Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

This fall we're studying "truth" at church, and what we Christians believe to be biblical truth.  The lessons from our study are so important, and ones that I hope you'll embrace early in life and carry with you forever. I pray that you understand and believe biblical truth, and that you boldly proclaim and defend the Word of God without fear or doubt in your heart. And I also pray that you learn, understand and appreciate the value of honesty and integrity and that you let these values guide your way of thinking and decisions.

I know I say this every month, but where has the time gone?! You're already 6 months old! And what an absolute JOY you are right now. I wish I could freeze time and enjoy you just like this because sometimes the days just seem to short to soak it all in. You are such a happy boy! It's hard to express in words how much joy and gratitude your joyful spirit brings to my heart. You smile at almost everyone and your joy is contagious. When I take you to the grocery store or we go out to run errands together, you light up a room and brighten everyone's day. This is so special to me, and I love that you're already making a positive difference for those around you. After all, true happiness comes from serving those around you. Maybe you're a baby genius and already figured out the key to true happiness :)

Your 6 month stats:
Weight: 19lbs 4oz (75%ile)
Height: 28 1/2 (>100%ile)
Head: 17 3/4 inches (95%ile)

Things you're loving this month:

• Your sleep sack and pacifier at night
• You're finally letting me rock you before bed! Mommy loves this!
• Being outside
• Swinging outside
• You're trying so hard to crawl, and getting frustrated because you can't do it yet
• We've been going to music class on Wednesdays, and you love hearing the music and watching the other babies in the class
• Mommy's chewbeads necklace
• Being thrown in the air 
• Funny faces and funny noises make you laugh

Things you don't like:

• You're starting to not like being held by people you don't know :(
• Being left alone in a room
• The blender is so scary!

When I go to work, you're staying at home with Tita, your nanny. Since Luke was born just a few weeks ago, his mommy Beth is still on maternity leave and staying home from work to take care of him and Allie Beth... which means that you've had Tita here at your house all by yourself the past month. You are still so happy to see her on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I hope you continue to love your Tita, because knowing you're happy is the only way Mommy can leave you in the mornings. In a few weeks, you will be going over to Luke and Allie Beth's house some afternoons to play during the week. I hope you're a good boy over there and enjoy spending time with Tita and your friends.

This weekend, your Grandma Sandy "Grandy" came to visit you. We took you shopping for clothes on Friday because you have suddenly outgrown all of your clothes! We had to buy you size 12-18 month clothes because you're so long. So all your clothes are a little big around your neck, arms and body, but they snap at the bottom now without cutting off your circulation! It started raining on us when we were out shopping and you made it known that, once you again, you HATE to be cold.. and wet, which is understandable. Mommy forgot an umbrella so Grandy and I tried to cover you up the whole time with her jacket, which meant that both of us ended up soaked. You came to lunch with us and passed out on Mommy after such an exhausting adventure.

It's been a few months since you've seen your Grandy!

Falling asleep on Mommy after the raining outing

Your daddy and I also took a short trip to Crested Butte with our friends, Bryan, Lauren, Shea, Lee, Sarah & Scott. We left on Friday morning and came back Sunday evening. Your DD came and stayed with you over the weekend and you guys had fun together! Your dad and I missed you so much! We were so excited to see you when we got home after the weekend.

Our first time flying on a private jet!

Our view on our weekend trip to Crested Butte

Daddy fishing with his friends Scott, Lee & Bryan

The whole gang

Mommy checking out the property with Shea

You smiling with DD

Playing with DD while Mommy and Daddy were away

You also got to meet a new friend a few weeks ago! Her name is Virginia Blair and she's 3 months younger than you and she's so pretty! You loved looking at her. Of course your best bud Delilah was there too!

Your daddy also put a swing up in the backyard for you! You loved your swing right from the start. You and Tita swing together every morning and you absolutely love to be outside.

Here are some other things you've been up to lately!

Cheering on the Frogs!

Sitting in your brand new high chair

Visiting with Papi when you came to Sulphur Springs for DD's birthday

Smiling at Mommy after your bath time!

Wearing your daddy's baby hat that Grandy brought

Going on a walk with Tita in the morning. Happy boy!

Bath time!

And this is how you fall asleep these days... with your legs perched up on the crib bars.

Andrew, we love you so much and we have to thank God every day for what a sweet, joyful blessing you are! We are so blessed to be your Mommy & Daddy!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

This is one of my favorite Scripture verses, because it reminds me that nothing in life is due to "chance." God is always in control of your life and circumstances, and there's nothing you can ever do to mess up His plan for your life. You're safe in His arms, sweet boy. God knows where your life will take you and this brings your mommy so much peace knowing you're safe and God is control of everything, big and small.

You're 5 months old already! Time is really starting to fly by and you're growing so quickly these days. You're still sleeping at night like a champ. Occasionally you'll have nights where you'll wake up multiple times per night, but you hardly ever cry, and if you do, you're easily consolable. I feel so blessed to have such a good sleeping baby! When you do wake up at night, you like to talk to yourself and eat your hands until you can put yourself back to sleep. Lately you're been very interested in your crib bars and like to stick your feet and hands through them.

You're continuing to be more aware of your surroundings, and you love for people to talk to you so you can smile and laugh with them. You're getting to be very good with your hands and just about everything goes in your mouth these days. You also started eating food a few weeks ago! So far you've had sweet potatoes (loved), squash (undecided, but love with fruit!), zucchini (big hit), and pears. Next up is apples, carrots, and bananas. You're really enjoying eating and sometimes I think you can eat forever. Other times you're over it within a couple of minutes. I'm still working on setting a consistent routine for your meals.

Last weekend we took a trip to Denver to see your Aunt Kim and Uncle Matt. You did AMAZING! You did so well at the airport and on the plane (went right to sleep!), and we even got to go on a good hike with you while we were there. We took you on a very shaded hike and you snoozed on and off in your carrier. We took some great pictures!

We also recently had a lunch date with your friends Sofia & Piper. Piper is just about 5 weeks older than you and you guys are about the same size. She's almost crawling! You guys seemed to be fast friends.

 Here are some other pictures of what you're been up to lately!

Having lunch at Chuy's 

Your first time in the swing!

Relaxin' in the pool at our neighbor's house

Hanging out with Mom on her day off work!

And then hangin with dad when he comes home from work

There's baby Luke in Beth's tummy! This was on Luke's birthday 8/16. 

You're such a good traveler! You and Mom at the airport in Denver. 

You're just discovering your feet these days and trying so hard to get one in your mouth!

Here you are hanging out with Tita one afternoon.

Getting some hugs from AB while visiting she and her newborn baby brother Luke

Loving your big boy food!

Hanging out with your buddy Delilah

And then crashing after your exhausting playdate

Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Andrew, you're 4 months old! You have changed so much just in the last couple of weeks. Now you're squealing with delight at almost anything and anyone, you started rolling over, and you're reaching out for almost everything and it's so easy for you to smile at the world around you. You are such a delight! Your dad and I are loving every minute with you and watching you continue to explore your world. Our favorite noise in the world is hearing you laugh - it's so contagious! You recently started noticing Miles, who has tried to make friends with you for a while now. You watch him around the house for a few minutes, but he gets boring pretty quickly. I hope you two get along as you get bigger! He already loves you a lot. He especially enjoys your bath time because you splash so  much you get him wet. I'm pretty sure he's going to try and jump in the bath with you one of these days.

Your 4 month stats:
Weight: 15lbs 13 ounces (60%ile)
Head: ? (75%ile)
Length: 27 inches (>100%ile)

Things you love:
Music
When mom sings to you
Tita (your nanny)
Watching AB dance
Sitting in your bumbo chair
Sitting in your exersaucer
Bath time with Daddy
Riding in the car (most of the time)
Going on walks
Sitting in the BecoGemini carrier with anyone (best napping place)
Your swing
Your sleep sack
Your paci
Your monkey blanket

Things you hate:
Not being fed within 3 hours
Being cold (you've always hated this...)
Being held for too long when you're tired

Yes, Miles is trying to eat your head

Last week we captured on video your first time to roll over all by yourself!

You've had a few play dates recently with your friends Delilah and Sofia. Delilah is sharing her toys with you and you loved listening to her noises and looking at her pretty face! Sofia loved you! She played with you on the floor, and we think you learned how to roll over watching her!

Your DD has been coming to visit you every other week since you were born, sometimes more! She loves you so much and we have to facetime with her in between so that she can see your sweet face. 

Our friend, Mindy Tyndall, recently had a piece of art made for your room. It has the most perfect Scripture on it. I hope you carry this verse in your heart always so that you're constantly reminded of your Redeemer. 

You also let me dress you up the other day and take some pictures outside! You usually give me about 10 minutes to play photography before you decide you've had enough :) Thanks for your patience! You look so handsome!