We've Gone to the Dogs

Drew has discovered a couple of very interesting things in the last few weeks: Swasey and Champ. These furballs are our four-legged kids, who have also finally discovered the little person wiggling around our house! This is such a a fun relationship for us to watch develop, particularly as Drew has learned to reach for and grab everything in front of him.

Here is a moment that I captured this afternoon, as Swasey was looking for a belly rub, and Drew was looking for a fistful of fur. I think Swasey was tired of his minor cameos in this blog, and decided to work his way into the shot! No children or animals were harmed in the making of this video. (And yes, mommy had one hand on the camera and one hand poised to yank Swasey out of the way! Fortunately, it wasn't necessary.)

And what luck! Daddy soon came home, and Drew decided to tell him all about his new best buddy, Swasey. Turn on your volume, and enjoy the little giggles! We LIVE to hear this laugh each and every day.

Drew didn't have much to report about Champ, as their interactions are slightly more limited. We are sure this will change dramatically when Drew learns to drop food from his highchair, as Champ's sole motivation in this world is FOOD. But that day must be around the corner as Drew is now eating solid foods three times a day. He's also continuing to roll (even in his crib, which presents a challenge when he runs into the headboard - ouch!), pull himself up onto this arms, and play a rousing game of "remove the pacifier, examine it with both hands, and pop it back in the mouth."

Life is grand when you're 6 months old, don't have a care in the world (except for the eternal question - applesauce or sweet potatoes?) and you're adorable!

6 Months Old!

Andrew Joseph Langner is officially 6 months old! Despite a cold, ongoing teething (no breakthrough teeth yet, but they're a'coming!), and some nasty vaccinations, he is doing pretty well. His mom and dad are anxious for a bit more sleep, but someone told us that it's coming - in about 17 1/2 years when this kid goes off to college! (Yeah right, like we won't be up worrying all night then!)

The doc said Drew is in the 50th percentile for height (26 1/4 inches) and for his weight (17 lbs 8 1/2 oz). I think what the doctor was essentially saying was, "He's perfect in every way!" Well, that's how we parents decide to interpret the news!

Lately, Drew is working hard on sitting up on his own. He can go for a whopping 15-20 seconds at a time before sliding sideways. I kept trying to capture a moment, but this is the best I got:

He had just been sitting up and playing with his favorite blocks... then the camera came out and he got stage fright! Oh well - still a cutie in his Boppy!

On the move all the time, Drew's main mode of transportation is the ROLL! He can roll across any room, in to any table, and in to any dog! SO... Each morning while we get ready for work, Drew spends some time hanging out in his Pack & Play with some of his favorite toys. He's taken a real liking to his stuffed "Taggies" dog!

But the REAL fun is with his actual furry friends, Swasey and Champ! Here are some great pics that I managed to capture of our three boys...

Champ is all smiles. (He must think I have treats behind the camera!)

Look at me! I've got a big boy chair and tails to yank! YAHOO!

Drew: Did I mention that I have tails to pull?
Swasey & Champ: We get it kid. We're outta here!

And just a few solo pictures of our sweet boy. We love him SO much... and cannot believe how quickly 6 months has gone!

And now for the best giggle-worthy photo of ALL TIME:

From the Beach to the Boat

We've neglected our blog - apologies to all of our faithful followers... both of you. But our family has been busy! Here's just a brief update and then a few pics.

We joined the rest of the Langner clan (well almost all of them!) in Michigan over Labor Day weekend. Things started out a bit rough with what I have affectionately named, "Wake Fest 2009." After being a good boy for the drive north, Drew had some teething pains ALL NIGHT LONG the first night in the cottage. (I consider 10:30 pm - 4:30 am to be all night, anyway.) Much Motrin and Tylenol later, he was ready to have a good time.

Drew enjoyed playing with his cousins Elise and Isabella. Of course, we never seemed to have our camera handy when we needed it to capture the three of them together. (I'll credit the sleep deprivation for that.) Hopefully we will receive some of those from family soon. But we did manage to capture a few shots worth sharing.

Grandpa, Grandma, Drew and Jeff on the beach at Lake Michigan.

Enjoying a moment on Crystal Lake! Drew dipped his toes in, but just a bit too cold for a swim.

We were lucky enough to enjoy this beautiful Michigan sunset as a family!

This weekend was pretty spectacular, too! Here a few pictures from Mimi & Papa's boat... Drew's first time aboard The Jellybean.

Drew is looking forward to being Captain one day! But first, looks like he needs a nap!

He LOVES that Baby Bjorn! But smiling on demand? Just too distracted by that red camera light to show off his gummy grin.

Summer is pretty much over, but we are looking forward to some wonderful moments this fall. We hope to post some video soon to show off Drew's new mobility - he is rolling everywhere! He and our dogs, Swasey and Champ, have finally realized each other's presence, so there will undoubtedly be an entertaining post about that relationship soon. For now, we're off to another new adventure...