Jude - 8 months old

JuJu, I can't believe you've been with us for eight whole months now!  We've had you longer (for a few weeks now) than you were ever in my belly.  That's crazy to think about.  I couldn't imagine our family without you.  We all love you so big!  You are so easy going.  We pray daily that one day you will know Jesus, and that you will boldly shine for Him all of your days.

Firsts:  Sitting in the stroller like a big boy, facing forward while we walk (no car seat!), "swimming" in the pool, sleeping in the pack n play like a big boy (without the basinet), first trip to Ginny/Pops house, making a "face" on command and on purpose, to get a laugh from everyone else - you scrunch your nose and stick your lips out - it's a very "Eli" face.

News headlines: Ahmaud Arbery/George Floyd put a new focus on racism in our country and reignite the Black Lives Matter movement, BLM marches and protests take place all over the country, COVID-19 continues to spread however many things are "opening" back up, gas is about $1.56/gallon.

Milestones: You continue to sit very well and you are leaning over to reach things.  Crawling won't be too far off, I think.  You can scoot backwards (but usually only when you are upset).  Still no teeth.  You're getting close to being able to roll over back to tummy.

Measurements: Size 2 diapers, mostly 6-9 mth clothing but still some 6 mth clothing, about 18 lbs

Like Mommy: You love being around family.

Like Daddy: You wake up early and in a good mood.

Like Eli:  Make a mess on your shirts.  (😂Eli came up with that one on his own.)
Like Landon:  You love playing with toys.

Favorite Toys: Anything that lights up/makes noise.  You also have some squishy, rubber blocks that you love to chew on.

Sounds: You love to laugh and do so often!  You do not like loud noises though.  If we holler for Eli or Landon you burst into tears.  It's pitiful to watch your chin shake and your lips set into that frown

Challenges: You have had another ear infection and been on more meds.  It's messed with your tummy and messed with your sleeping habits.

Our Days: You're up around 5:00 each morning to eat and then for good around 7-8 each morning.  Sometimes you will go back to sleep until 9 am after you eat that second time, but not every day.  You take a few cat naps (30 minutes or so) during the day, and usually one long nap (2+ hours) around lunch time.  You're still not big on baby food.  Sometimes you will eat it, a lot of times you won't.  There's no rhyme or reason.  We put you down to sleep around 10:00 each night. (I know, I know.  If we had to get up and go somewhere in the mornings though I'd put you down a lot earlier.)

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite-When you reach for Mommy to hold you.

Daddy's favorite-When you laugh really hard.

Nicknames: Jude Dude, JD, Jet, JuJu, JuJu on that Beat

Upcoming Events: Fathers Day, first Camp Nana Puddin', Mommy's birthday

Watch me grow!

Brother-brothers at 8 months old!

Jude - 7 months old

My sweet Jude Dude,

We love you so much, buddy.  Your two brothers are always fighting over who can claim your attention or get you to laugh.  You love them both so much.  I can't believe it's already been 7 months since you joined our family.  You are the sweetest, easiest little boy.  Even though this has been a crazy time in our world, we have LOVED that we get to spend all our days with you!  I pray that no matter what you would choose to trust Jesus and your love for Him would shine brighter the older you get.  We may have had to cancel our family vacations this year due to a world-wide pandemic, but we don't care; as long as we're all together!

Firsts: Easter, major infection (cellulitis on your leg)

News headlines: Gas is about $1.50/gallon.  COVID-19 (the corona virus) has now swept across the country.  Pretty much every state has shelter at home orders in place.  Some cities are even on government-ordered lockdowns.  Restaurants, shops, entertainment venues are closed (or only open for to-go/curbside pick-up).

Milestones: You're drooling like crazy, but no teeth yet!  You're sitting up on your own really well.  Your hair is getting blonder and longer every day.

Measurements: 16ish lbs, about 25" long, size 2 diaper, 6 month and some 6-9 month size clothes.

Like Mommy: You are routine-oriented.  We don't like to be off our schedule!

Like Daddy: Always up for a snack.

Like Eli:  You love to take a bath.

Like Landon:  You enjoy playing with your toys on your playmat.

Challenges: Lots of drool.  Trying to get you to eat baby food has become an issue.  You did great the first two-ish weeks, and then you decided you didn't want food anymore.  Dr. Yeiser said she isn't worried about this yet, so we'll just keep trying.  Finally, it's not a challenge yet, but we know when you do finally go back to school in August, that will be a big challenge (both for you and Mommy!).  Mommy, Daddy, and brothers are the only people you're used to being around because of quarantine.  We haven't seen any friends/family this month and that's been tough.

Our Days: You are sleeping through the night great.  You go down around 10:00 pm.  You get up around 5 am and nurse and then go back to sleep until between 8-9 am.  You will sit in your high chair or play with toys on your play mat in the kitchen while brothers and Mommy do school work.  Daddy usually takes care of you during this time.  You eat probably 5-7 times a day, depending on the day.  You take a cat nap around lunch.  A long nap later in the afternoon, and a cat nap after dinner.  Weather-permitting, we walk (while brothers ride bikes/scooters) a couple of miles every evening.  You really like it when Mommy straps you on and puts you in the Tula.

Funny/Favorite Moments: Hearing you laugh and talk will always be a favorite.  You are definitely "finding your voice" more and more.  

Nicknames: Jude Dude, JD, Ju Ju, JuJu on that Beat, Jet

Upcoming Events: Trips to Ginny's house/the beach, summer break!

Brothers when they were 7 months old!  I think you are a good mix of Eli and Landon!

Jude - 6 months

I don't think life has ever changed so radically in such a short time as it has over the past month.  Things are crazy different, but you make them so good!  We're so glad you're here with us and that we get to spend all our days with you and watch as you explore and learn and grow each day.  Our prayer is that you see Jesus in all of us (me, Daddy, Eli, and Landon), even from a young age.  But also as you grow, that you would know you're a sinner in need of a Savior.

Firsts: First time eating fruits and veggies (bananas and green beans you love.  Carrots you literally gag on.), sitting up by yourself.  First time living life in quarantine (for all of us).  You've also recently discovered a buddy in the mirror and like to "talk" to the baby.

News headlines: The biggest news headline (and seems like the ONLY headline) is anything and everything related to COVID-19, or "the 'rona" as we like to call it around here.  It has hit the U.S. hard.  Schools (including your daycare, and all across Alabama and the US) are closed and are doing e-learning/tele-school.  In fact, we won't be going back at all this school year.  Alabama (along with many other states) are shelter-in-place right now.  Gas is about $1.45ish/gallon (and ironically, no one is going anywhere right now).  Many people are wearing masks while out in public (Daddy included).  Mommy and you 3 boys haven't gone ANYWHERE these days.  Daddy buys groceries for us, 2 weeks at a time.  Stores limit the number of people inside.  Many things like cleaning supplies and toilet paper are hard to find and are in high demand.  It is currently illegal to gather with more than 10 people.  MANY businesses are closed, restaurants are only offering curbside/to-go orders, ll sports (rec/youth, collegiate, professional) are cancelled, and church is meeting together online only.  All of this is so crazy to type!

Milestones: You are eating some foods, and seem to enjoy getting to eat something extra!  Mommy is still feeding you too (though allergy season is hitting you hard and you're spitting up a lot ... the mucus is getting to you).  You just started sitting up on your own and have gotten pretty good at it.  You improve and gain strength each day.  Daddy and I talk about you can't really tell you were a preemie anymore by your size, but we notice it in your milestones.  You are doing great, but are behind where your brothers were at your age.  But that's ok!  You are a healthy and happy boy!  We bought you a jumper and had it delivered to the house while we're living in quarantine.  You enjoy "standing" in that and playing with the toys.  You've discovered your hands recently and LOVE to grab your feet.  You yank Mommy's hair and pull on Daddy's hoodie strings when we hold you.  You've gotten pretty good at tummy time, and of course can still roll front to back.  You've also discovered your voice recently.  You love to "stand" on the island or table while Mommy or Daddy hold your arms.

Measurements: 16-17ish lbs (you go to the dr next week for your well visit), size 2 diaper, size 6 mths clothes (can still squeeze in a few 3-6 months, but it's a tight squeeze).

Like Mommy: Allergies and sensitive tummies.  : )

Like Daddy: (and all the boys) You LOVE to be outside!

Like Eli:  Love to play with Mommy's hair.

Like Landon:  You like it when Mommy rubs your feet.  : )

Challenges: The past week you've been spitting up.  Actually, I wouldn't even call it spit up.  It's probably 6+ oz at a time.  You can legit empty the contents of your stomach.  The baby dosage of Claritin you're on though does seem to be helping.

Our Days: I won't even tell folks how late you stay up.  But you wake up once around 6-7 and eat, then go back to sleep until after 9.  Since we're not at daycare anymore, you rarely take a bottle.  Mommy feeds you.  Occasionally we do one bottle per day (and then you take 6 oz).  You eat a snack in the morning in between when you get up and "lunch".  Sometimes you take a cat nap in the morning, and sometimes you take a 1-2 hour nap.  About mid-afternoon you'll take a 2-3, sometimes 4, hour nap.  We go for an evening walk every night after dinner, and the big boys ride bikes or scooters.  Sometimes you nap in your stroller while we walk.  You LOVE when Daddy gives you a bath at night.  You play, play play in the water!

Funny/Favorite Moments: Daddy's favorite moment - getting to spend all day, every day with you.  Daddy's paternity leave was SHORT, so this is the longest amount of time y'all have gotten to spend together!  Mommy's favorite moment - watching your personality develop over the past month.  Seeing your interests, what makes you smile, watching your brothers talk to you, etc.  Basically, like Daddy, this time has definitely had it's challenges, but it's given us so many sweet family moments that we don't take lightly and will forever be cherished.

Nicknames: JuJu, JuJu on that beat, Jude Dude, JD, JET, Bubby

Upcoming Events: Easter, 6 month portraits, hopefully the end of quarentine

See how much you've grown!  2, 4, and 6 months!

Look at your brothers at 6 months!

Jude - 5 months

Jude Dude!!  I cannot believe you are five months old.  October seems like it was so long ago, and yet just last week all at the same time.  I can't imagine our family without you.  We're all so crazy about you.  You are a super easy going baby.  This month we got to dedicate you to the Lord, and are already praying for Him to work in your life and draw you to Him.  We pray all you do would glorify God and that you would be bold in your faith.  We love you buddy and are so thankful for you, Jude Easton!

Firsts:  you're becoming better at rolling over tummy to back, baby dedication at church, Valentines Day, ear infection, birthday party (your cousin William)

News headlines:  The corona virus continues to spread across other countries.  Memorial service for Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi.  President Trump is impeached.

Milestones:  You are drooling like crazy (teething maybe??); to the point you soak your clothes and end up having to have wardrobe changes.  You sleep great through the night.  Your hands are in your mouth constantly.  You like to "stand up".

Measurements:  15 lbs ish.  You are wearing 3-6 mths size clothes.  You wear a size 2 diaper.

Like Mommy:  You are a routine-based baby for sure.  Which works great for your routine-based Mommy.  : )

Like Daddy:  Loves to be outside.

Like Eli:  You always want to have someone giving you attention.  : )

Like Landon:  You're very vocal.  You need to be heard!

Challenges:  Ear infection.  Anytime you're "left alone" or put down.

Our Days:  Mommy wakes up at 6:00 a.m. for school.  We wake you up around 6:30 to feed you before school.  We leave the house around 7:00 each day and I drop you off before taking your brothers to school.  Normally Daddy will pick you up about 4:00.  You take three 5.5 oz bottles while you're at school.  And then Mommy feeds you 2-3 more times before bedtime.  You sleep great through the night (minus the ear infection episode).  You 

Funny/Favorite Moments:  

Mommy's favorite - Your baby dedication and getting to celebrate the goodness of the Lord with our family!

Daddy's favorite - When you started recognizing Daddy's voice and noticing when he'd pick you up at daycare.

Nicknames:  Jude Dude, JD, Ju Ju, JET

Upcoming Events:  Spring Break trip to DC, Landon's birthday

Here are your brothers at 5 months old!  3 handsome boys Mommy has!!

Jude - 4 months

Jude Dude!  I can't believe you're already one third of a year old.  How did this happen?  We love you so much, and every day we love you just a little more than the day before.  Though I don't know how that's possible either!?  The whole family is crazy about you, and we all do silly things just to catch a smile or laugh.  More than anything I want you to know Jesus and to make Him known.  You're our little JD and can't wait to see what you do in this world, because you certainly make it a brighter place!

Firsts:  you've really begun to notice your hands and you love to hold your hands/stare at them.  You rolled over tummy to back once.  You started daycare and you've become a champ sleeping through the night!  You sure love your teachers!  First Auburn sporting event - basketball game!

News headlines:  Kobe Bryant, his daughter GiGi, and seven others were killed in a tragic helicopter accident.  Impeachment inquiries/trials of President Trump continue.  The Corona virus is becoming widespread in China.

Milestones:  You sleep through the night (7 or more hours) a good 4-5 nights per week.  Your Mommy is so proud of you for this!  You're doing it faster than your brothers did!

Measurements:  Around 12 lbs.  You are wearing 3 mths size clothes and size 1 diapers.

Like Mommy:  Napping and sleeping!

Like Daddy:  Those eyes!  Smiles a lot/is happy in nearly every circumstance.

Like Eli:  Your hairline reminds me a lot of Eli's hairline at this age.

Like Landon:  Those eyes!  You both like to "talk" a lot.  The TV sucks you in.  Every time.

Challenges:  I wouldn't necessarily call this a challenge, but you drool CONSTANTLY.  You will wet your clothes and the arm of whoever is holding you in no time.  Daddy likes to call you Bubble Lips.

Our Days:  You typically sleep all night.  I get you up between 6-6:30 a.m. and you feed.  Mommy drops you off at daycare around 7:10.  Eli and Landon are such good helpers taking you and all your stuff to your classroom.  You take 3 bottles (about 5 oz) while you're there.  Daddy picks you up and then y'all come and help Mommy in her classroom after school.  You feed 2-3 more times at home before bed.  You love bedtime snuggles with Mommy and all the boys before bedtime.

Funny/Favorite Moments:  Mommy loves snuggling you and soaking up all the moments with you.  We loved taking you to your first big Auburn event - Auburn men's basketball vs. Iowa State.  We won!

Nicknames:  Jude Dude, JD, Jet, Bubble Lips

Upcoming Events:  4 month check-up coming soon, your first Valentines Day, Auburn gymnastics, first visit to church nursery

Your brothers at 4 months old:

Jude - 3 months old

Mommy is late on the blog post, but it's just because we've been busy loving you, Jude!  You've only been here 3 months, but it's hard to imagine our lives without you.  You make our family complete.  I hope you know how treasured you are!

Firsts:  Christmas/Visit with Santa, New Years Eve (spoiler - you didn't make it to midnight, but Mommy gave you your first NYE kiss!).

News headlines:  President Trump was impeached.

Milestones:  You met more family this month.  You smile and coo more and more.  You are getting longer stretches at night.

Measurements:  You were 10 lbs 8 oz at our 3 month check up.  You were also just over 22" long.  You've moved from the first percentile, to the third percentile.  You are still in newborn size clothes.  A few 0-3 months clothes, but they are definitely roomy on you.  You still wear a size 1 diaper.

Like Mommy:  You seem to keep a stuffy nose.  I think we run the humidifier every night.

Like Daddy:  You seem to enjoy being outside.

Like Eli:  You have Eli's temperament.  You're both chill.

Like Landon:  Twins.

Challenges:  You don't have many challenges.  You are such an easy baby and everyone loves you SO MUCH!

Our Days:  You eat for the last time and fall asleep between 9-10 pm, and will usually make it about 6 hours before you wake up to eat again.  The days you spent with Mal Mal while Mommy went back to work, you took 2-3 3.5-4 oz bottles.  Mommy would feed you a few more times before bed.  You still sleep pretty much all morning.  Are awake for a few hours around lunch and early afternoon, then get an afternoon nap, are awake around dinner and early evening, and sometimes catch a cat-nap before bed.

Funny/Favorite Moments:  Seeing you smile, watching your brothers and how they adore you, trying to get you to laugh, snuggling with you.  Basically, you're the family rockstar, Jude!

Nicknames:  Jude Dude, JD, Jet, JuJu

Upcoming Events:  your 3 month portraits, daycare

Jude Dude, look how much you've grown!

And check out big brothers when they were 3 months old!

Jude - 2 months

Jude Dude, I can't believe you are already two months old.  The beginning of your life has been such a whirl-wind.  Being the third baby, I have learned to soak up and cherish the moments with you.  I've been blessed to stay home with you longer than I was able to with the other two boys, and it's been so special.  I've loved every minute with you.  I am so glad that God gave us you!  We love you so big, buddy!

Firsts:  Trip to Puddin and Nana's house.  Peanut Festival.  Road trip and Thanksgiving.  Met lots of new family.  Camp Swamp Fox event.  Christmas Made in the South.

News headlines:  Trump impeachment trials

Milestones:  You're getting better about holding that head up!

Measurements:  10ish lbs, probably 21 or so inches, Newborn size clothes, size 1 diapers

Like Mommy:  We're both always down for a nap!

Like Daddy:  Those blue eyes.

Like Eli:  You and Eli are both very chill and go-with-the-flow.

Like Landon:  Your eyes are so blue, and you look very much like your brother, Landon!

Challenges:  Not really a challenge for you, but Mommy has so many mixed emotions about heading back to work.  I'm ready to be on a schedule and feel accomplished during the day, but I am sure going to miss you.  I wish you could come with me.  You're so wonderful that I know you'll be great for whoever you're with; I just wish it was with me!  I'm a little concerned about having to get up early for work after getting up during the night with you.  Mommy needs her sleep!

Our Days:  We take brothers to school about 7:10 each morning and then come back home and snuggle together on the couch.  Mommy is going back to work on Dec. 5, so I'm soaking up every minute with you.  We leave here just before 3 pm to pick them up.  You feed about every 3 hours during the day, and get up about twice a night still.

Funny/Favorite Moments:  Our favorite moments would be getting to see you smile and hearing you coo!

Nicknames:  Jude Dude, JuJu, Jet and Jet Jet, Bubby, Tadpole

Upcoming Events:  Mommy going back to work, and of course, Christmas!

Look how much you've changed in just a month!

And, for comparison, Eli and Landon at two months old: