7 months

Jack is 7 months old today. I have no idea how that happened. There were lots of activities today and I have videos to share, but I'm worn out and will have to post them tomorrow. For now, I will leave you with one of my favorite highlights of the day:

Rollin' along

For a few days now, Jack has been on his back when we go in to get him after he wakes up. Today, I finally witnessed him roll from his tummy to his back and tonight I finally got it on video (so it officially counts!).

Raspberry

Jack has a new trick. He "talks" quite a bit - especially early in the morning or after a great nap - and now he has a new sound to add to the conversation. He learned it from his dad.

A day for the dogs

The weather was not very nice today. Still, a tired dog is a good dog so Matt kept our Sunday morning schedule and took Sabra to our local dog park. Since it is a private park and we a friends with all the dogs (and their people), I like to bring Jack over to say hello after his first nap. Eric, the largest of the dogs by far, took brief notice of Jack and I happened to catch a picture. Matt's face is my favorite.

Serious business

Jack treats reading as serious business. He was ready for bed a bit early tonight and got to read extra bedtime stories with Papa. We love the sound his little hands make when he tries to grab the pictures off the pages.

Take a good look!

Today was a big day for the Jackers. He is sleeping so well that our routine check-ins with Shana, our Sleep Coach, are all done. We are so proud of our "graduate" and even happier about all the sleep he (and we) are getting. (Insert shameless plug for www.goodnightssleepsite.com here. Being well-rested brings out my gratitude.)

Jack has also finally managed to get his toes in his mouth, which makes him quite happy. This new trick does complicate diaper changes and dressing him a bit.

And to add to the day's milestones... take a good look at that toothless smile because its days are numbered. Jack has his first tooth! You can't see it yet, but the bottom front right tooth has broken through the gum. Even though we fully expected this to happen, we are still amazed.

Big day!

How old is he? 9 months?

This is the question I was asked at Costco today. I wanted to say, "Ma'am, he is already growing up faster than I can handle. Let's not make it go any faster."

Why just read with your eyes?

Jack had another great night of sleep followed by more great naps today (except for the last one, but the first two were so good it almost didn't matter). He went for a stroll with Katie C., ate like a champion, charmed folks at HealthE Pets while we waited for Sabra's pedicure, and made great progress towards getting his toes in his mouth (so close!). Papa had a long day at work and Jack made the most of story time by not only listening and looking, but also interacting with their favorite book: Good Night, Good Night Construction Site.

He usually wears more clothes than this...

... but he was in between outfits today (drool monster got the first one) when I captured this moment. I had turned to get a new outfit while Jack was practicing sitting and when I turned back around, I found him delighted at his own feet. Delighted... or he was trying to sneak up on them - I'm not sure which. Either way, it sure was cute!

Squtternut Buash

We realized that Jack sleeps best when he has only oatmeal for dinner (as opposed to oatmeal and pears or oatmeal and sweet potato or just a fruit/veg by itself). Since we will do basically anything to increase his sleeping at night, oatmeal is now our evening solid food of choice. Since we made this important realization yesterday, we held off introducing Jack's new food of the week until today... butternut squash.

Whose birthday is it?

The answer is it isn't anyone's birthday (unless you count Jack's 29 week birthday). I have been asked about birthdays again and again this week thanks to the large Happy Birthday! balloon in my living room. I blame this on Valentine's Day. Our grocery store was stocked with tons of pink heart balloons that captured Jack's attention as we made our way through the store. I planned to buy him a balloon on the way out, only to find that the balloons by the registers were all part of large balloon bouquets. So, the last minute choice was blue, shiny, had pictures of tools, and has certainly captivated Jack for almost a week!

Oo-de-lally!

This was quite the day! Although he did not contribute directly, the organic garden to provide vegetables for Jack (and Matt and me) is planted. Anna and I made relatively quick work of getting peas, sugar snaps, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, basil, rosemary, parsley, thyme, sage, and yellow squash in the ground. It took just a few hours thanks to my "easy beginner organic garden" book. It will look more exciting when things start to grow.

Planting IN the bags of soil. Genius!

And... our rosemary plant came with a good luck charm!

Ladybug

The rest of the day was more relaxing and even more enjoyable. There was some lounging, some napping, some playing, and then... we went to the beach!

Hope everyone had an equally great day!

Bring on the weekend!

Today was a lovely Friday which, most notably, kicked off a weekend of visiting with Aunt Banana. And this day, like all good days, ended with not one but TWO bedtime stories with Papa.

The only sad part of the day was the realization that my current favorite pants of Jack's have been worn for the last time. Our boy is so big!

Before the sun sets

Jack and I headed to Dubois Park for a walk before dinner tonight. The weather was gorgeous! Jack cracked me up tilting his head back to see the palm fronds as we walked under trees. What must the world look like from the Baby Bjorn?

New Recruit

Meet the newest member of Team Jack: Katie C.

Jack is blessed with several Katies in his life. There is, of course, Aunt Katie (S.) and self-appointed President of his Fan Club (Katie M.) - each Katie plays an important role and Katie C. is no different. Katie C. brings lots of smiles and snuggles to playtime and we are pleased to welcome her to the team!

We also have a new virtual team member in the story time department: Tim Tebow. 

All in all, a great day for Team Jack!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jack had a great first Valentine's Day. In the absence of holiday-themed attire, we opted for lots of smiles, kisses, laughing, and bouncing!

Look Mom... No product!

Matt calls Jack's hair anti-male pattern baldness. I call it awesome.

Taking Costco by storm

Jack took on Costco yesterday and, although he's too little for any of the samples yet, he had a great time. We ran into one of Matt's co-workers who made it clear that Jack is quite famous at P&W!

Blogging on the go

Apparently I can blog from my phone. This changes everything!

Catch up on sleep... Fall behind in blogging!

As each week goes on, each day leaves me just a bit more tired than the day before. Matt had a few later-than-normal nights leaving most of the bedtime routine to Jack and me - although thankfully Papa made it in time for at least a few snuggles, giggles, and one story before bed both nights. Anyway, that explains the lack of posts - I was just too tired.

Rest assured, there was no shortage of cuteness! Photos and videos to come!

The best things in life are free (or $3)

Jack is teething. There are no significant bumps on his gums, but believe us, he's teething. Who knows when the first tooth will make an appearance, but for now, he is loving homemade frozen pear puree in these teether mesh things. This is the best $3 I have spent in recent history.

Also, we cannot get enough of this. I may just turn this blog into a daily video of this.

A boy and his dog

Jack had a very busy day. After a great night of sleep, he got busy playing, eating, chewing on his hands, showing his toys what's up, reading books (with a little help), and listening to his favorite music while playing in his bouncer. 

We also ventured out to get a new harness for Sabra. This involved two firsts: the first time I ventured out with the baby and the dog on my own and the first time Jack and Sabra were in the Pilot at the same time. In the Civic, the family seating arrangement the whole family (including the dog) was a bit ridiculous. Either Matt or I would drive, Sabra sat shotgun, Jack sat in the middle of the backseat, and the non-driving parent wedged in the backseat behind the dog. Needless to say, today's adventure in the Pilot was much better. As an added benefit, Jack apparently thinks that Sabra in the way-back is there to provide him with entertainment while we drive. Anyone who has been in our car with Jack (especially the Civic) and witnessed the carseat-induced meltdown that often afflicts our otherwise happy child will appreciate this:

Jack has been out-growing most of his clothes and even his baby bathtub. He seems to like his new inflatable bathtub.

Modesty wash cloth courtesy of Papa

I bought these new pajamas for Jack thinking the 6-9 month size would be plenty big enough since he is just now six months. It is hard to tell from this picture, but it is safe to say that the pajamas will probably not make it to 7 months, let alone 9 months. Oh well, they're cute for now!

Look out for the fire truck!

Jack had a great day today. He slept really well and was a super happy boy the rest of the day. These are days that make me a happy Mommy. Wait, all days make me a happy Mommy.

Jack has been rolling over for a while but the quickness and ease with which he does it now is kind of stunning. Technically, I think this means he is on the move. Break out the baby gates!

Also, apparently he needs bigger clothes. We will be breaking out the 6-12 month bin this week.

Jack's first Superbowl

Despite how much Jack seems to love football, we did not let him stay up late to watch his first Superbowl. We figured he needs the rest because the teeth... they are a-comin'. I went to Target and stocked us with plenty of safe, age appropriate things for him to chew on. So far, his hands remain his favorite.

In addition to teething, he had pears for the first time. He just had a little bit in the morning and ate the rest at lunch. Today was the "big cook" day for Jack's food so he also had sweet potatoes for dinner - almost 2 ounces!

He also spent a lot of time practicing sitting today. I didn't get video of the best ones but this one was cute because he is starting to realize he isn't being supported by anything. It is a little hard to see in the video, but my leg is behind him and a pillow on the far side so he's well cushioned no matter which way he leans.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

A nice little Saturday

Today was a pretty lovely day. Jack slept like a champion and Matt and Jack had lots of playtime in the breaks between naps. It was such a good day for sleeping that I even got a nap after aquaBelly!

Everyone is happier after naps!

We took Jack to is first bookstore. His Papa told him that, when he's grown up, these probably won't exist anymore so he better enjoy them while he can. We "enjoyed" the bookstore to the tune of $55 in books for our 6 month old. 

What's not to love about a little soak in the tub to round out a nice day?!

The cure to a long week

We have had to move Jack's bedtime a little earlier which means that the pre-bedtime routine starts right around the time Matt gets home from work. The shift has made sleep better at night and for naps, but it cuts into playtime for Jack and his Papa. What they lack in quantity, they sure make up for in quality.

6 month check up

Jack's 6 month well check-up was today. First, the stats: 19 lb 7 oz, 26 3/4 inches tall. Dr. McNally said he looks great and remarked that he has had nothing but well checks in 6 months. And... guess who did not cry for his shot?

This guy!

The nurse said he was the best baby of the day - not even a flinch!

What a day!

Today was not the best day when it came to sleep. Of the 4-4.5 hours that Jack is supposed to sleep over three naps, he might have slept two hours. While this wrecked my day, Jack seems no worse for the wear.