Beach babies!

James and I just returned home from our time in Edisto Beach. James had such a fun time exploring the sand and the water. He also got his first taste of chocolate cake that his Nana made him. Yum!

Check out this smiling guy playing in the sand.

James loved his cousin Abigail. These two played so well together. Abigail taught James all about tea parties and baby dolls, and James taught Abigail all about throwing sand and getting messy.

Here is James watching his grandfather throw bread to the seagulls. He didn't really like to sit in the chair, he much preferred to stand.

Cousin Charlie had James glued to his juggling tricks. James would grab the balls and throw them like he was trying to juggle too.

For a complete look at our beach fun a slide show is below.

We'll miss you Eli!

Last night Eli and James had their last play date before Eli moves the other side of the country. Oh we are going to miss Eli and his mommy and daddy so very much!

The boys are really starting to play together, and steal each others toys. They also prefer "non" toys to the proper plastic baby toys.

Here is Eli with a telephone.

James found a paper coffee cup. He kept trying to put the lid on the cup, but it was a little too tricky.

James and Eli, just a phone call (or blog post) away!

Professionally good looking

James is officially famous as he was selected to be a baby model! My friend Lindsey makes the cutest announcements and invitations, so check her out at The Lily Box. To see James' debut as a model click here.

Baby pictures

Here is a picture of John, James and I all around the same age. I am sure you can tell who is who based on the outfits. If you can't, here is a clue: John's outfit is just ducky.

So, who do you think James looks like?

Pool party

Today we got to join Eli and Emily at the pool. It was James' first time in a pool, and his first time in his little floating contraption. We had so much fun and James really loved the water! We splished and splashed for a couple of hours and had a grand time.

Also, it is Eli's birthday today!

Happy Birthday Eli!!!!

Life skills

Recently James has been learning quite a few "life skills" that will serve him well as he continues to grow and develop. Let me list just a few things that family members have been teaching him lately:

*Uncle Morgan taught him to make a scary haunted house sound. He will make this sound and then giggle if anyone imitates him.

*Grandma taught James how to sniff. He can scrunch up his nose and sniff sniff sniff away! We even bought him some "Scratch and Sniff" books and he will pull them out of his book basket and walk towards you sniffing.

*Zion taught James how to whine. This is probably my least favorite skill James has learned. When Zion whines...James whines back. Lovely.

* Auntie Julia taught James how to put his toys away. This is my favorite skill, although it will take much practice to get it perfected.

I can't wait to see what he will learn next!

Farmers market

Julia had a great idea to check out our local farmers market in Old Town. We had a great time, and James loved looking at all the people, smelling the fresh peaches, and listening to the musicians. I dangerously visited one of the local bakery's booths and walked away with some really yummy bread and ginger cake. We also picked up some fresh strawberries and peaches which smell so delicious.

A view of the market

James taking a comfy ride in his stroller

Julia and I...oh and our friend (let's just call him Bob) who snuck in our picture

Checking out the large fountain at market square

Julia and James enjoying the breeze and the water
He kicked his feet in the water and cooled off. Julia and I wished we could run through the fountains to cool off, but we settled for some cold drinks. It was so much fun, this might become a Saturday tradition!

Halfway

20 weeks down, 20 more to go! This pregnancy is going so fast, I can't believe I am already so far along. We can't wait to meet our new little baby. He is really starting to kick and move around a lot. Feeling him move around is probably my favorite part of being pregnant. John and I are still working on picking a name....we'll let you know when we decide.

Check him out!

I just had to post a picture of today's mismatched outfit. To me it looks like something James will probably pick out when he is a little older. Alas I am to blame for this disaster in dressing. Maybe I am biased, but I always think he looks super cute.

Dress up!

Katie and James played dress-up yesterday, boy style. Last time we were at the girls house James watched them dress up like princesses and animals. This time James showed Katie that it is fun to dress up like a pirate and a fireman.

Katie was the best model and even posed for pictures. James isn't that excited about hats still, and they don't stay on for long. But they had fun playing with all the hats.

Both were also big dancers. Katie has very fast foot action and she would stomp around. James prefers to bend and squat in beat to the music. They were so cute, and I am so sad I couldn't catch it on video....maybe next time!