The Kohlmans

Saturday, July 20th was Lincoln's first Royals game. We went with our friends, Adam and Jill . Lincoln did pretty well for a four-month-old. He liked walking around the stadium, seeing the fountains and the hall of fame, and hanging out in the breastfeeding room. He was not a big fan of the loud and sudden cheering.

Lincoln - How is it that a third of a year has passed since we met you for the first time?! It seems like your personality is really starting to shine this month, especially this weekend since we've figured out your "new" schedule. On Tuesday, June 25, you rolled over from your tummy to your back for the first time. Since, you do it selectively, sometimes going a whole week without it. You also roll from your back onto your side, but you can't get any farther than that - your arm is always in the way. You've started to really notice Jazzy and love to look and smile at her. She occasionally licks you, which makes you laugh. Mostly, though, she ignores you. This month, you got to experience your first wheat harvest and your first trip to the cabin. Both were big hits, and we're looking forward to sharing these experiences with you again and again as you grow up. Your first Royals game was not your favorite, though. You have really good control ...

{first tastes of rice cereal... pretty neutral, just trying to figure it out}

Yep, sometimes parenthood sucks. And this is one of those times. I have to say that I have been fortunate to be able to breastfeed Lincoln with very few problems. Sure, there was pain and soreness (for me, the soreness comes and goes). Yes, my supply dipped when I started running again. But, for the most part, it's been great. I absolutely adore the extra special time I get to spend with him, especially on days when there are a lot of people around and that's about the only time I get to hold him. I will say that I attribute my success in part to my determination. From the beginning, I said that I would do whatever it takes to have Lincoln continue to nurse. Yes, there were - and still are - definitely days I wanted to give up. Yes, it would have been easier to mix a bottle of formula when he woke up every two hours all day. Yes, it would have been nice to let a grandma feed him at night. No, I would rather not have had to pump when I went back to work for four days. But we...

There's this little trend called "baby mugging," where you take a picture of your baby "in" a mug. You can see more pictures here http://www.babymugging.org/ . My cousin requested that her friends do it, so I caved...

This month Lincoln participated in his first summer reading program through the Future Jayhawk club. We read 31 books in July... and it's only the 17th. You'd think they'd choose a challenging number!

This summer, our church has reserved a portion of our worship service each Sunday for members of the congregation to share about a song that has been particularly meaningful to them in their faith journey. This morning I shared this: Don't be afraid. My love is stronger. My love is stronger than your fear. Don't be afraid. My love is stronger, and I have promised, promised to be always near.           I think it’s safe to say that we all know your world can careen completely of your control without prior notice. For us as parents, that happened sooner and more terrifyingly than we dreamed possible.           On March 22, 2013, Brad and I welcomed Lincoln Jesse into our family.   Two days and only a few minor complications later, we drove home from the hospital, our conversation filled with hope and excitement for our life as a family of three.       ...

{because there are just too many cute pictures to choose from...}

Lincoln loved riding in the boat, as long as it was going fast enough! We went on a trip to the marina to get gas. When we were leaving, we had to troll out past the "no wake" buoys. Lincoln screamed, but the second Daniel accelerated, his little eyes closed and he quieted down. hang on to your hat!

Happy Birthday to our favorite partner and daddy!