One Small Step - One Giant Leap for Adam

Adam walked on his own tonight! His first steps were from Mommy to Daddy. He took about five steps in a row. He was so proud of himself he was squealing in delight. We pulled out the camera to try to catch him in motion, but had technical difficulties. By the time we got the video setting working Adam was tuckered out. Footage to follow...

Memorials and Candles

Today is Meshanna's birthday.

After church we headed downtown. Our first stop was Arlington National Cemetery, where we watched the changing of the guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was Adam's first time at the Arlington National Cemetery. He was surprisingly quite during the ceremony.

Our second stop was the National Mall. We walked from the Washington Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial. This was Adam's third time at the memorials.

After we got home it was time for birthday cake and homemade lemon ice cream. We placed 36 candles (or close to it) on a chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake, and watched in awe as Aunt Meshanna blew them out. Happy Birthday, Aunt Meshanna! We love you and are glad we got to spend your birthday with you.

Ouch!

We love helping Adam discover the joys of this world and his new body, we also know that rough things will and do happen, that these are part of life too. We knew the day would eventually come when our little boy would get a bloody nose. He is into climbing everything. This afternoon he had climbed up on an inflated air mattress on our guest bed, and lost his balance. He landed face down on our Wii balance board, giving him his first bloody nose. The screams, tears, and blood flowed freely. Mommy gave him some TLC, and he was off to explore again. This time he climbed into a tub of fabric, softer right? As he went to exit the tub, it tipped over, sending him face first onto the floor. It was a rough few moments.
In the moments when life has been hard, we have been supported by family, friends, even strangers. And in those moments when we have felt all on our own, we have been lifted by one greater than us who bore our sorrows in Gethsemane and on Golgotha. To all those who have been there for us, we say thank you.

I'll Cheer You Up Daddy

Daddy has been very sick with the stomach flu. As Adam saw Daddy was taking a bath he was very adamant that he needed to join him. It did not take long until Adam was splashing and Daddy was smiling. We had been watching the Baby Signs DVD just prior to the bath. While Adam splashed we repeated the word "water" while doing the sign. Adam signed "water" back. This was his first recognizable time signing "water". If you have to be sick it is nice to have someone brighten your day. Well done, Adam. Such a sweet little boy.

Splash!

SPLASH! Adam has discovered the joys splashing.
We attended a picnic, for CompSci (the company Daddy works for) at Michaella's house today. We all enjoyed being with Daddy's co-workers in a casual setting. Four of the CompSci next generation were there. We have been blessed that Nathan works with a great group of people.
Adam enjoyed crawling after the cats, eating leaves, and socializing. We bought him new swimming trunks for the occasion. This was the first time we have had him in a swimming pool. At first he was pretty laid back about the new experience, then he discovered splashing. Sign us up for the next picnic!

Wanna Share?

Adam enjoyed his first graham cracker. He was even generous enough to want to share with Mommy.

Master Miranda

Aunt Miranda graduated from Brown University today with a masters in public humanities. We are proud of her, and happy we could be there to support her. This was the first graduation Adam has attended. He sported his Brown T-shirt in honor of the festivities. Congratulations Aunt Miranda!

Climbing to the Top

Adam enjoyed his visit to the playground at Burke Lake today. He scaled his first steps as he crawled along the play equipment. It was nice to get some fresh air and take a little time just to play outside. But what Adam enjoyed the most was watching other children. He liked watching them climb, run, and slide. He loved it when they stopped and talked to him. He is our little social boy.

First Work of Art

Every artist begins somewhere. Daddy was going through the grocery adds, marking items of interest. He had a little helper. When they were finished Mommy noticed that Adam marked more than the sale circulars. His little leg, foot, and arm were adorned with a few tasteful lines. My little Michaelangelo, may I recommend paper and crayons?

Tables of Fun

Today was a full day for Adam.

Adam and Mommy went out to lunch with Grandma Vanessa and Aunt Caitlin to celebrate Grandma's birthday. He enjoyed seeing them. Adam loves interacting with people especially his people. He had his first taste of Olive Garden bread sticks, and was sold on them. He covered his clothes with a gooey teething biscuit, then covered Mommy and Aunt Caitlin with water from Aunt Caitie's glass.

This evening we went over to Garrett and Molly Summers home. He was happy to see Wesley and Liam. He gave both of them hugs upon our arrival. We had an Easter Family Home Evening, egg hunt, and dinner together. Adam found three eggs, and got to experience his first gold fish cracker. We all enjoyed our visit.

We are grateful for good people who fill our lives, and our tummies.

Hair

We never cease to be amazed by Adam. He is in the phase where he likes to grab hair and faces. He often will reach out to people and grab their hair, bringing them closer to him. He even does this to strangers who dote on him. Tonight Adam reached out and grabbed Mommy's hair in his fist. Mommy said (as she often does) "That's Mommy's hair," followed by "be gentle with Mommy's hair." Adam echoed "hair." He said it again and again. Daddy was summoned, and also got to hear Adam repeat his first official word, "hair, hair." What was your first word?

Once we got the camera out he did not say it as distinctly as he had previously, but we thought the video was worth showing anyway.

Elimination Communication

Adam is and has been very sensitive to having wet or messy diapers. We heard about "Elimination Communication" and decided to look into it. Basically it is being in tune with your baby's signals that they need to go potty, and providing an outlet other than diapers. Civilizations have been doing this for centuries. In India it is still practiced. Last night we had a Family Home Evening on Elimination Communication, and decided to take the plunge.

This morning before Daddy left for work we walked to BuyBuyBaby and let Adam pick out a potty chair. His choice: a lime green seat. Today Mommy focused on cues that Adam gives right before wetting his diaper. We are happy to report that it worked! Adam peed in his potty chair for the first time around 2:15 pm, then again about 3:20 pm, and again at 4:05 pm. Good job Adam!!! He was much happier not having to sit in his waste.

Website we found most helpful: http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/

If any baby can do it, we believe Adam can.

All Fours

While watching General Conference Adam learned a new skill. He got up on his hands and knees for the first time. He even maintained that stance long enough for Mommy to get the camera.

Have A Ball

We had great fun playing ball together. Adam got excited about this new game, and wanted to play and play with Mommy. The ball went back and forth many times. This is the first time we have played ball with him. Daddy says Adam is learning to take turns. Later the two boys (Adam & Daddy) took turns making funny noises at each other. What a happy little sport.

Please, Sir, I Want Some More

In honor of Adam's six month birthday he got yogurt for the very first time. This is his first dairy product (of many to come.) He clearly enjoyed the yogurt, but every time we tried to capture the moment he changed expression.
These past six months have been filled with joy and awe. We are very grateful that this special little guy is a part of our forever family. We look forward to many more birthday celebrations and discoveries with him.

Picnic in the Park

Today we had our first picnic as a family of three. The weather was holding out, and we could not pass up the opportunity. During Daddy's lunch break we went to Edsall Park. We enjoyed the warmth. Adam even got to ride his first horse. Well OK, rocking horse.

The Rise and Fall of Adam Summers

Adam was sitting in Daddy's lap when without warning, he all of a sudden stood up. This surprised Daddy, since he had never tried to stand unassisted before. The momentum used to stand also led to a quick forward plunge. Fortunately Daddy was there to catch his fall. Sometimes we look at our falls, and wish someone was there to cushion our landing. How often do we with childlike faith try again, and again, and again believing the goal is within reach?

Asparagus Extravaganza

Tonight Adam feasted on pureed asparagus. It was his first time eating in his new highchair, which was given to him by friends from church. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It has become his habit to wipe his face with his bib. Adam likes to dig right in, but makes no delay in cleaning up when he's finished. It is so cute to watch his budding personality emerge.

I Have A Request

Adam had a request today. He was sitting on Mommy's lap while she worked on the computer. He started getting fussy. Daddy noticed him looking longingly at and leaning toward our doll "Baby Moses". Mommy retrieved the doll for him. He immediately started smiling, and hugging and kissing her. He has just begun not only showing interest in objects we give him, but expressing a desire for specific others out of his reach. Watch out, world, here comes Adam!

Strollin' Like A Big Boy

Adam rode sitting up in his Jeep stroller for the first time today. We all enjoyed the walk.