This week my dad’s parents drove across the Midwest to visit and meet Micah for the first time. I have to admit I was a little worried in the weeks leading up to their visit. You see, up until about a week ago, Micah was pitching a fit whenever anyone would try to hold him… except for me. He would be fine for a few minutes, then suddenly his eyes would widen and his bottom lip would curl. Tears would brim and in seconds he would go from cooing to screaming at a volume that would likely burst your eardrum if you stood too close.

Then one day, Micah woke up and decided he was no longer a one woman man. Now he is a little charmer, talking and smiling at whoever carries him around… as long as they hold him the way he likes. I mentioned yesterday that it’s “his way or the highway,” well this especially applies to how he wants to be held. He used to enjoy snuggling with his head tucked into your neck or looking over your shoulder. Now he strongly prefers to be carried facing out with his legs dangling so he can see everything in front of him and wiggle at will.

He can still burst your eardrum if you happen to be nearby when he gets a wet diaper. If he is playing and happy, and then all of a sudden he starts screaming like someone pinched him, chances are he has just wet himself. It is during these moments of near hearing loss that I close my eyes and envision a potty seat sitting upon a golden throne with angels singing hallelujah in the background. I look forward to ditching the diapers for smiley stickers and m&ms and ninja turtle underwear. (Do they still make ninja turtle underwear?)

Anyway, back to the visit from the Great Grandparents… it was a joy to see my granny hold my son, play with him, and rock him to sleep. I am so blessed. Micah has gotten to meet all four of his Great Grandmothers and two of his Great Grandpas. I don’t think I ever got to meet any of my great grandparents, even as an infant. Four generations gathered around the patio table to enjoy my dad’s amazing beef tenderloin, seven layer salad, cheesy potato casserole, corn on the cob and Sprecher soda on Tuesday night. I really wish we all lived closer together. My Grandparents are heading back home tomorrow morning and it will likely be a very long time before we see them again. If my sister ends up moving in the fall as planned, we’re really going to be spread out. We better make the most out of August and September!

Micah has discovered that the world is much more interesting when you’re sitting up, and therefore throws a fit if you lay him on his back on the floor. He’s fine in his Bumbo, fine if you put him on his tummy, but on his back? Oh no-no-no. He has been staring at the ceiling fan for four months now, you know, and he’s had enough of that.

The easy solution, of course, has been to prop him up on the couch. He loves this view since he can watch all the action. Give him a few toys (or a blanket) to chew on and he’s a happy camper. Big daddy Eric is happy, too, since he doesn’t have to tote the little guy around on one arm all night.

Look at Eric, doesn’t he look great? He’s lost over fifteen pounds in the past month. Ladies, doesn’t it frustrate you how quickly men can shed the weight? It’s as though they merely think about weight loss and it happens. Eric has worked really hard, though; he has been eating a low carb diet and cutting out most of the junk food. He has been working out as well. He does this routine with a 45-pound weight that I can’t even peel off the floor, and he tosses it around like a dinner plate. I’ll settle for being able to carry a 15-pound baby for several hours.