6 months

I know, I know... Finally a post! There have been many new and interesting things in Max's life lately and hopefully I'll remember them all.

First and foremost, Max has a brand new cousin down in Evanston, Ill. Steven Charles VanLoo came into the world Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 8 lbs 15 oz with all his fingers and toes intact. His mom and dad are doing great and couldn't be happier. From what we hear it's a whole new world down there. We'll be heading down for a visit in a few weeks and are bouncing off the walls to meet him.

Max turned six months old today if you can believe it. We can't believe just how fast the last few months have gone by. To mark the occasion, Max spent his first night in his own room with nary a peep until hunger roused him around 4 AM. Good job Max. Great job Mom...

Along with pools of drool (we think he's begun teething), a bit more fussiness, and crazy kicking and flailing of arms when he's excited, Max has begun laughing more easily. He actually has ticklish spots now (to the delight of Dad), and never fails to smile when he sees one of us every time he wakes up.

He's a happy baby, and we do realize how lucky we have it.

Speaking of realizing how lucky we are, we want Max's grandparents to know how much we appreciate the shifts they take in watching him while we work. With the work they do, Max will have read all of our library, have done thousands of sit-ups, and probably be playing the trombone by the time he's two.

Well rounded - we like that. (and I'm not talking about his current waistline)

UPDATE: Forgot to mention Max had his first 'live' music experience last Saturday. Grandpa Dick played at the Stockbridge Town Hall with the 30+ member Capital City Brass Band.

After the fanfare opening and Max's wide-eyed-slack-jawed-arms flung open-oh crap! reaction, he was completely fine, calm and collected while music was played. He actually seemed entertained by the conductor and his white bouncing baton.

It was only between pieces, while the conductor explained the upcoming number, Max found it appropriate to exercise his vocal cords. (We think he was just letting Grandpa know how much he like being there...)