Jude - 12 months old

Jude Dude, how can you be a whole year old already?!  You came into this world tiny but so strong and mighty.  You've grown so much this year!  We are all so in love with you!  You are Daddy's buddy already, you love having the attention of your brothers,  and you love your Mommy big-time!

Firsts:    birthday!, set of tubes, sips of juice and water,

News headlines:  Gas is about $1.78/gallon, COVID/masks/social distancing are still things, the upcoming Presidential election is very much talked about

Milestones: You can really move!  You crawl so fast.  You "walk" holding on to the couch or walkers/stools/chairs/anything not nailed down.  You have even started standing all by yourself for brief periods of time.  You can clap, you give kisses, you have bye-bye.  Your favorite thing to babble is "da da".  

Measurements: Size 3 diapers, 9-12 mths sized clothes,  20 lbs, 28.5" long, and 19" head circumference.

Like Mommy:  We both stay up late, but then sleep hard in the morning when it's time to get up!

Like Daddy: Y'all love to be outside.

Like Eli:  You both love to play with a ball.

Like Landon:  You both love a good snack!

Favorite Toys: You LOVE the bbq grill set the Downeys gave you for your birthday.  You also love 

Sounds: (babbling) dada, bye-bye, uh-huh (that's our favorite)

Challenges:  We learned at your 12 month appointment that your hemoglobin was a tad low.  We just need to make sure you're eating more iron-rich foods.  Sleeping through the night is still off/on a struggle.

Our Days:  We get you up around 6:15 each morning.  We're out the door by 6:45.  You are usually the first kid at daycare each morning (we're sitting waiting for them to open).  You have gotten to where you start reaching for her as soon as you see Ms. Gwen.  : )  You are doing great at daycare and that makes Mommy and Daddy so happy!  You are napping about 3 hours a day there.  Daddy picks you up in the afternoons and feeds you an after school snack with brothers.  When Mommy gets home you get a feeding.  You eat pretty good at supper too.  You love play time after school.  You scoot all over the house, and love when we go outside to play.  You get one really good nap in the afternoon/early evening, and are asleep before 9:00.

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite - I love watching all the new things you're doing this month.  Seeing you stand, clap, scoot around, and do things on purpose to get a laugh has been so fun and fills me with joy!

Daddy's favorite - Watching you stand up for long periods of time.

Nicknames: JD, Jude Dude, JuJu, Bubby

Upcoming Events: Your birthday party (parties), covid-style.

Look how much you've grown this year!

Brothers at 12 months old!

Jude - 11 months

 Jude Dude, how in the world are you already 11 months old?  It seems like just the other day, but at the same time the world has changed so much since you were born.  (For the record, it's better because you're in it!)  Even with all of the craziness, uncertainty, and at times, chaos, in this world, Daddy and I pray that you would know and trust in Jesus.  He's our peace.  He's the certainty.  He is always faithful and he is always so, so good, and we pray that you would know that all of your life too (Mommy's favorite song).

Firsts:  Day at a new daycare, first end of summer, pulling up on things, boat ride at Baba and Pops house.

News headlines:  Gas is about $1.84/gallon, Covid still in issue (we have gone back to school with a hybrid model.  Only half the students come at a time.  The other half have to log in remotely.) - many things cancelled or delayed (like football season).

Milestones:  You've got some teeth breaking through!  Finally!  You've started eating a little better too.  You are now beginning to pull up on things and will stand while holding on to something for support.

Measurements: 20ish pounds.  Size 3 diapers.  Size 9 months clothes.  A little more than 28" long.

Like Mommy: We have a cranky/grouchy side.

Like Daddy: Blue eyes and smile.

Like Eli:  You love to be held like Eli did as a baby.  You don't like to be alone and panic if you can't see someone in the room with you.

Like Landon:  You and Landon love a screen!  You both love Mommy and Daddy's phones.

Favorite Toys: You love things that light up and make noise.  You get excited for a remote control or an iphone.  You really love to play with the alphabet magnets on the refrigerator.

Sounds: Mama, dada, nana, bye bye (though not necessarily associated with anyone in particular).

Challenges:  Eating has definitely been a challenge.  You are supposed to start speech soon to work on that, but your new class at daycare has definitely helped.  We've had a few choking incidents that have been scary, but you are really starting to improve!  Your sleep habits are still exhausting.  You're up 2-3 times a night, but we have surgery scheduled for tubes soon!  We put the gastro exploration issues on hold until we get the ears figured out.  We're also trying to get you to take a cup, but that's not been very successful lately.

Our Days:  You still wake up 2-3 times a night.  Hopefully tubes will change that issue.  You get up about 6:20 each morning when we all start moving around.  We leave the house about 6:45 to get you to daycare by 7:00 when they open.  You're always first or second kid there.  Daddy picks you up each afternoon.  You love to have an afternoon snack.  Mommy feeds you when she gets home and again at bedtime.  You are eating table food at all 3 meals.  You are BUSY when we're at home.  You are all over the place and love to "help" fold clothes.  : )

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite- Watching how excited you get when you see Mommy, Daddy, or especially your brothers.  Your arms and legs get to shaking because you're so happy!

Daddy's favorite - Singing The Itsy Bitsy Spider with you and doing the hand motions.  You LOVE this and get so happy and giggly!

Nicknames: Jude Dude, JD, JuJu, brother, Bubby, 

Upcoming Events: Your first birthday...wow!  I can't believe it!

Brothers at 11 months:

I think you're a good mix of your brothers and still perfectly unique!

Jude - 10 months

Jude Dude, I am in denial about how fast the months are flying by!  You are so fun, loving, and cuddly.  You're the perfect fit for our family.  We four love you so big, and thank God for you!

Firsts:  Trip to Callaway Gardens, 4th of July (fireworks show in Auburn), swimming at Baba's house

News headlines:  Gas is around $1.84/gallon.  The 'rona is still messing everything up (we're all over it).  Our beloved daycare of the past ten years closed and we had to find somewhere new for you.  The Lord provided a great place for you, of course, but we were sad to have to leave what we had.

Milestones: You're pulling up on things and starting to stand while holding on to something.  You are starting to really turn around/scoot more and more.

Measurements: Size 3 diapers, size 9 month clothes, about 18 lbs and 28" long

Like Mommy:   You love our family walks each evening too.

Like Daddy:  Waking up early!

Like Eli:  You love to "swim in the pool".  You love the water and splashing.

Like Landon:  Loves to nuzzle Mommy at night and for naps.

Favorite Toys:  You love to bang a cup, haha!  Any kind of blocks/shapes.  Any thing that will fit in your mouth!  You do enjoy your jumper.

Sounds: You are a babbling machine!  You say "mama", "dada", "nana" (but not really directed at the right people).

Challenges: You are still getting up frequently at night.  We saw a pediatric gastro dr, but we weren't really pleased and got no real answers.  We may explore going to Atlanta.

Our Days: We're soaking up these last few days of summer and our time together.  You wake up frequently at night.  We just roll with it during the day!

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite-Being with you (and the rest of the family) all day.  I enjoy our walks that have come from quarantine.  It's my favorite time of the day.

Daddy's favorite- Watching you play in the water, whether in the pool at Ginny and Pops house or at the beach at Callaway, you were a lot of fun to watch!

Nicknames:  JD, Jude Dude, JuJu, Bubby

Upcoming Events: Back to school

Look at my brothers at this age.

Jude - 9 months old

JD, I can't believe how close we're getting to one year old.  You're getting so big and we love seeing your personality shine through.  You are such a sweet boy, and you love Mommy and Daddy big.  It's so fun getting to see you problem solve/figure out new things, move around more, and love on your brothers.  We pray as you continue to grow that you will grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Firsts: Slept in your crib in your room (just once, then you were back in Mommy's!), scooting/spinning on the floor while on your belly (not quite crawling), first time eating multiple "meals" (food) in one day.

News headlines: COVID, of course (we're OVER it), conversations/awareness/protests for racial injustice, gas is about $1.85/gallon.

Milestones: You will "dance" sometimes now.  You love a good beat.  : )  Still waiting on those teeth to drop in.

Measurements: Size 3 diapers, 6-9 month/9 month size clothes, about 19 lbs

Like Mommy:  We can't take the heat outside!  haha
Like Daddy:  You both need an afternoon snack to make it through the day.
Like Eli:  You make faces like Eli.

Like Landon:  You both like to dance.

Favorite Toys:  Your stacking rings, and anything that lights up/makes noises.

Sounds: You are babbling and making sounds frequently.  I think you like the sound of your own voice.  You love to laugh and will do it for no reason.  No "words" yet though.

Challenges: SLEEP!  Your ears are not helping any of us get consistent sleep at night.

Our Days: Because you are not a great sleeper, we take full advantage of these lazy summer days and don't get moving until 8-9 each morning.  You take 3 naps a day:  a cat nap before lunch, a long afternoon nap, and a 30-45ish minute nap in the evening before bed.  We stay up late at this house, and you jumped right on that schedule like the rest of us!  You hardly ever take a bottle, but that will change once school starts back.  We aim for you to eat food at every meal; sometimes you do, sometimes you don't.  Apples, bananas, avocado, sweet potatoes, peas, and prunes are your favorites.  You also really like oatmeal.  You love Ginny's baked beans too!

Funny/Favorite Moments:
Our favorite- Our trip to St. Andrews State Park for Camp Nana Puddin was so much fun.  We enjoyed watching you play in the sand and splash in the water!

Nicknames: Jude Dude, JD, and JuJu are the most popular

Upcoming Events: 4th of July, beach trips, enjoying the last little bit of summer

Watch me grow!

Brothers at 9 months old:

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!