Boy on the Move!

Wow - the past few weeks have been huge for Jack! He's at the point where he is growing and learning leaps and bounds and everyday there is something new. Since he started full on crawling, the kid is always on the go! He rarely tummy scoots anymore and I can't even remember the last time I saw him roll, which used to be nonstop and his preferred mode of transportation. He is a pro at going from sitting to crawling, back to sitting and is good at catching his balance if he starts to topple a bit. He has also pulled up to standing a few times but that is one we need to keep a close eye on as he is completely oblivious to the fact that he needs to keep holding on in order to stay upright. Last night he would have gone headfirst into all kinds of corners or fallen completely backwards had I not kept 1 hand on him. Crazy dude. He also gets the biggest kick out of crawling into bathrooms, towards outlets or any of Grandma Paulette's fake plants (and there are MANY to choose from) and gives a good squeal when he sets out for any of the aformentioned. Below is a video that helped me survive my week away in Orlando. Note: his juicy burp at the very beginning of the video and his delight when he notices the outlet on the wall :)

https://vimeo.com/51999371

I'm taking notes for the big 10 month post next week - lots more to report on for little Jack Harold!

9 Months!

3/4 of a year - holy moly! Can't believe it just 3 short months we'll be celebrating Jack's first birthday! But what a fun 3 months it will be - Halloween, Turkey Day, Christmas parties, Christmas and plenty of quality time at Grandma and Grandpa's house :) Here is what Jack is up to as a 9 month old:

- we went to the doc last Thursday for his 9 month appointment. Kid has exploded and weighs 21lbs 9oz which puts him in the 75th percentile UNADJUSTED. He is 29inches which is 70th percentile UNADJUSTED. I definitely feared I was overfeeding him for a bit, but seeing how his height took off just as much as his weight makes me feel much better.
- due to his size, he is comfortably in 12 month clothes. He can rock 9 month stuff, but who knows for how much longer
- he is eating 4 bottles a day - mostly all 7 oz (sometimes an 8 here or there) and has solids 2 times a day. Cereal and fruit in the morning and cereal and veggies at night. Starting tomorrow we are on to meats and veggies for dinner :) We have yet to try and table/finger foods though he has started to get the hang of puffs and can successfully get them into his mouth on occasion. He also CAN pick up and use the sippy though he's still not too keen on that one.
- he's still a rock star nighttime sleeper and usually sleeps 12 hours a night. I think he really likes his new bedroom - it's a lot darker than the condo and think allows him to sleep in longer in the am. For the past few weeks we've not needed to bring him into our bed for another hour at 6am, which is nice - though a good morning snuggle with the much is always welcomed. He also now sleeps with a blanket and bumpers on his crib, GASP! Pretty sure he loves how snug they make him feel.
- he can give "high fives" - meaning if you stick your hand up in his face and say "give me a high five" he'll hit your hand.
- he always likes to stand and likes to practice walking with the help of sturdy hands overhead.
- he also still LOVES his baths. he gets so excited as soon as the water is turned on.
- he can plan peek a boo with a blanket and gets a real kick out of it. Some of his best belly laughs come from blanket games and tickle sessions.
- he has 4 teeth - 2 on the bottom and the top 2 both came in around the same time a few weeks ago. When the top first started to appear he had a nasty habit of grinding his teeth, but thankfully that seems to already be over!
- And finally...as of tonight, he is CRAWLING! He has been very close and has become very efficient scooting on his tummy to wherever he wants to go, but guess he decided today was the day! He did it several times and even fell down on his tummy and pushed back up a few times, turned directions mid crawl and started to pick up some speed. I guess we really did get out of the condo just in time!! There is much more room in Mokena for little man to take off. Eeks! such a big boy.

Happy 9 months, Jack Harold! We love you to pieces and everyday you entertain us more than the day before with your new tricks, expressions and discoveries.

working hard

Bearing down

how most of the 9 month photos turned out