Mason is 8 Months!

It is so hard to believe Mason is 8 months old already! Watching him change and explore the word is pretty fascinating. However, when it came to taking his 8 month picture it was a little frustrating. Mason was very interested in the sticker on his shirt which made it difficult to even get a picture of him. I needed extra hands so I had Matt help...this is what we got.

At 8 months Mason loves to watch cars & trucks drive by, walks, trains, his pacifier (this is a fairly new thing), all food (except green beans) and cute girls (he has become a little flirt). He also LOVES being in the pool. We started swim lessons this week and Mason loves it. 

Mason can:

Sit up by himself

Feed himself puffs or bits of food

Pull himself up to sitting when in his crib (we had to lower the crib to the lowest position just in case he figures out how to pull himself all the way up). 

Hold his own bottle 

Babble (ba, ma & da are a few of his faves)

Get up on all fours & rock

He is so ready to move on his own; it is only a matter of time at this point! We have not baby proofed the house but we did pick up the essentials to do so. Wish us luck for when this moment arrives; Mason will be everywhere.  

Murray Family Vacation

Matt, Mason & I took a week off form our usual and spent some time in Florida!  We were so very lucky to be able to do this because we truly enjoyed our trip.  Plus, we got to spend a week in warm weather.  Traveling with 7 month old isn't easy but the three of us muddled through it successfully.  I truly tried to be prepared for everything but one can't plan for poop everywhere pre-security check in on our way to Florida.  Or for a poop diaper on the plane ride home with turbulence which equals not being able to change said diaper on our way back home.  Shit aside (literary) our trip was a success and very enjoyable for us all!  Mason loved the pool and he didn't seem to mind our VERY hot walks.  Matt and I enjoyed this time as a family; we hit up a few of our favorite dinner spots and did a little outlet mall shopping as well.  We had the pleasure of taking Mason to the beach for the very first time and I am pretty sure the sand didn't bother him.  All he wanted to do is jump in the ocean.

During our trip we also took our first road trip with Mason (a 5 hour one) to Palm Coast for Megan & Dave's wedding. We are so happy for Megan and Dave and very glad we were able to celebrate with them.

Here are a few pictures for our trip!

A love for motherhood!

Words can't describe the joy Mason has brought me! I love being a mom and more specifically I love being Mason's mom. Being a mom is the best job I have ever had and the job I always dreamed of having. Now, I am not trying to glorify the task at hand (hello, I have to turn this little guy into a man....a strong, kind, intelligent  loving, gentleman). And don't get me wrong my "to do" list never gets completed 100% and 6am comes early each morning. But I am in love with our son; everything about him. And I love being a mom.

In spirit of Mother's Day I have to thank my mom! Her love and support for me is endless and I feel it everyday. I can only hope I am following your foot steps as a mother and one day Mason can say the same about me.  I did learn from the best! Love you so much mom; thank you for everything.

I can't believe Mason is already 7 months old! Where is the little baby that was once in my tummy?

Mason is pretty much sitting up on his own. He Loves music, being outside, bath time, rolling around in his crib and food!

Happy Mother's Day to all moms!

Sunshine & Roses

The Murray Family is VERY thankful for the continued warm weather!  Truly, Mason is just as excited as Matt & I.  When Matt comes home from work we take a family walk and head over to the park if Mase is up for it.  It is a great time for Matt and I to catch up on our days and for Mason to play on the swings and slides at the park.  Mason loves to swing and he also LOVES watching the older kids run around and play.  During the day Mason and I stroll the streets of Western Springs enjoying the sunshine and being outside; 9 times out of 10 we hit up Starbucks and stop in to say hi to my mom.  Pictures are worth a 1,000 words so I don't need to tell you how much we are LOVING life!!!

Lincoln Park Zoo 

 On May 5, 2013 Mason Louis was Baptized at St John of the Cross! We started our morning off at our new favorite local joint Davanti and then headed over to the church.  Mason did a great job during the ceremony but he was defiantly the loudest in the group. A big THANKS to Mia for being Mason's godmother. And another THANKS to Aunt Megan and Uncle Dave for his little outfit.

Spring has arrived!

Goodbye bundleme, goodbye layers Spring got it's act together and has arrived. I have been waiting for this; now I can officially (fingers crossed) bust out of the house and go play outside.

Mason and I took a walk today and played in the grass! He loves being outside and out and about, so I'm thankful the future forecast looks promising. Matt is thankful too; that means I will STOP blowing bubbles in the house.

Happy Spring!

Happy Birthday to our baby: 6 Months already!

Dear Mason - When you entered this world 6 months ago you immediately became the light in our eyes!  The joy and happiness you have brought to us goes beyond words; I find joy in everything that is you. Thank you for being you and enriching our lives so very much.

Love,
Mom & Dad

The latest Adventures in the Murray Household: It is hard to believe that it has been six months!  Mason and I have been the closest of buddies and as the weather starts to warm up we are breaking out of the house and getting out a bit more.  Mason and I have been going to a Romp and Rhyme class at the library and it is clear that Mason LOVES it.  Last week he made so much noise during class that all attention was on him.  A mom after class came up to me and said "wow, he really likes this class." Of course he likes the class, there are lots of other little kids in there plus it involves singing and bubbles (one of his new faves). We have also been trying to get out for walks when we can.  We even took one the three of us the other night which was a special treat for us all.



I have met a few more moms in the area which has been nice for us! The Western Springs Community is so welcoming and has lots of activities each month.  Matt and I are going to attend couple's trivia this weekend. I'm going to suck at the trivia part but oh well (that's not why we are going).

Mason's teeth are coming in, which he is handling very well! We have been working with him on sitting up; he likes to be in the sitting up position but he is still too wobbly to manage the task on his own.  I think he is going to be a happy camper once he can sit up and play.

He sleeps with his butt in the air!