Today my baby is 35 Weeks old AND 8 Months old. It is funny, I generally think he is becoming my big boy and losing the baby-ness about him. Of course, this is a positive thing overall, but it does make me sad that my little baby is growing up. But then I stop and think, "Huh. He's only 8 months old! I still have 4 months of baby goodness before he becomes a toddler!" and life doesn't seem quite so sad. And the cliche runs true, I can't believe it's already been 8 months... but then again, it seems like he's been around for so much longer than that! The past 8 months have been the absolute best of my life. Jack is pure joy and rearing him is such a privilege. Having Jack has also brought Matt and I closer as we tackle parenthood together. Jack is the perfect little addition to our family.
Here is his 35 Week picture. I had to work to get a smile out of him. He is cutting a tooth and that has made him a bit more sober than normal.
This week Jack was able to see him Daddy and lots of family for the holidays. I am so blessed to have a wonderful partner and extended families that love Jack. Jack continues to do well with people as long as I am within view/reach. He is a very snuggly baby and as he is teething he is even more snuggly than normal. I love this, but it does make it hard to do even simple things- like going to the restroom! There are so many small, but important things that motherhood has taught me not to take for granted. Not only is Jack super snuggly right now, but when he is not snuggly he is a busy bee! Now that he has mastered crawling he goes everywhere! Makes it difficult to make my cup of coffee or take my shower in the morning. It was so much easier when I could just sit him on the floor with some toys and he wouldn't/couldn't go anywhere. We have a play yard (an 18.5 square foot one!) to set up after our family Christmas party and I put Jack in his jumperoo or swing so he can't crawl away.
Jack is such a funny baby. He makes the silliest faces and loves it when people laugh/smile at him. The funniest things he does, though, are not on purpose. He has been so sleepy while teething. The other day I was feeding him and wasn't really paying much attention. I saw that his chin was resting on his chest, but sometimes he does this when eating. I kept spooning in food and then noticed... his eyes were closed! He ate about three bites after he had fallen fast asleep! I cleaned him up, took him out of his chair, and set him on his blanket all while he was asleep.
I figured that 8 months was also a good time to introduce a sippy cup. He tried it for the first time yesterday. He doesn't drink anything other than breastmilk yet so I wasn't sure what to put in it. I thawed some milk and put that in there, but Jack typically doesn't care for frozen milk. Since Mommy isn't working anymore he doesn't have to have frozen milk. He mostly enjoyed chewing on the spout of the cup, but was able to drink some milk also. I may introduce some watered down juice soon to see how he likes that. He was able to drink from the cup without spilling though, so it's a start.
Jack also got an early Christmas present this week from Grammy. We had gone back and forth about getting him a swing since he was a newborn. We haven't up to this point because it really didn't seem like we needed one. He does love them though and always enjoyed going to the church nursery since he was able to swing. We found a small one (doesn't take up a lot of space), that has a good weight limit so he won't outgrow it too quickly, and folds up nicely. I'd say he likes it.
As Jack is teething is has turned him into a different baby. He fusses a little more, but he's not a terror or anything. He just whines mostly, which is understandable. I made him some milk-sicles that might help, but they don't really want to come out of the container, so once we figure that out without making a mess we'll try them out. He's been getting baby ibuprofen as needed, which seems to help. I can feel a little point under his gums so that tooth should pop through soon.
Last night in his bath he discovered that he can make BIG splashes! It was so surprising to both of us. Mommy laughed so Jack continued to make big splashes. It would go all over his face and got on Mommy's clothes! We washed up and then he played and splashed until the water got cold. Bath time just got much more fun... and messy!
Daddy was feeling a little sad about leaving Jack again. Sunday night when he returned to his barracks we were able to skype (oh the wonders of camera phones!). When Jack saw Daddy he smiled really big and began wiggling and reaching for the phone. That made Daddy feel much better. Jack remembers Daddy and knows that he is someone special. He won't forget soon.
EIGHT MONTHS
As Jack is teething he was not as smiley for his monthly pictures as normal. He kept wanting to crawl to me during the pictures also. I was able to get some good ones anyways.
With the stockings for the Bonnell family Christmas party this coming Saturday.
WIth his first Christmas tree.
Little Jack Frost
Santa's little helper.
This month has been very busy for Jack. He had many adventures and learned lots of new things. I am so proud of my baby boy. He is such a beautiful, loving, funny, smart baby. He has all the best parts of Matt and I. I am so excited for his first Christmas, getting to spend time with all our family, and putting his new learning/ sensory toys to good use!
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