A sighting

Our big boy is growing up! 6 months old and he spouted his first tooth this week. Rather certain it was happening during a doctor appointment we were at for me. I was that mom for the first time. Yup screaming child. Nothing, yes nothing made him happy. I found myself apologizing, embarrassed, and promising, "he is usually a very agreeable baby. I have no idea what is going on. I promise, next time he will be better."

By the time I finally saw the doctor (new doctor for me) I was just praying he would send me away with some physical therapy for my foot problems and I would never have to return to his office with my unruly child. Nope. Not so much. Looks like I will be back. Again and again---more surgery for me. Seriously? Hopefully we can wait until after the New Year..... and after Russell has all of his teeth!

Hood River Fruit Loop

Brian and I have gone to Hood River every October since we started dating in 2003. So we decided to continue the tradition and introduce Russell. It was an entirely different experience this year with a 6 month old. But a good kind of different. For one, we tried a new stop on the loop and we sampled some unpasteurized pear and apple ciders. Couldn't have done that last year! We never took pictures of outings. This year we had a the perfect person to take pictures of--Russell!

Getting There

It has been a slow start for me to get into the groove of fall. So I thought I would use my cute pumpkin as inspiration! I usually love autumn and all of its festivities, I just am finding myself not quite there...yet....but getting there.

I am sipping the first cider of this season as I write this. Brian is at his back to school night. We have our Fruit Loop Tour on the calendar and our corn maize date on the calendar. So I guess all is as it should be. These are all traditions Brian and I have taken part in since we started dating in 2003. So we must continue and introduce Russell!

Just Russell

Just some pictures of Russell from this summer. He is growing into a personality all his own. It is such a joy to watch. I can't help but be a proud mama!

California Grandparents

My parents came to visit Mr. Russell a couple weeks ago. Perfect timing...I was recovering from having my gallbladder removed. It was nice to have extra help around the house. Russell was excited to see his grandparents, too. It had been 7 weeks since they saw him last. He has changed so much since then. They were excited to see his new milestones in person.

This is the other Barry in Russell's life. My dad. I thought this was such a sweet picture. My dad is already teaching Russell the ways of the world--and Russell is listening!

Russell meets Russell

The day Brian and I found out I was pregnant, the name game began. I naturally assumed I was having a girl. What on earth would I do with a boy!? I never had much experience with those around. My closest cousins were all girls. So I just figured a girl was the obvious course for the beginnings for our family. Well, turns out we were having a boy. Brian immediately wanted to name him Russell Barry. Russell to honor his grandfather and Barry to honor both of our dads.

Great grandpa Russell was down visiting from Alaska last week and the two met face to face for the first time. What a joy to see.

(Brian wrote a very sweet letter to his grandpa Russell explaining all the reasons why he wanted to name his son after him. It is in Russell's baby book. I didn't think Brian would like it too much if I posted it on the blog, sorry. It's a rather large tear jerker anyhow!)

Grandmas

Russell was visited this Summer by a few women. Most notably his many Grandmothers. Below are his Great-Great Grandmother Carrie, Great Grandmother Marilyn and Grandma Vicki. He naturally charmed them all! He is learning quickly! Smart boy.

This weekend he will meet his Great-Great Grandpa Russell (his namesake) and Great-Great Grandmother Freda. Pictures to follow.