Florida

I must post these pictures before Christmas strikes. We had a great time down south even when we had to work! And that's not that hard when it's a balmy 74 degrees. Sigh.
Here are some highlights.

OoooOO! Finally Ezra and Hannah meet!

Our last day in Naples was warm enough to be a beach day. Pure delight.

Ezra just loved being without clothes. (still does)

Makes me misty eyed.

Here he is sporting his toughest of looks.

Playing with Rachie! We are so glad you are now in FL, Rachel :)

Yahoo! The Thatcher family. We went to Solomon's Christmas program in Everglade City. Way to go, Sy.

Fishing in the Thatcher's back yard for snook and tarpon.

Josh 2. Natalie 0.

Disneyworld! Here we are with more Rude's. It was great to see them.The boy and I staying warm on a chilly day at DW.

Josh says that when Ezra asks to go to Disneyworld, Josh will tell him he's already been there. (Four months old doesn't count!!)

Here are 4 generations. My Uncle Bill and Pa, Ezra's great grandpa. It was wonderful to spend time in Ocala with everyone. Carmen and Jose celebrated their birthdays with a fun party.

Ezra with Great Grandpa

And Ezra and Bill sporting the same fashionable hair styles.

The Almost Crawl

This weekend my mom and dad were over to celebrate Christmas. Ezra had lots to show them! The crawl is knocking on our door. (!)
Lots of rocking back and forth. Man oh man, is he ever excited and determined! Take a look at this movie...it's only 2 minutes long, but I was having trouble editing the audio and the song runs for another 7 minutes after the film is finished. Not to worry when you see the 9:00 price tag. It looks like my new and glamorous editing skills were a bit too much for quicktime to handle, so forgive the opening ( and over all quality!). I'm new at this:) and will gladly accept any tips.

With all of that, enjoy the show.

4 Months

Well this one is a bit late as we were just leaving around the 4th for two weeks in Florida. Then I couldn't find my camera... You wouldn't believe all the new things he is doing!! Josh and I can barely believe it. He sits, he rolls, he gets up onto his hands and knees and rocks back and forth. It's the "almost crawl." He scoots backwards, though. He is moving across the floor now when we put him down. At only 4 months old this is just plain nuts. We've got photos of Florida, too, coming soon...

So the 4 month photo shoot was an entirely new ball of wax. Instead of just sitting there like a nice pacifist, this time he scooted and thrashed. He did not want to lean back into the chair, but insisted on sitting up (or sitting very forward). A difficult position for the photographer to work with. Not only that but he insisted on eating the 4 month card. Lots of gumming and drool.
Here's proof.

Growing

Up late and as always, whenever the clocks strikes oh, about 9:30 pm, I find myself in the constant company of a particular thought: "I should be in bed." This thought parks and stays for a few hours. And I want to write about Ezra so awake I'll stay. This week he grew up. He is strong. He is vocal. He is leaving the infant stage in physical ways and it almost makes me want to post an obituary to his baby-ness. He will be 4 months on the 4th. I know, I know that is still a baby. But things are changing so fast! I suppose all parents navigate this space; the space of mourning and rejoicing at the same exact time. Parenting is vast and complex, but commands an introspective respect. I find myself wondering so much these days. As in wonder-ing. Being full of wonder. And so I close this night with a toast. To wonder, To Ezra Monroe!