We usually don’t count the months, but wow. Dax is 4 months old already. He loves to spend his days outside and in the evenings he enjoys watching reality TV with his Mom… Just kidding. He usually spends his evenings sitting in his Dad’s arms chatting. Ozzie also joins in on the evening conversations and sticks close to Tyson’s side (or in his lap).

A little update on Dax’s life so far —

He’s been to 13 states and 5 national parks. He’s experienced 30 degree weather, 90 degree weather, has felt the warmth of the sunshine on his skin and the wind through his hair. He’s been off roading in a Jeep Wrangler. He helped blow out my birthday candles. He’s ridden on his grandpa’s John Deere tractor. He’s tried vanilla ice-cream. He’s heard birds chirping, dogs barking, motorcycles rolling by our house, laughter, and the sound of golf balls hitting the club face. He’s mastered burping. He’s learned how to drool like his brother. His eyes find all of the lights in the ceiling. He loves to sit up like a big boy. We found a ticklish spot on his ear and he’s become very familiar with big big hugs. He’s taken in the smell of fresh cut grass and has gotten his little nose in the roses and the lavender in our yard. He enjoys walking around the house propped up over my shoulder, and even clocks in a few minutes at Tyson’s desk during the week. We’ve had movie nights and movie days. We’ve taken lots of walks and have been to the park. He’s spent a little time in the garage gym motivating his parents. He tolerates tummy time. He coos and smiles a little. He’s handled more doctors appointments than I can count. He’s improved in his car seat and lets us know whenever we drive over a bump. He’s taken on the responsibility of watering the plants with Dad. Dax has found his hands – every once in a while we’ll catch him holding his hands while he sleeps. He kicks around a lot. He’s most at peace being outside, he’s gotten his feet in the grass, but prefers sitting in his Boppy on the patio. He enjoys listening to music and sways back and forth and bobs his head when he hears songs he likes. He’s graduated from baths in the kitchen sink to baths in the bathtub.

Dax is very well known in our neighborhood. Our neighbors always ask about him. Dax visits our next door neighbor, Hershel quite often (he likes to be outside a lot too). Dax even met his little Chihuahua Gabby.

Between all of Dax’s accomplishments, he’s logged over 850 hours on his feeding pump. I’d say that’s pretty amazing.

Dax has had many great days. Being a stay at home mom is a lot different than how I envisioned it. But it’s been a joy to see his personality shine. Tyson always tells Dax, “All your Mom wanted was 10 fingers and 10 toes, and that’s what she got.” And that’s right, Dax is unique, and although I wish he didn’t have PCH, he’s still perfect.

“Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and awful it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful.” – L.R. Knost