James' First Dinner Party

We're grown-ups again! Last Saturday our friend Julie hosted a fabulous dinner party (she's starting to rival Martha), so Pete and I dressed up and escaped the house for a night out. James did great in the car, though he was a bit overwhelmed by a house full of people. James' friend Maddy was there as well (showing off her ability to smile and laugh through any new situation). We loved the chance to talk about adult things for a change, but were also happy to show off our beautiful boy.

The Johnson Family

Last weekend Katy's cousins Troy, Sheila, Hillary and Jake stopped by to meet Baby James. They were shocked by how big he's grown, for he's not such an infant any more. It was great to see them, and fun for us to see the future --Jake, at one and a half, gave us a great preview of what is in our near future, and what we'll need to baby proof, and Hillary had us looking forward to the talking stage (her favorite question seems to be "but why?"). James is excited to see them again at Thanksgiving!

Our Growing Boy

James seems to be growing by leaps and bounds (at this rate he'll be taller than his dad by the time he's three). He is gaining control of his neck and head (check out his tummy time stretch) and he's slowly starting to soothe himself. Today I was able to set him down and he fell asleep on his own (and not on me!). The nap didn't last long, but it's a start. The sounds he is making go beyond "agoo" and he's discovered his vocal cords. At times he sounds like an infantile member of the Lollipop Guild, and we can't get enough. Every day seems to bring something new, and with every smile and laugh we fall a bit more in love.Unfortunately, James doesn't like to perform for the camera, so we don't have any photographic or video evidence of said smiles and laughter, but I promise to post as soon as he decides to pose for posterity.

James and Maddy

Jen and Maddy travelled down to Martinez for Halloween, and James and Maddy bonded over their orange outfits. Dressing up is fun!