim’s 75th birthday! Kevin had left earlier in the day. The weather turned wintery  and driving, though not terrible road conditions, was horrific! It took us nearly 3 hours to get to Enon. And I even got off 270 and went a back way, which was slow also. Thankfully I’d fed Reid before we left and they both took great naps! Once we arrived in Enon we had a great time. Lots of play time on the carpet and decorating the Christmas tree, which Finn loved. In the below football pic he’s using a cucumber as his mouth guard. He’s requested a mouth guard and shin guards from Santa – but in the meantime, he’s pretty creative in making his own.  On Sunday morning the boys and I left Enon early and headed back to Dublin to meet my parents and the kids for church. Kevin wasn’t feeling well as we’ve all been fighting the yuckies. After church Grandma and Grandpa treated all of us to lunch at First Watch. Yum! At school Griffin works a lot of letters and writing and they frequently fill out sheets like this and then at the top they draw what was written. So here is Griffin’s ornament, his favorite part of our Christmas tree!