8 Months and an Astronaut

Over the past month, we've been fortunate enough to head over to Spokane for a few weekends. Below, the Van Inwegen's made it out to lunch, and Victoria snapped this photo of the boys.


Alex and Ella enjoyed their time with Ian. That is, until they got close enough for Ian to pull their hair.


Ian's all smiles these days. It sure is a fun age when he laughs and giggles at just about everything. And obviously with this crowd, hair pulling wasn't an option.



With an unscheduled trip over to Spokane for the arrival of Will Schrock, we had to cancel our trip to the pumpkin patch with the Watsons and Hoegers in Redmond. Luckily we had a free afternoon where we could take Ian out and get him excited for Fall. Below are some shots from Greenbluff in Spokane.


Ian managed to stay sitting for about 30 seconds. Just long enough to snap a shot before he began attacking the pumpkins.

A family portrait in the pumpkin patch.

It was FREEZING out at the patch, and we forgot a hat for Ian. So, I folded mine in half and it fit fairly well on his little head. Ian was baby talking with a Russian accent for the rest of the day.

Since it was the week before Halloween, Ian decided to have a preview of his astronaut costume with his cousins. He was very excited until he learned that he wouldn't get any candy until the following weekend.

Ian enjoying some quality time with the Yochums.

Upon our return from Spokane, Ian hit the 8th month mark. Below are some of the pictures from his photo shoot in his favorite monkey outfit.

Our little astronaut before getting buckled in for lift off to a Halloween party with Jackie's moms group that she attends once a week.

Below are most of the babies from the group. Lining up 9 babies between 8 and 10 months old that are all dressed in uncomfortable costumes went a lot better than expected.

Ian ditched the hat, but as you can see, girls are clearly crazy for a man in uniform.

The play mat was a big hit for all of the kids. Of course, Ian spit up on it. And yes, that is a bunny, lion, pirate, and astronaut. Naturally.


Ian also enjoyed eating the letters. Astronauts need to eat their I's before blasting off. And you never know, a lion could come along at any moment and eat them.

New Cousins

Ian woke up on October 9th as the baby of both families, by the time he went to bed he was no longer the baby in either family. Andy's sister, Meridith and Brent welcomed Emery. A few hours later Jackie's brother and his wife, Garth and Lisa, welcomed Camryn. Camryn had a short 2 week reign as baby of the Shea family before Will Schrock joined Kassio (Jackie's sister) and Mike's family. We are so happy that all the babies are healthy! Below are a few pictures of Camryn and Will.

Savannah and Camryn in their matching Halloween outfits




William about 5 hours old


Dillon checking out his new brother

7 Months

Seven months seems a bit odd. It feels like just yesterday when we were in the hospital anxiously awaiting for Jackie's induction to take effect. And yet it seems like Ian has been with us for years. His little personality has really begun to show through lately, and he has the sweetest disposition. We are very lucky to have such a happy little guy.

Jackie and I were going to head to the new Braevern shopping district in downtown Bellevue. Instead, we opted for a walk around our neighborhood. A stroll through nature was much better than some time in Neiman Marcus.

Jackie and Ian on the trail near our house.

And with the seven month mark, so comes seven months in review...

More seven month pictures...

Mobile Munchkin

Ian has become very mobile over the last week and has found lots of new ways to amuse us all. We created a slide show to capture all his new adventures.

Like Mother Like Son

Here's a recent picture of the little guy.


Compare that to this picture of Jackie when she was about the same age.

Labor Day

Ian loves spending time in his mobile playground.


Dad giving Ian a gentle push.


For Labor Day, we joined the rest of the Shea clan over in Sandpoint. Below was our spirited bartender dishing out the spirits.


The evening's entertainment moved outside and included an aerial dog display. Red loves jumping off the dock for her tennis ball.

The crowd gathered around to enjoy a nice evening without any rain.

Ian acted out a scene from "Oklahoma!" with his impression of Curly McLain. Go west young man, go west.

The beautiful mom's to be. Ian and the rest of us can't wait for the new additions!

Ian got in some good time with Uncle Tony and Aunt Lindsey.

A happy mom with her happy child. He's happily enjoying a view of the concrete below.

The crew was sacked out by the end of the day. Lots of tired bodies.

Every night before bed, Ian enjoys reading his favorite books.

This one was a real page turner. The lion next to the Christmas tree. I never saw that one coming! Ian enjoys a good plot twist now and again.