Hello world!

If you haven't noticed, the Savko household have been hiding snug in our little cave this winter. I would like to say that we've been hibernating, but our tired eyes tell a different story. Instead of whining and complaining, let me just summarize that we've been passing illness back and forth since just after Christmas (the worst of it really being in the past 4 weeks). Of course, poor Ethan has suffered the brunt of it, including Bronchitis and Conjunctivitis. It's also raised havoc on his sleep pattern. We're desperately waiting for the arrival of spring. (Here's hoping that today's warm temps are foreshadowing of warm days to come).

Ethan has done so much developing over the last month. He can sit unassisted, so straight and tall! In fact, the pillow behind him serves only as a backside decoration. Sitting has been a quick journey for Ethan. He skipped right over tripoding with his arms. Ok, I lie. He's not that amazing (close?). He had to balance himself for a good week or so. His determination to play while in this new upright position made him quickly figure out how to balance. Although sitting makes him very happy, he'll be happier when he can move! He rocks back and forth was incredible vigor in hopes of propelling his little self forward. In fact, he plants his feet on the ground in such a way that it almost looks like he's trying to stand up (I wouldn't be surprised if he thought he could seeing as how he's always stood to his feet immediately if you pull on his arms while he's laying down.) In due time Ethan. In due time...Until then, his near future looks to promise a few face plants into the carpet (and a few baby breakdowns) as he lunges himself airborne up and over his little legs. For these reasons, he's been banned from his BabyPod seat and his FisherPrice chair (except when he takes his bottle).

I taught him how to blow raspberries this month. He started out by making a sound like a motorcycle or a motorboat. The he would just stick out his tongue. And about a week later, it all came together. That sound was "so a 5 month old sound" as he figured out how to say "blah blah blah" this weekend. It's a bit like a Peanuts cartoon. Is that what adults sound like to him? "Blah blah blah?" I'm working on "Da da" next. I think this morning he was close! And of course, he squeals when he's having a good time.

Eating baby food has become not only something that we do everyday, but something that Ethan enjoys doing. And can you believe I stuck to my word and actually MADE some baby food? I made applesauce, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes. He's not a fan of the squash (although it's his favorite in the Gerber variety), but he loves the others. We'll keep trying though. I read yesterday that babies should try a food up to 15 times before it's determined that they don't like something. That's a lot of times!!

We have lots of fun games we play together. I kiss his cheek and say "mum mum mum" and he gives me the best sloppy baby kisses back and makes baby noises against my cheek. (Side note: He also gives great hugs now. Sitting next to him on the floor he'll lunge over for a hug from time to time.) He loves when we peek out from behind things at him, but he's too smart to surprise anymore...he doesn't forget that we're there. He likes to play in the bathroom mirror. He gives Mommy (and now Daddy too) "five" when we say "give me five" and put out our palms. We splish splash in the tub. Bath time is not considered successful if there aren't big water droplets dripping off his long eye lashes. And we sing, and read books. Lots of books. So much fun.

A few nights ago, I got teased for saying to Ethan "Remember when you were a baby and we would sit on this sofa all day?" Ok, so he IS still a baby. He's just SO BIG.