Summer Fun

This past weekend was Finn Fest in Duluth! Jasper attended on Friday to get in touch with his Finnish roots. We also spent time at the lakes enjoying the sunshine. There has been some wonderful July summer weather this past week and we all know in Duluth to take advantage of it while it's here! Jasper saw the Doc on Tuesday for his 4 month appt. He measured at 27" long and 13 lbs 14.5 oz. He's still topping the charts in the 97th percentile for height!



Jasper proudly showing off his new onesie that Grandma Sandy got him at Finn Fest.


A family picnic at Leif Erickson park.


Jasper and The Bear. Yes, Jasper's onesie says "Barr Future Scientist." Starting them young is the recruiting theory at Barr.


Jasper's first dip at the cabin! (This is a different lake than the prior dip pictures, which were at my parents' house, which is also on a lake- yes, Minnesota has 10,000 of them...)


Jasper's first time in the famous sauna pan! Every Filby cousin has spent time in the sauna pan as a babe...


And, in honor of Finn Fest weekend, Jasper had his first sauna!


Hanging out at the cabin... a perfect Duluth day!

Turtle Review

Since I see the little one every day, it can be hard to see the changes. It's fun to see these all together to see what a difference each couple weeks makes!

Week 1

Week 4

Week 6

Week 10

Week 13

Week 16

Holy Cow- 4 Months Old!

Jasper is 4 months old! I can't believe it. He likes to be sitting up (with support), is talking more and more, is really enjoying his tummy time and can push himself up a little bit, and is generally just a happy guy! He likes to watch Bear and will giggle when Bear licks him- especially on his toes (as Jim mentioned, this is a common occurrence). We've been enjoying lots of walks and afternoons at the lake in the beautiful summer weather.

Jasper likes to sit in his bumbo chair- and he looks so grown up!

Mary came for a visit to meet Jasper! He loved her and smiled and talked to her. Thanks for making the trip to visit Mary- next time Jasper gets to meet Emma!

At least one of them is napping...

Jasper's favorite napping spot- this is why I've read lots of books lately.

4 month turtle shot

Roll 'em

Jasper has become quite proficient at rolling over!

And Jim has become proficient at speaking Jasper's language...

A week of firsts (including Jim's first blog!)

For non-parents, some of a baby's "firsts" may appear trivial. We know better! The first time Jasper propped up his chest with his arms was a joyful prereq to his future first crawl and yet another step on Jasper's exciting journey through life. I cannot remember the developmental significance of the first raspberry (you know, that fart-like sound made by blowing through closed lips) but, who cares, it's a first! The Filby Williams clan has been enjoying a week of such firsts, each one a thrill for mom and dad (if not always Jasper himself).


A beautiful mom with her beautiful boy before his first dip.



Talk about sensory overload! Mom dips Jasper's toes in one of Minnesota's beautiful lakes for the first time while Bear gives Jasper a brotherly slurp. The first dip was at Grandma and Grandpa Filby's place on Island Lake at the aptly named, Jasper Beach. (Jasper wishes me to clarify that this was slurp #5328, NOT a first!)



Jasper's first day out wearing a floral chapeau with matching floral trunks! Okay, I'm reaching here...




Dad and Jasper snuggle up on the Fourth of July after Jasper's first night at the Filby clan's ancestral cabin on Crescent Lake. Jasper slept like a champ then contentedly endured a day of loving attention from parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Mom wanted to give him his first sauna. Dad, who only recently came around to the idea of intentionally parboiling adults, encouraged the postponement of this particular first. Jasper did, however, have his first intimate encounter with the state bird, the mosquito, and his first fireworks display.


Our own little Gilligan! Jasper prepared for his first paddle boat ride.



Jasper and dad playing in Island Lake.




Bear and cousin Kodi co-captain Grandma and Grandpa's pontoon boat on Island Lake.



This week, our little tumbler did his first 360 - rolling from his back to his tummy and then again to his back.


"Am I good or what?"


Jasper and dad watching the big kids play whiffle ball at Crescent Lake.


Jasper happily wearing his July 4th colors, courtesy of Grandma Filby.