Where ya been?

Well, we have been right here. It has been busy. I am trying to work on a grant that really needed to be drafted last week. There is a new format and blah, blah, blah, blah. Also trying to finish up a paper. I have no idea why I always think that this paper will be easier....because I have yet to have an easy paper. Of course, I will never again use the metaphor that writing and publishing a paper is the same as childbirth......for multiple happy reasons. :)
Westin got a super cute sunhat from Noni. I bet she also didn't know how yummy her cards were...homemade and super fresh! Thank you, Noni! Grandpa and Grandma Moore came back through after their wonderful Alaskan cruise (Sadly, I did not document this visit and completely spaced nabbing pictures from Grandma Moore's camera, because of the aforementioned grant..where in the heck are my priorities???). They looked mighty refreshed and brought back many cute things for Westin..they will be appearing here soon. Grandpa Moore wore CopperDog out with some excellent walks..somehow, Copper walks best when Grandpa Moore is wheeling him around the block. Dalen and I are trying not to be jealous. Also, Dalen and I got a rare date night..which was really lovely. Grandma and Grandpa Moore took such loving care of poor little Westin-date night fell on vaccine night (see below). Grandpops sent a new book-Walter, the farting dog. It has been an instant hit!

Westin went to the doctor this week for the 6 month check-up and vaccines. We are fans of vaccines-they will keep Westin healthy and contribute to the general health of the population. (Hey, California with your rising incidences of whooping cough-which was nearly eradicated with the use of vaccines-I am most definitely wagging my finger and shaking my head at YOU!)
Westin weighed in at 17 lbs and 8 oz and he is 26 inches long. Grandma Moore got to go along and meet our wonderful doctor. This was very special to me, and I was very glad that she could go with Dalen. Peek-a-boo is always a wonderful distraction from prickly needles! Dr. Courchesne thinks that Westin is ahead of the game motor skills-wise and could be walking by 9 months. Yeah, okay if you just had a double take, so did I when Dalen reported the news. I guess sitting up is just the gateway activity to so many other things, and while my darling baby boy is really very talented, I will not be disappointed if he waits a little longer than 9 months to walk. Oh-did I mention that he has two more teeth coming in???...Yes, for those of you counting, that would bring the grand total of teeth to 5; 2 on the bottom and 3 on top. I suspect he has another tooth ready in the wings..he seems to be getting his teeth in two's. Needless to say, we are in the process of weening. I have moments when it is really sad....until he bites me and then I have the epiphany that formula really is not the devil and just because I am working towards not breastfeeding anymore, my child will (somehow) still feel loved and thrive.We started ricey poofs tonight! West decided that they were great for launching (an aspect CopperDog also appreciates), but also pretty fun to crunch and even eat...kind of like squash, but crunchier.