...that I want to remember from Jack being 8 months old.
1. I walked into your nursery after nap time and you sat and played with your blankie and pacifier for minutes without crying. I think you like your comfy bed. :) As I stood there watching you, I noticed about a hundred bite marks alongside your crib. Well, so much for this crib being our "heirloom" crib for our future baby(s).
2. Your army crawling face. You make this awfully determined face when you spot something out of reach...and...you're off! Grunting, scooting, sitting, crawling, and pulling yourself up on everything and anything you find, including me.
3. Your first "words". Yesterday, after leaving the bustling, loud, and crowded farmer's market downtown, you yelled out "Da! Da! Da!" I think you were so excited to be out and about with people that you listened and watched and wanted them all to hear you, too. Your dad and I laughed and laughed as you yelled out loud hearing your voice saying actual consonant sounds for the first time. I said you to, "Jack, can you say mama?" and how did you respond? Typical on-the-movies response: DA! DA! DA!
4. Our everyday food adventures. Right now, you take a huge gulp of your big boy sippy cup filled with ice water and gasp as if your little baby mouth has been refreshed! So adorable. You love my still-homemade baby food concoctions and you pretty much will eat anything and everything I put in front of you. You're still in the shove-everything-in-your-mouth stage and let's be honest, you drop more than you eat. However, you've tasted turkey meat spaghetti, shared a baked potato and chili at Wendy's with me, and you'll chomp on Mexican rice and beans like it's your job.
5. The fact that you're our little sleeping champ. A few nights ago I missed you. So, I grabbed your sleepy self and cuddled on the couch with you. You stayed sleeping on my shoulder for what seemed like forever. I gently put you back in your crib, and you kept sleeping! You also fall asleep wherever we are, and no matter what you'll fall back asleep! Thank goodness :)
6. Our carefree days of summer. You and I spend our mornings strolling the neighborhood, hanging out in pajamas, and walking all over the place. We swing, we giggle, and we just enjoy each other. I am so thankful for these weeks at home.
7. Your ever-changing faces. When you glance at me, you smile the most gigantic ear-to-ear smile I've ever seen. When you're reaching for something, you have the most determined look on your face. When you try new food you make this hilarious what did you just put in my mouth face?! When you're mad, you scrunch your nose, cheeks, and mouth and wail, wail, wail! We're always sure when you're mad!
8. Walking, crawling, moving man! I'll never forget how fast you've learned how to climb our stairs. I'll never forget the day I watched you go from sitting to standing in seconds flat -- without my help! I'll never forget the day when you started walking with just me holding your little hands...
As I transition back into working momma {gasp!}, I want to remember our little moments shared together. I won't forget your slobber, your crrruuunnncchhh that your two little teeth make as you bite into a cracker, and your big, gigantic smile whenever I glance your way. I don't want to forget your 8th month, because it has been the month filled with new, fun, and amazing times spent together, just us.
As the bell rings between classes, as I grade my 140 students' papers, and as I get messy in science labs with my 8th graders, I'll be thinking of you. I'll fill my room with your pictures. I'll text my daycare lady to make sure you're being a good big man. And, my car will ZOOM as fast as it can as soon as those middle schoolers slam the doors wide open as the school day ends. Here's to a new school year. Here's to an entire year away from you, little man. Here's to May 23rd, 2012. (Yes, I've already marked the last day of school in my calendar!) =)
I love you Jack!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Happy 8 Month Birthday, Jack!
And my is 8 months fun! Our little man is quickly growing from a baby to a toddler right before our eyes. He's learning how to be more independent, is content to play and crawl on the floor without our attention for hours, and is on the go 24/7.
Weight: I am guessing Jack's in the 20 pound range?! It's been awhile since he's been weighed.
Diaper Size: Size 3 -- we have hundreds of them, so I'm hoping he stays this size for awhile =) Oh, and we're still in love with Up and Ups from Target. They've never, ever failed us. Thank you, Target.
Clothes Size: Jack wears so many different sizes! His swim trunks are from Children's place and they're 6-9 months. His shirts are mostly from Baby Gap, and he fits in 6-12 and 12-18 month sizes very comfortably. His pants are all right around the 12 month size. We stocked up on a winter wardrobe while in Chicago at Baby Gap and H&M - who knew they had a baby section?! For winter we bought mostly 18-24 and 2t clothes. It was sad to read a tag that said "toddler". AH!
I am excited for onesie-less baby clothes. While babies are little, onesies are an absolute must. Now, however, they are becoming less and less necessary. And...the options for cute boy clothes expand tremendously when I can ditch the onesie closure. So...here's to adorable Gap hoodies, button ups just like Daddy, and Nike sweatsuits!!!
Sleep: Still a champion! Goes down around 7-7:30 (and would totally go down earlier, but we fight to keep him up!) and wakes up anywhere from 6-7. Usually he just wakes up to eat, and then sleeps until at least 8-8:30. And...he takes a couple of naps throughout the day. I think he's growing =) My favorite part about him sleeping is he will literally fall asleep by 7:30 no matter what, where, who, how or why! It's so funny. It makes our life very easy when we're out of town, visiting friends, or when a babysitter puts him to bed for us.
Favorite Activities/Things: This category could take up an entire page in itself! He loves to do lots of things, and it's really funny to us. Right now, he's wandering our house making his silly fart noise from his mouth. He's been up since 8:30, and hasn't made a peep other than a sigh if he's crawled too far out of reach of a toy!
Jack loves to play with Maggie. Yesterday, she picked a toy, set it on Jack's lap, and then sat patiently waiting for him to throw it. She gave him a gentle lick to help him. Silly dog! It was really sweet though.
Jack also LOVES being out-and-about. He flirts with waitresses at restaurants, has become the baby that stares and smiles at random strangers in other booths, and I think Jack could shop for hours on end if he could watch people, too.
Eating: Has been one of the coolest adventures. Jack's newest homemade cuisine includes mac 'n' cheese and turkey dogs, fiesta corn and black beans, and brown rice, mixed veggies, and cheese. Basically, I find healthy food and try to combine them to make baby meals. Jack will still eat everything and anything we put near him...including dog food! We must come up with a plan for that...
Now when we go out to eat, we can find something to give to Jack. Whether its Mexican rice and beans, or a bite of spaghetti, Jack's quickly moving towards eating everything.
Nicknames: Boogie dude - which is what I call him 90% of the time. Boogs. Yack. Jack Chuck.
Talking: We have a talker, folks! Jack loves to hear his voice (and let's be honest his dad and I aren't quiet, either). He wanders around the house making all kinds of noises. He's mastered "g" and "b", and we're working on "ma"! I'm sure he'll say "da" first, but that's okay.
Jack sings along in the car to the radio. When the song is on he's singing away. When it turns off, he takes a breather. He's still not into country -- wailing if it's a twangy country song. He'll sing along if it's Ludacris or T-pain. My little rap man.
New Adventures:
I love you Jack, and I always will.
Weight: I am guessing Jack's in the 20 pound range?! It's been awhile since he's been weighed.
Diaper Size: Size 3 -- we have hundreds of them, so I'm hoping he stays this size for awhile =) Oh, and we're still in love with Up and Ups from Target. They've never, ever failed us. Thank you, Target.
Clothes Size: Jack wears so many different sizes! His swim trunks are from Children's place and they're 6-9 months. His shirts are mostly from Baby Gap, and he fits in 6-12 and 12-18 month sizes very comfortably. His pants are all right around the 12 month size. We stocked up on a winter wardrobe while in Chicago at Baby Gap and H&M - who knew they had a baby section?! For winter we bought mostly 18-24 and 2t clothes. It was sad to read a tag that said "toddler". AH!
I am excited for onesie-less baby clothes. While babies are little, onesies are an absolute must. Now, however, they are becoming less and less necessary. And...the options for cute boy clothes expand tremendously when I can ditch the onesie closure. So...here's to adorable Gap hoodies, button ups just like Daddy, and Nike sweatsuits!!!
Sleep: Still a champion! Goes down around 7-7:30 (and would totally go down earlier, but we fight to keep him up!) and wakes up anywhere from 6-7. Usually he just wakes up to eat, and then sleeps until at least 8-8:30. And...he takes a couple of naps throughout the day. I think he's growing =) My favorite part about him sleeping is he will literally fall asleep by 7:30 no matter what, where, who, how or why! It's so funny. It makes our life very easy when we're out of town, visiting friends, or when a babysitter puts him to bed for us.
Favorite Activities/Things: This category could take up an entire page in itself! He loves to do lots of things, and it's really funny to us. Right now, he's wandering our house making his silly fart noise from his mouth. He's been up since 8:30, and hasn't made a peep other than a sigh if he's crawled too far out of reach of a toy!
Jack loves to play with Maggie. Yesterday, she picked a toy, set it on Jack's lap, and then sat patiently waiting for him to throw it. She gave him a gentle lick to help him. Silly dog! It was really sweet though.
Jack also LOVES being out-and-about. He flirts with waitresses at restaurants, has become the baby that stares and smiles at random strangers in other booths, and I think Jack could shop for hours on end if he could watch people, too.
Eating: Has been one of the coolest adventures. Jack's newest homemade cuisine includes mac 'n' cheese and turkey dogs, fiesta corn and black beans, and brown rice, mixed veggies, and cheese. Basically, I find healthy food and try to combine them to make baby meals. Jack will still eat everything and anything we put near him...including dog food! We must come up with a plan for that...
Now when we go out to eat, we can find something to give to Jack. Whether its Mexican rice and beans, or a bite of spaghetti, Jack's quickly moving towards eating everything.
Nicknames: Boogie dude - which is what I call him 90% of the time. Boogs. Yack. Jack Chuck.
Talking: We have a talker, folks! Jack loves to hear his voice (and let's be honest his dad and I aren't quiet, either). He wanders around the house making all kinds of noises. He's mastered "g" and "b", and we're working on "ma"! I'm sure he'll say "da" first, but that's okay.
Jack sings along in the car to the radio. When the song is on he's singing away. When it turns off, he takes a breather. He's still not into country -- wailing if it's a twangy country song. He'll sing along if it's Ludacris or T-pain. My little rap man.
New Adventures:
- Standing up and walking along furniture, in his crib, everywhere!
- People Food!
- Sippy cups -- Jack could already get rid of bottles, but I'm holding off a few months for now. He has a sippy cup with water all day and he thinks its so refreshing! He always makes a big **sigh** after a big gulp of icy cold h20.
- Jack's on a new medicine for his GERD (reflux). We'll see if it works...
- Jack had his first real babysitter the other night...and we all survived =)
I love you Jack, and I always will.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
If only I could...
...go get my own bottle. And, I can! =) Jack's adventures have turned into do-something-new-everyday adventures, and I'm loving every minute of it.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Adventures of the Traveling Baby
I apologize for the not-so-much blogging lately --- my MacBook was in the 'puter shop, and I only write well when I'm cozied up on my favorite spot in the living room. I kick my feet up on the ottoman, pile a pillow on my lap, and type away! Without my laptop, I haven't been motivated to stick myself in the den and blog. Good news...my computer is fixed! {Jack spit up on it as I was teaching him all about computers...baha}
On another note...Jacks a-crawlin' folks! We've ventured into this "go baby" stage and it's very hilarious and scary at the same time.
In a matter of days I've learned a TON about baby-proofing my house. A few lessons:
1. Jack doesn't just sit in the middle of the bed and quietly play with toys as I get ready in the morning. We almost had our first fall-off-the-bed accident at 8 months! I gladly caught him and we giggled and snuggled in relief.
2. Cords, wires, sharp edges, and furniture are Jack's new favorite toys. He sees something he's interested in, boogies his way over there {grunting all the way as if it's the toughest job to make it two feet} and then shoves whatever he shouldn't be playing with in his mouth! I had NO idea babies chewed on FURNITURE?! Yes, wood furniture. I guess I'm going to need some plastic covers for his crib, changer table, and the whole house. I see it now...a house wrapped in baby-proof plastic =)
3. Take my eye of Jack for a few minutes and what happens? He's into something he shouldn't be, or he's crawled to a place where he's getting in trouble. I thought the saying goes "terrible twos"? Maybe they should rename to the "terrible crawls".
He's almost pulling himself up on furniture -- he can do it in his crib so far. Jack's also VERY interested in walking and standing up, still with help of course. I know some moms get really sad when their baby 'grows up too fast'. I am very sad, however, I love kids so much that I'm really excited for walking and talking. I have a strange feeling Jack will be one of those kids that asks "WHAT?" or "WHY, Mom?" all the time, and I can't wait!
Hi, Mom!
On another note...Jacks a-crawlin' folks! We've ventured into this "go baby" stage and it's very hilarious and scary at the same time.
In a matter of days I've learned a TON about baby-proofing my house. A few lessons:
1. Jack doesn't just sit in the middle of the bed and quietly play with toys as I get ready in the morning. We almost had our first fall-off-the-bed accident at 8 months! I gladly caught him and we giggled and snuggled in relief.
2. Cords, wires, sharp edges, and furniture are Jack's new favorite toys. He sees something he's interested in, boogies his way over there {grunting all the way as if it's the toughest job to make it two feet} and then shoves whatever he shouldn't be playing with in his mouth! I had NO idea babies chewed on FURNITURE?! Yes, wood furniture. I guess I'm going to need some plastic covers for his crib, changer table, and the whole house. I see it now...a house wrapped in baby-proof plastic =)
3. Take my eye of Jack for a few minutes and what happens? He's into something he shouldn't be, or he's crawled to a place where he's getting in trouble. I thought the saying goes "terrible twos"? Maybe they should rename to the "terrible crawls".
He's almost pulling himself up on furniture -- he can do it in his crib so far. Jack's also VERY interested in walking and standing up, still with help of course. I know some moms get really sad when their baby 'grows up too fast'. I am very sad, however, I love kids so much that I'm really excited for walking and talking. I have a strange feeling Jack will be one of those kids that asks "WHAT?" or "WHY, Mom?" all the time, and I can't wait!
What's under here?
Wires? I think I like wires!
What's this?
Hi, Mom!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Chicago
Four days away from Jack.
Three nights sleeping in a tiny queen-sized hotel bed.
Two days of adventures in the 3rd largest city in the U.S.
One mini-vacation --- to Chicago!
Eric has never, ever taken an entire week off work. Well, his new job requires a consecutive 5 days of work off each year {score}! And, my sister was dying for some time with her little booger man. So, we decided we'd tackle Chicago for a few days.
I was sick-to-my-stomach about leaving Jack for three nights. I worried Eric and I had forgotten how to spend time just us. I was thought that we were too used to our safe neighborhood and would absolutely hate Chicago. Well, we had a blast! In a matter of days, we pretty much saw everything you should see in Chicago, and more! Best of all...we enjoyed our together time. We reminisced about when we were teens, chit-chatted about life before Jack, and spent most of the time missing our booger dude. But we made it!
Chicago:
Planetarium
Sue!
MMMmmm
Chicago-style AMAZING pizza!
View from the Sears Tower
I needed this...otherwise I would have made Eric drive back home to see Jack!
The BEAN!
Eric and I had an amazing mini-vacation to Chicago. My sister did a great job taking care of our big man. I am thankful for our time away...which made me even more grateful of my time at home. I realized I missed a lot while away:
Jack's gigantic slobbers and his giant squeezy hugs when he first wakes up.
Our big, fluffy, white towels.
Our king-sized bed -- genius!
Maggie Suester Doggie
Waukee
Our kitchen -- we ate out every meal, and I missed home cookin'!
Big, open highways that I can drive my car on
And...again...most of all -- Jack!
Three nights sleeping in a tiny queen-sized hotel bed.
Two days of adventures in the 3rd largest city in the U.S.
One mini-vacation --- to Chicago!
Eric has never, ever taken an entire week off work. Well, his new job requires a consecutive 5 days of work off each year {score}! And, my sister was dying for some time with her little booger man. So, we decided we'd tackle Chicago for a few days.
I was sick-to-my-stomach about leaving Jack for three nights. I worried Eric and I had forgotten how to spend time just us. I was thought that we were too used to our safe neighborhood and would absolutely hate Chicago. Well, we had a blast! In a matter of days, we pretty much saw everything you should see in Chicago, and more! Best of all...we enjoyed our together time. We reminisced about when we were teens, chit-chatted about life before Jack, and spent most of the time missing our booger dude. But we made it!
Chicago:
Planetarium
Sue!
Holy huge...and to think I was at the top?! Willis (Sears) Tower
MMMmmm
Chicago-style AMAZING pizza!
View from the Sears Tower
I needed this...otherwise I would have made Eric drive back home to see Jack!
The BEAN!
Eric and I had an amazing mini-vacation to Chicago. My sister did a great job taking care of our big man. I am thankful for our time away...which made me even more grateful of my time at home. I realized I missed a lot while away:
Jack's gigantic slobbers and his giant squeezy hugs when he first wakes up.
Our big, fluffy, white towels.
Our king-sized bed -- genius!
Maggie Suester Doggie
Waukee
Our kitchen -- we ate out every meal, and I missed home cookin'!
Big, open highways that I can drive my car on
And...again...most of all -- Jack!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
A Day in the Life...
These are the simple joys of a normal summer day with Jack and Me.
A morning bottle, a little Sportscenter, and the cutest little man in the middle of our CLEAN living room. This is before Jack gets ahold of his toys...
Jack and I meet Daddy for lunch about once a week. Below is Jack chillin' in Daddy's office! The staff Eric works with gets so excited to see Jack! It's nice because during the school year, there's absolutely no way I could enjoy a lunch date with my hubby, so we make it work as much as possible during the summer.
Yesterday was Carlos. MMMMMMMmmm. Jack made a lovely mess all over the booth and surrounding area! He munched on Cheerios, reached for our nachos, and tasted refried beans and ice cream! He pounded on the table, threw this toys and pacifier on the floor beside his high chair, and drank some of my water from my glass. It's definitely an adventure going to lunch or dinner with Jack now...but I love it. He still adores being out-and-about, so he's always happy and chatting with the waiter and tables around us.
Jack absolutely loves outside! We usually go for an hour walk in the morning. He sits up in his stroller and watches as we walk, and walk, and walk. There's usually a pit stop at the park across the street from our house; they just put in a baby swing and he loves it! Later, we venture to the pool, or just hang out in the yard for awhile.
There's usually a baby play date or two sprinkled into the week! We're fortunate to have a few sets of friends with kiddos, too. Our friends, Jill and Quinn, came over the other morning. It was fun to watch Quinn and Jack play together. Too cute!
We also play with toys, munch on Goldfish, and Jack gets some Jumperoo action. There's lots of naps, snuggles, and giggles. I love our lazy, carefree days of summer! =)
A morning bottle, a little Sportscenter, and the cutest little man in the middle of our CLEAN living room. This is before Jack gets ahold of his toys...
Jack and I meet Daddy for lunch about once a week. Below is Jack chillin' in Daddy's office! The staff Eric works with gets so excited to see Jack! It's nice because during the school year, there's absolutely no way I could enjoy a lunch date with my hubby, so we make it work as much as possible during the summer.
Yesterday was Carlos. MMMMMMMmmm. Jack made a lovely mess all over the booth and surrounding area! He munched on Cheerios, reached for our nachos, and tasted refried beans and ice cream! He pounded on the table, threw this toys and pacifier on the floor beside his high chair, and drank some of my water from my glass. It's definitely an adventure going to lunch or dinner with Jack now...but I love it. He still adores being out-and-about, so he's always happy and chatting with the waiter and tables around us.
Jack absolutely loves outside! We usually go for an hour walk in the morning. He sits up in his stroller and watches as we walk, and walk, and walk. There's usually a pit stop at the park across the street from our house; they just put in a baby swing and he loves it! Later, we venture to the pool, or just hang out in the yard for awhile.
There's usually a baby play date or two sprinkled into the week! We're fortunate to have a few sets of friends with kiddos, too. Our friends, Jill and Quinn, came over the other morning. It was fun to watch Quinn and Jack play together. Too cute!
We also play with toys, munch on Goldfish, and Jack gets some Jumperoo action. There's lots of naps, snuggles, and giggles. I love our lazy, carefree days of summer! =)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Toys, toys, toys!
I don't know who's more excited about bright, colorful, music-never-stops baby toys: Jack or me? Either way, toys have become our new obsession...
This is Jack's newest "Shreeeeiiiiikkkk!" in excitement...so adorable
He's such a boy...he tears off the top, slams it down, and proceeds to dump them all over!
He even tries to look like him, ha!
This is definitely what our living room floor looks like everyday...I can't wait for a finished family room in the basement someday :)
And...this is Jack plowing past his toys. Now that he can crawl, he feels the need to plow!
Now that Jack can move around...he's starting to get more interested in computer cords, baby wipes cases, and more! I hope he continues to love toys {as much as I do}. I still rotate the toys, and that seems to work. It's almost like a week without one toy makes it feel new when he sees it again! I get the SHREEIIIIKKK and gigantic smile out of him...then he's playing for awhile.
Do you remember this toy from when we were little? I sure do! Fisher Price Classic :)
This is Jack's newest "Shreeeeiiiiikkkk!" in excitement...so adorable
He's such a boy...he tears off the top, slams it down, and proceeds to dump them all over!
Jack loves Elmo -- this is his "what's going on?" face when Elmo is wiggling and giggling!
He even tries to look like him, ha!
This is definitely what our living room floor looks like everyday...I can't wait for a finished family room in the basement someday :)
And...this is Jack plowing past his toys. Now that he can crawl, he feels the need to plow!
Now that Jack can move around...he's starting to get more interested in computer cords, baby wipes cases, and more! I hope he continues to love toys {as much as I do}. I still rotate the toys, and that seems to work. It's almost like a week without one toy makes it feel new when he sees it again! I get the SHREEIIIIKKK and gigantic smile out of him...then he's playing for awhile.
"I don't want to grow up. I just want to be a Toys 'R' Us kid!"
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Big Boy...
In the last few weeks there have been handfuls of milestones that put our little Jackson into the "toddler" category...move over babies!
1. Big Boy Carseat!
I noticed Jack's carseat was ridiculously heavy. He wasn't nearly as happy riding along in the car in the fill-every-inch-of-it seat. And, his little legs were almost sticking out of the other side. While the Chicco seat guarantees 'up to 30 pounds', I decided it was time to move on from this carseat Jack's butt has called home for the last 7 1/2 months.
I did a little research. We went to Babies 'R' Us, which is becoming not nearly as cool as it was when Jack was little -- hello Toys 'R' Us! The clerk there was sure that we needed the $360 fancy booster seat. Thanks, but no thanks! I finally landed in Walmart's small selection of booster seats for big boys. I picked the 'cutest' one, which ran around $40...and thought I'd try it out. Well...
SUCCESS! Jack doesn't cry in it. Jack fits in it. Jack absolutely loves his big boy seat in the car. Let's hope this one lasts awhile...
2. Cart rider!
Now when we go shopping, Jack rides along in the cart. We plop his two little feet through the slots, strap him in, make sure he's holding on, and we're off! He absolutely loves people watching from the best seat in the cart. Shopping with Jack has always been easy (since we took him everywhere from his very first day out of the hospital) but now it's even better. He will flirt with people around us, kick his little feet, and blow bubbles. All while Momma gets to shop! He looks like such a big boy sitting up.
3. Booster Seat Baby!
Oh, and he also sits in the booster seat things at restaurants. He bangs his toys {yes, he's that baby} and eats Cheerios as Eric and I enjoy our dinners. We even make bite-sized pieces of some of our food for him. I can't believe he's able to sit, play, and even eat people food already...
4. Sippy cups!
This was an easy milestone. Jack picks up the sippy cup and sips away! So far, we've only filled his sippy cups with water...and he's one thirsty babe. He will drink, and drink, drop it, and drink some more while we're on our morning walks around the neighborhood. He likes his water ICE cold. =) So do I!
5. Standing up!
Jack can stand up on furniture, toys, and in my lap. And, he'd prefer to be standing and attempting to walk than anywhere else...but my arms get tired helping him. I play Sesame Street clips of Elmo on our ottoman, and he stands and bats the ottoman in excitement. Eventually, he tumbles down. He always wants right back up!
6. Crawling!
Army crawl, anyone? Jack can definitely crawl around the floor now. For now, he goes from sitting to face planting into the carpet. He then looks more like a beached whale for a few seconds...gets up onto his knees, and scoots and scoots. He will do this over and over if a food trail of Goldfish or Cheerios is involved. Sometimes, he'll see a toy or me out of reach and move and wiggle his way over. Too cute!
As I watch him squirm, I'm realizing my house is actually pretty well baby-proofed! Our outlets came child-proofed already, I don't have much clutter, and my sharp-edged things are high up enough for it not to be a problem. Yes! Gates, however...we need gates...
I can't believe how much Jack's accomplished in the last 7 1/2 months. He's such a big boy. I'm looking forward to "Momma", "Daddy", and walking {and I have a feeling this little dude will be a runner!} Ah!
1. Big Boy Carseat!
I noticed Jack's carseat was ridiculously heavy. He wasn't nearly as happy riding along in the car in the fill-every-inch-of-it seat. And, his little legs were almost sticking out of the other side. While the Chicco seat guarantees 'up to 30 pounds', I decided it was time to move on from this carseat Jack's butt has called home for the last 7 1/2 months.
I did a little research. We went to Babies 'R' Us, which is becoming not nearly as cool as it was when Jack was little -- hello Toys 'R' Us! The clerk there was sure that we needed the $360 fancy booster seat. Thanks, but no thanks! I finally landed in Walmart's small selection of booster seats for big boys. I picked the 'cutest' one, which ran around $40...and thought I'd try it out. Well...
SUCCESS! Jack doesn't cry in it. Jack fits in it. Jack absolutely loves his big boy seat in the car. Let's hope this one lasts awhile...
2. Cart rider!
Now when we go shopping, Jack rides along in the cart. We plop his two little feet through the slots, strap him in, make sure he's holding on, and we're off! He absolutely loves people watching from the best seat in the cart. Shopping with Jack has always been easy (since we took him everywhere from his very first day out of the hospital) but now it's even better. He will flirt with people around us, kick his little feet, and blow bubbles. All while Momma gets to shop! He looks like such a big boy sitting up.
3. Booster Seat Baby!
Oh, and he also sits in the booster seat things at restaurants. He bangs his toys {yes, he's that baby} and eats Cheerios as Eric and I enjoy our dinners. We even make bite-sized pieces of some of our food for him. I can't believe he's able to sit, play, and even eat people food already...
4. Sippy cups!
This was an easy milestone. Jack picks up the sippy cup and sips away! So far, we've only filled his sippy cups with water...and he's one thirsty babe. He will drink, and drink, drop it, and drink some more while we're on our morning walks around the neighborhood. He likes his water ICE cold. =) So do I!
5. Standing up!
Jack can stand up on furniture, toys, and in my lap. And, he'd prefer to be standing and attempting to walk than anywhere else...but my arms get tired helping him. I play Sesame Street clips of Elmo on our ottoman, and he stands and bats the ottoman in excitement. Eventually, he tumbles down. He always wants right back up!
6. Crawling!
Army crawl, anyone? Jack can definitely crawl around the floor now. For now, he goes from sitting to face planting into the carpet. He then looks more like a beached whale for a few seconds...gets up onto his knees, and scoots and scoots. He will do this over and over if a food trail of Goldfish or Cheerios is involved. Sometimes, he'll see a toy or me out of reach and move and wiggle his way over. Too cute!
As I watch him squirm, I'm realizing my house is actually pretty well baby-proofed! Our outlets came child-proofed already, I don't have much clutter, and my sharp-edged things are high up enough for it not to be a problem. Yes! Gates, however...we need gates...
I can't believe how much Jack's accomplished in the last 7 1/2 months. He's such a big boy. I'm looking forward to "Momma", "Daddy", and walking {and I have a feeling this little dude will be a runner!} Ah!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
My Little Fish
Splish, splash, Jack was taking a...pool?!
That's what Jack thinks a pool is -- one big bathtub! Since he takes a bath every night, he's become quite fearless in the tub. He is no different in the pool =)
Yesterday was family pool day for the Krieger's. We went to the pool at my old apartment complex because it's quiet and usually empty. We plopped Jack in his bumble bee floatie and off he went -- splashing and smiling! The water was so cold that Eric and I gasped as our bodies got used to the chill. How was Jack? He didn't mind one bit.
Our little fish.
It was nice to have Eric at the pool with us...it's amazing how much easier things get with four hands instead of just two! We pushed Jack around, played peek-a-boo, and lounged in the sun attempting to get Jack to take a nap. Our little routine of him falling asleep at the pool hasn't worked the last two times, so we last for an hour or so and then head home. I don't know why, but having him in the hot sun for longer than that makes me feel bad...
Last summer, "baby Krieger" and I spent our days relaxing at the pool. My baby bump saw lots of sunshine and spent many days in the water. I oodled at the kids and babies -- secretly hoping my little booger would be fun at the pool. I remember being SO bored last summer...and I was sure that this summer would be much more eventful.Well, I was right.
I am so happy I have the coolest little fish for a baby I've ever seen. =)
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