Couple of Milestones

Christopher is getting so big! He is starting to sit up on his own for extended periods of time, he is rolling over, he slept through the night last night without his arms swaddled, and we just started feeding him baby food...other than cereal.

I'm really enjoying him at this age. He can do more than lay down! Although, I know he will be crawling pretty soon and then I will want him to just lay down. :) We need to move him out of his infant car seat too because his little feet are almost hanging over the end. We have tried him in the stroller without the car seat and he sits up great. I haven't put him in the front of a shopping cart though...I think he is still a little small. 

Our little guy does what we call baby crunches...they are so funny! He will lift his head and legs up off the ground at the same time. Sometimes we count to see how long he can keep them up. It is a hoot!!! 

I'm so in love with him!! Sometimes I just look at Christopher and get teary eyed. I just feel so fortunate and blessed that he came into our lives because he is such a precious gift!

Sitting up by himself!!! 

Eating in his booster seat. 

Cooling off in Mr. Ducky!

Melted My Heart

I don't normally pick Christopher up from his sitter's because Michael is usually done with his workday before me. He has been out of town so I picked him up after school and the smiles he gave me when he saw me walking toward him just melted my heart!!! That moment made being his mother feel like the best thing in the world!

5 Months

Happy 5 Months!

A few things to remember about this month...

*You weigh 16 pounds 14 ounces (83rd percentile) and are 26.5 inches long (95th percentile). (We think you are over 17 pounds since this was your weight 2 weeks ago.)

* You have started eating rice cereal.

*You stare at mommy and daddy when we are eating. I'm sure you are wondering why we are eating a variety of foods and you only get Similac.

*You found your toes and love to play with them. You have tried to suck on them a few times too. You are definitely more flexible than mommy is.

* We went strawberry picking for Mother's Day.

*You really enjoying sitting up and looking around. When we lay you down you want to lift your head to see all the action.

* You are wearing a range of 6-9 month clothing.

*You have taken off in your jumperoo!!! Jumping like crazy!

* You can hold yourself all the way up during tummy time. (No bended elbows.)

* We are still waiting for you to consistently roll over. 

*We take daily walks and you are now facing forward in the Baby Bjorn. 

* You have really started to notice Trixe and pet her whenever she walks by. She better start watching out for her tail!

*You are starting to reach and grab for mommy and daddy's facial features. 

*We have learned to keep your fingernails much shorter so when you scratch your head you don't get a sore.

* You are giggling on a normal basis and it melts our hearts!!!

* We found your ticklish spots...the left side of your neck and the sides of your torso.

*You are great at blowing bubbles!

* You legally become our son this month and we couldn't be happier!!!! 



Lil' Ohio State Fan




The walk at the park wore him out!!



Final Adoption Hearing

Tuesday was our final adoption hearning! Christopher is officially a Rataiczak!! We were at the courthouse for about 2 hours and Christopher was so patient! Michael and I were a little teary eyed when the judge announced we were his legal guardians. After the hearing we went out for lunch to celebrate...Christopher slept. We took a picture with the judge and is was so precious how Michael stuck his hand out and Christopher grabbed ahold of it and smiled. I guess he knew it was a big moment too! :)

Happy Mother's Day!

My first Mother's Day and it feels wonderful! It doesn't matter that we don't have much planned because I get to spend it with Christopher and Michael! 

Happy Mother's Day to my mom! I'm so thankful for such a wonderful mom and grandma to Christopher!


Mom reading to me. (16 months)



Mom reading to Christopher. (3 months)

Happy Mother's Day to every mom, step-mom, grandma, mother-in-law, and bithmother! I hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable day!

Court Date

We received a letter from our attorney today stating our court date to legally adopt Christopher is May 21st! We are both extremely excited that May 21st isn't far away! I told Christopher he is almost legally ours and there is nothing he can do about it. :)

4 Months

Happy 4 Months!

A few things to remember about this month...

* You enjoy watching and listening to Super Mario Bros Acapella on YouTube. It makes you happy whenever you are cranky.

*Daddy says he saw you roll over a couple times, but I'm still waiting to see you do it.

* You started staying with Ms. Maria, sitter, and Emi. Emi is so protective of you and always wants to know where you are when you leave. 

* You started sitting in your Jumperoo. You are a little too short for it so we put a book under your feet so you can "jump". 

* Unfortunately, you had your first cold and ear infection this month. 

* Your currently weigh 14 pounds 14 ounces and are 25 inches long. 

* You have giggled several times. Ms. Sonia made you giggle lots during her visit!

* You have been wearing socks on your hands because we have been treating your cradle cap, on the back of your head, and eczema, on the sides of your head. You keep wanting to scratch and your poor head gets little sores on it.

* You have done a complete 180 a few times in your crib at night.

* Ms. Maria brought you to my classroom. Even though you were asleep the kids loved seeing you!

* We think you have discovered your tongue. You keep sticking it out and making new noises. 

You are getting SO big and are definitely bigger than Mr. Owl! We love all the new things you do each month and once again are excited for all your firsts this month! Love you tons, little man! 

Time for a walk!

Jumperoo...jump around!