Growing Tall

Ethan’s checkup went well last week. He got his 3 shots and even though he cried hard, it was pretty easy to calm him afterwards. He grew 2 inches since his 4 month appointment!! We were excited about that because it puts him back on the growth curve. His weight was 16 pounds 2 ounces (also perfect) and we have been cleared to start real food (though I have been trying the rice cereal for sometime). We are to feed him with a spoon twice a day now. This will be exhausting until he figures out what a spoon is and how to use it. He still hasn’t figured it out since we started cereal on Memorial Day evening. But I suppose in time we will all get used to it.

Road Trip

Ethan had his first long road trip this weekend. We spent Friday afternoon through Monday morning with my mom's brother and family in Indianapolis, IN. Ethan had a blast!! He played so hard with the family that he slept hard every night and took amazing naps. We all had a lot of fun! Road trip #1 was a success. Let's hope future ones turn out this well.

Laughter

Laughter is such an amazing drug. Little Ethan sure knows how to laugh it up during the day. I am so addicted to his full belly laugh and amazing smile. If I am having a bad day, I know I just need to tickle Ethan to get that laughter fix. Besides making my day with his smiles and giggles, Ethan has been a busy boy. I can't get over just how fast he has grown and changed. He rolled over from his back to his belly the week of Easter. He hasn't quite figured out how to go from his belly to his back, but in time he will figure that out too. But what he really wants to do is sit up on his own. He tries to lunge himself out of the car seat in an effort to sit up more. It is quite comical. He also is starting to sit up unsupported (though he still seems to be a bit head heavy - he often falls backwards or forwards - but he's getting there).

When it comes to feedings now, he has figured out what the bottle is. He reaches for it with gusto and grabs and pulls until he has it in his mouth. I can't believe he is already holding his bottle on his own!! Daycare is impressed too. His most recent passion is for one of his toy balls. He palms the ball and one hands it around his head. I think he is going to be a football player because he takes the ball in his one hand and can lob it pretty far. A picture of the referenced ball is below. Yes, he pulls the ball off the velcro strap and away it goes.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mnovotny/April2009#5321288267615333314 (the ball is in images 144 and following)
http://picasaweb.google.com/mnovotny/April2009#5321289705111183682 (video)
This video doesn't show the sport side of things - but close enough - we are working on getting a video that shows the pull, palm and launch - STAY TUNED!!)

We are sure having fun with our little guy. I'm so glad the weather is starting to get nice. Many walks are ahead for Ethan!! YEAH!! There are more April pictures and videos. Enjoy!!

Challenges

Michael and I are finding out that there is never a lack of challenges as a parent. Just when everything is going smooth and things are figured out, Ethan will throw a new loop in front of us. Nevertheless, there is definitely no time to hesitate, we've learned to just pick up where things left off and continue on.

We had our first true sickness. Poor Ethan had a 102.6 temp last week. The weird thing is he wasn't crying or fussing. I didn't even know he had a fever. I only checked his tempature because I had been sick. Now I know what a significant temperature in a baby feels like. Learned a big lesson there. Ethan is doing great. Just had a cold get out of hand and it turned into a sinus infection. He's already back to his normal happy and peppy self.

The best thing about this past month is the giggles. The full belly laugh is soooooo amazing. I also enjoy being greeted by a smile when we pick him up from daycare. I now know he truly regconizes us and enjoys our company.

I also can't get over how his interest in toys has changed. A few weeks ago, toys were non-existent to him. Now he can't seem to get enough toys. It's just amazing. Absolutely amazing. In addition to the toys, Ethan has finally found his feet too. He will grunt in an effort to pull his feet up to him in order to grab the toes. There are several pictures in the April album of Ethan and his feet fetish. Pretty cute. We are definitely enjoying watching Ethan grow and develop.

Getting to know you

Well, Ethan is getting to know us and all the great people at daycare. It's hard leaving him everyday, but he comes home happy most of the time so that makes things a little easier. And we try to reconnect as a family on the weekends. I can't belive I have been back at work for nearly a month! There are times life moves way too fast.

Ethan's new thing is playing with his hands. He spends a lot of his time trying to figure out how to shove his whole left fist into his mouth (Michael thinks he is going to be left handed). It's pretty cute and very entertaining. He's starting to smile a ton more too. And the best part.... He is sleeping nearly 7 hours straight at night!!! Michael and I sure love this!!

The adorable red puppy, which we have properly named Clifford, was a Valentine's Day gift from Michael's mom. Ethan took to the soft stuffed animal right away. There a several more pictures with Clifford in our picture gallery. Enjoy!

Parenthood

Ok, so Parenthood has kept me way busy! Haven't had much time to update the blog these past 6 weeks! My how time flies! I can't believe it has already been 6 weeks and I have to go back to work and Ethan to daycare in 2 days. How crazy! Regardless, things have been pretty good for Ethan and I. He is growing so quickly. He has finally outgrown the newborn clothes, but has yet to really fit into the 0-3 month clothes (he is swimming in them). He is technically too big for the newborn diapers, but I have 20 left to use and by golly I am not going to waste those! I will find a way to squeeze his little butt and belly into those diapers (however, I might just have to deal with more messes - oh well). There are always more pictures and videos of Ethan. We try to update each weekend. We are also proud to share that he was Baptized this past weekend! It was such a moving experience. Well, it's back to baby care.

Ethan Michael Novotny

We would like to annouce the birth of our son, Ethan Michael Novotny, born at 1:08pm, weighs 7lbs 6oz., and 19.5 inches long.

Melissa and Ethan are doing well.

Enjoy the few photos