A new adventure...solid food!!!

We decided it couldn't be put off any longer.  Connor's constant looks of curiosity at the dinner table and his reaching for our food showed his interest and we got the, "OK," from our pediatrician as well.  We're embarking on the new chapter of solid foods...

This exciting adventure began yesterday, July 22nd.  We have decided to go with single-grain oatmeal.  We'll keep this up for a few days and then add a vegetable of some kind to the daily routine.  Connor is receiving a tablespoon of cereal mixed with formula or breast milk twice a day.

Let's just say that we didn't appear to be feeding him fast enough!  He's so used to getting a consistent flow of food from the bottle, that this was just not happening from the spoon.  Needless to say, we thickened the cereal a little today to give him something to actually EAT than just inhale and swallow.  It went much smoother!  :)

Stay tuned for the VERY first attempt caught on video.  We're having some technical difficulty converting our video files over to be compatible with our computer.  For now, here are some shots of the second feeding of the day...

Hmmmm... What could this be???

This isn't bad, Dad!

Keep it coming!

Here, let me help you!

Make sure you get it all in!

All done!

(Lil') Man's Best Friend

Since we first brought him home, Callie has been "looking out" for Connor.  She was protective of him (and still is at times) whenever people come by and are holding him...

Words cannot describe the looks Connor gives whenever he's watching Callie.  Sure, he gives looks to us but there's just something special about the bond he's already forming with her...  I know that Callie cannot wait for Connor to get bigger to play with (she's already bringing him her ball to throw), but I don't know if she's TRULY aware of what she'll be getting herself into!

      

I've said it before and I'll say it again...  I have yet to meet a Berner who isn't a "gentle giant" around children, even infants.  Connor hasn't quite got the hang of "petting" it's complete grabbing.  Callie just sits put and takes it.

My Favorite pic of them...so far!!! 

God Bless America!

A few shots of Connor on his first 4th of July AND his first time sitting in grass...  He was quite interested in it!  

 

I'm 5 months old and sitting tall!

FLASH FORWARD!!!

These pictures were taken on Connor's 5 month b-day, July 2nd.  He's all about sitting on his own and grabbing things all around.  This opens all new possibilities!!!  :)  

Meet the lil' guy...

Our lives forever changed on Wednesday, February 2, 2011.  In the break of "Blizzard 2011" I awoke to contractions after jinxing myself thinking I'd be sleeping in on the already-called snow day.  Someone had other plans, apparently!  I couldn't have been more excited, but I'm sure Jason would've appreciated not having to drive white-knuckled through the roads at 6:00 a.m.

Connor Jason Kepsel arrived at 3:36 p.m. weighing in at 8 lbs 5 oz and 22 in long.  He captured our hearts the moment he arrived and hasn't stopped since!

 

Now let me take a minute to introduce ourselves...

I figured that we better do introductions...

Jason and I met at Oakland University when I started working at the pool, lifeguarding.  We became friends and eventually began dating in 2002.  One might say we made it "official" with a kiss on the ferris wheel on Navy Pier in Chicago over a Memorial Weekend trip!  :)

Close to 3 years of dating and a "tease" trip to Colorado later, Jason and I went on a trip to Chicago in February, 2005.  After another tease with a fancy dinner the night before, Jason surprised me by proposing on his birthday at the top of the ferris wheel on Navy Pier!  A horse-drawn carriage took us back to the hotel and we couldn't be happier, or so we thought...  :)

August 12, 2006 became a day we'll never forget.  God blessed us with so many wonderful family and friends (and BEAUTIFUL weather) to celebrate the beginning of our marriage.  We now knew a greater happiness also knowing the best was yet to come!!!

We honeymooned in Maui and it was a trip like no other.  We hope to return for an anniversary, maybe 10 years?  :)

With me teaching in Flat Rock, MI and Jason working at Valassis in Livonia, we found a house in Livonia that we've made a home.

We have spent our first years of marriage camping, traveling, and enjoying our season tickets to Michigan State football games (since Oakland doesn't have a football team).  Of course, we enjoy spending time with both sides of our families as well!  :)

1 year anniversary at Lake Charlevoix One of our many tailgates at MSU!

We are both dog-lovers and before I met Jason, I never knew of the Bernese Mountain breed of dog.  I am now officially in LOVE with this breed as I have not met one who isn't friendly, patient with kids, calm, and LOVES so unconditionally.  Since being married, Jason and I have been loved by 2 dogs.  We started our marriage with Bailey, who we sadly let go of on June 12, 2010.  We now have our Callie-girl who is still in puppy-mode, but is growing more mature...well, Jason might not agree 100% of the time!  :)

 You're never forgotten, Bailey!!!!

7 years old

Callie-girl!

17 months old

You will be introduced to someone VERY special in the next post!!!

We've only just begun...

I've always wanted to create a blog for family and friends to know the experiences going on in our family, especially since we've grown to a family of 3!  The joys and memories we experience with Connor will be priceless and I hope to do them justice by sharing them here...  I know there's Facebook, but I think I can be more personal here (AND unlimited with my typing!)

So get ready readers!  We've only just begun...

Hugs and love,
Marla