Ethan Scott Anderson: Ethan's 6th Month: Ch-Ch-Changes

I taste with my mouth, I smell with my nose
I touch with my fingers and sometimes my toes!
I hear with my ears, I see with my eyes
Every new day brings a surprise.
My senses are inspired all the time when I play
My world grows big (so will I!) every day!

August was another exciting month for Ethan! Each new day brings new experiences: rolling over from his back to his stomach... getting his first teeth... using a sippy cup... sleeping in several different positions... we never know what he's going to surprise us with next!

His personality continues to develop. Ethan loves to laugh and play games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake. He has strong preferences and won't hesitate to voice displeasure. He is also very curious and constantly reaches for objects around him. Ethan is becoming very active and strong. He weighs almost 20 pounds and has grown 3 inches since his four month checkup!

This month was all about changes, especially in Ethan's eating and sleeping habits. Ethan had been taking five 6 ounce bottles a day, supplemented by three solid meals. As evidenced by the photos, Ethan never misses a meal... he'd finish 6 ounces of formula in less than 5 minutes. Then, all of a sudden, he stopped eating so much. We started to get concerned, then we realized that he was cutting teeth. His two bottom teeth appeared at 25 weeks.

Despite extended tummy time routines, Ethan never really took much interest in rolling from his stomach to his back. He'd only done it a few times. We were extremely excited when Ethan started rolling from his back to his stomach. He woke us up one night crying, and when we went to check on him he was on his stomach. Sean and I gave each other high fives, celebrating another milestone! Well... by the time 4 a.m. rolled around, we had been in to flip Ethan over onto his back SEVERAL times. The newness wore off pretty quickly! We went from elation to sleep deprivation! We learned a very valuable lesson: thoroughly enjoy each stage of development while it lasts, don't rush it. Thus began Ethan's venture into different sleeping positions... on his side, on his stomach, on his back, on his stomach with his behind in the air, on his side hugging a pillow, etc.

Time has absolutely flown by! It's hard to believe Ethan is already 6 months old... these past several months have been joyful and thrilling, challenging and humbling. Every step of the way, God has been faithful to provide exactly what we need, exactly when we need it. Our God is an awesome God!!

In Awe of Him,

Michele & Sean

"For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God..." Deuteronomy 10:17

Ethan Month 6

Sean's brother Ian and his family came for an extended weekend visit. They live in Florida near Destin, so we don't get to see them that often. We were super excited for Ethan to meet his cousins Asher, Eli, and Abi for the first time. Mimi Carol and Papa Charlie threw a birthday party for Sean and Ian--complete with Papa Charlie's mouth-watering steaks, Mimi Carol's signature asparagus casserole, and yummy red velvet cake. Even Ethan's great grandparents came into town... it was such a blessing to have all the family together!