More Hanukkah pictures

This time from Hanukkah at grammy's house with latke and a stuffed dreidel (we didn't tell him it was the dog's). Grammy's friends were there and they played with Jake to help keep him distracted, but he was not fond of the latke making process which required Momma and Grammy to be someplace he couldn't go (spattering oil and all).

It appears that Mr. Jake is getting two top molars. He skipped right over the canines (he's not much of a meat eater anyway) and he still only has those two tiny teeth on the bottom but we're getting the first molars on the top on both sides at once (as usual) so, needless to say, someone hasn't been in a very good mood lately. He had a 30 minute nap yesterday and woke up in the night. Poor little guy. I'm sure we'll both be glad when this is over!

Add "apple" to the list of words. I'm keep track for the doctor's appointment (you know they're going to ask) and I'm up to 14. Plus 7 signs. See, I knew he was brilliant!

This weekend we also went to Fairy Tale Town. Jake was a little hesitant (he's still a little young for the other kids to be moving so fast) but he loved the train (of course) and the slide. He went down the slide many times always asking for "more" at the bottom. He's going to be a little roller coaster junkie! Without Momma, clearly, since they scare me to death.

Holiday Missive

Happy Holidays! OK, they're over, but whatever.

Jake had a nice Hanukkah and Christmas and, as should be expected, totally cleaned up on toys. Grandma Lynn was the hit of the season with a very cool rock, roll, and ride bike, a wooden train that goes "Choo Choo" (which Jake now says as he pushes it around the table), and a stuffed dog that rocks as it barks "Jingle Bells." Jake love love loves them all. Thanks for the first 2, Grandma Lynn!

He also offiicially got his chair from Grammy and he got tub crayons from Santa in his stocking, which have replaced ALL other bath toys thus far. He was a super good boy at both holiday gatherings, even tho Christmas went late and delayed his dinner. Smiles for everyone and he was fairly understanding about Cousin Adam playing keep away with the ball. Up to a point, of course.

His new words are: "choo choo" and he's getting very good at "more." He also signs "more" and Mommy is working diligently on "please." He does it when asked, most of the time. I'm sure he'll pick it up as soon as he realizes it gets him stuff faster. He has also discovered grapes which are a new delicasy and would eat them to the exclusion of all other things if allowed. At least they're good for him.

Here's looking toward a bright, happy, and safe 2009. Happy New Year!

Sharon

Did we really NEED Christmas??

This was the toy area (in the front room only, this doesn't count the den or his room) BEFORE Christmas. Was all this really necessary?

New big boy shoes

Jake, in addition to the million other ways in which he is showing what a big boy he is becoming, got his first "real" shoes this weekend. The last time I cried over shoes was when I had to give away a $200 pair of Coach heels after wearing them twice because being pregnant changed my feet just enough that I couldn't wear them any more. But this was different. Big boy shoes are the final vestiges of "baby" that is now gone. A final proof that time passes irrevocably. My little guy is going to grow up and walk away some day and I've just bought the shoes that will help him do it. Wah!
In other news, he nodded his head up and down (a new trick) and has added "night night" and a few other new words as well. He is sleeping with a pillow now, as well as a blanket that was made by my great grandmother and grandmother. He loves being on a pillow and he stays more stationary at night - which helps the blanket stay in place on these cold nights. He is being offered the chance to sit on his new potty seat occasionally and seems interested in the potty in general. No hopes yet, just laying the ground work. He is, after all, going to be 15 months next week. Wow. Tempis fugit.

Night night...
S

First Dickens Fair

Jake went to his first Dickens Christmas Fair today. He did great. We got there at 1 and he made it all the way until 3:36 before letting us know that he was done. 2:30 is a good amount of time with a LOT of new stimulus for a guy his age. He danced twice with mommy (waltzes) and once with daddy (polka) and we've decided he's at least 27 pounds now. Talk about "carrying" your partner through a dance! Whew! Of course, there are pictures. He took pictures with Father Christmas (of course) and with Jacob Marley (mommy thought the Jacob thing was funny: mommy's weird), and on the dance floor.

On the way home we stopped at the Nut Tree (you have to, right?) and rode our first carosel. The panda, of course. He was a little unnerved, but handled it well and then had a blast running around the grounds by the Christmas tree later. A little cranky when we got home, but a good day over all.

Bottle free!

Well, at 14 months and one day, Jake went his first whole day without a bottle. He even went to sleep with a cup of milk instead of a bottle. There was some fussing at first, but he's so good natured that he finally accepted that his milk was coming in this form tonight. He downed the whole cup in about 2.3 seconds, but graciously waited until Mommy had finished Yertle the Turtle to demand sleep. He went down a little rough, but I think that was more a factor of being a little over tired and having a bad diaper rash again than the lack of bottle.

His new words are "bird" and "banana (nana)." He has also started mimicing actions. He will try to feed me while he's eating (he, apparently does this at school too, which has gotten him bitten twice) and make the "ahhh" face to get me to open up if I'm not being cooperative. He was also "wiping" his own face with a towel from the clean laundry tonight. It was too cute.

He got another hair cut today and I think the lady at Jack and Jillybeans undid the damage from last time. We're off to Dickens tomorrow for his first dance and first taste of "Faire" life. Hopefully, we will get a good picture for the December slot on the calendar. I suggested the ladies from "Mad Sal's" but Steve wants to stick with Fezziwigs. Maybe we will compromise and have his picture taken with Jacob Marley... the two Jacobs!

Sharon

Official first word!

We are calling "cracker" Jake's official first word. He got both syllables out this morning. He has other words that are the right first sound and consistently for the same thing (ca for car) but this was definately "cracker." It fits him that food should be his first word.
Sharon

Jacob and the Big Purple Crayon

This weekend was fun with chalk. I decided, while Jake was playing outside, to let him see what he could do with a piece of chalk (and I randomly picked purple, without thinking of the children's book but it worked out). He loved it. He spent probably 30-45 minutes wandering around seeing what it would write on. He was, however, very upset when I wouldn't let him use it in the house. We now have a very colorful back yard and I'm not looking forward to the rain (if it ever comes) washing it away. Boo hoo.

Update

Kids are amazing. Of course, to me, Jake's more amazing than most, but his progress in this last week has floored me. He's still not saying much (for a kid that talks ALL the time) but his comprehension in growing by leaps and bounds. I have a video I will post later but if you ask him where his nose, tongue, or foot is he will point. He also has gotten "mama" but still occasionally uses it for Steve too. And yesterday he started doing this little thing where he spins around in a circle 2-3 times until he's dizzy, stops and stomps his feet. It's like he's dancing and it's SO cute. I tried to get that on video too, but he wasn't feeling cooperative.

Yesterday we went to Apple Hill and he was SO good in the car all the way up and almost all the way back. I fell bad because I know he hates being backward (he rode in Grammy's car forward Saturday night and loved it!) but it's safer so we keep him that way. He had fun at High Hill (what I used to think WAS Apple Hill when I was a kid - it's just one of the many many farms) and walked all over the place. He also got a new hat that keeps his ears warm. Sadly, as with so many "first" trips, I stupidly forgot the camera.

He's still waking up at 1 a.m. and screaming until he gets his bottle. No idea why this started up but Mommy wants a solid night sleep, please... still the extra cuddles are appreciated since he's "go go go" all the time when he's not asleep.

Little Boy Blue

It is "wacky hair day" at school today so Mommy spiked his hair and painted it blue (matching shirt was not optional - punk is one thing, clashing is another!). This is as Halloween as it's gunna get, so enjoy!

Round of applause for the pumpkin patch!

We had a super fun time this weekend at the pumpkin patch. We got to see goats, sheep, ponys, a llama, chickens, turkeys, and pigs. We got to ride on a train (ok, tractor in a train costume) see a real tractor, pick out pumpkins, and run around on hay. All in all, a kid's dream. Jake also started clapping this weekend and got the sign for "hat" down. Not the most useful sign he could have picked, but he was so proud of himself and did big smiles and claps every time he did it. He also got his third hair cut and spent most of the two days with the whole family, including Grammy. Very fun weekend and we're looking forward to carving the pumpkin one night this week... you know, in our spare time...

I just hadn't posted new pictures in a while...

General update

Well, we're up to 3 new teeth this week. One of the top front ones broke through today. We also had a doctor's appointment today and Jake is 31" tall (90%), weighs 25 pounds (75%), and his head is in the 90%. Big guy!! He's very healthy and Dr. Robin was very happy with his progress and how he's meeting his milestones. She was extremely impressed with his willingness to eat anything. He does have a little yeast infection, which is the diaper issue we've been battling for a while which I thought was milk rash. The good news is it's easily curable and I no longer have to send milk with him to school. He can drink regular milk again instead of the lactose free stuff! Yay! He also got 3 shots today, including his first flu shot. Boo hoo! He cried, but clamed down fairly quickly. Still, between that and the teeth, not a good week to be a squeaker. But he was, as always, a total trooper and just a really good guy. I'm always so proud to be his mommy and always so impressed by him. We're so very lucky!

We also went back out to UC Davis for another series of "tests" at the infant cognition lab. We love helping science - especially when we get a new toy! These tests were videos again, but shorter and I could bounce him if he got antsy. He made it through both sets. The first was a study on short term memory and the second was something about pictures vs. sounds and how kids learn. I don't really remember. And that's not a joke about the short term memory study - it's just mommy brain. Either way, he did great, seemed to have fun, helped science, and got a new squiggly lobster for the bath. Super fun!

Grammy, if you check in on this while you're off cruising, we miss you and love you and can't wait until you're home. Have fun!!

Sharon and Jake

More teeth!

At last! We have sightings of two more teeth broken through the gum line. This time on the top. Not, as would normally be expected, the front two, but the second two out. So his front two on the bottom should fit snugly between them, giving him a nice pincer grip, but no actual biting surface. Silly baby! There is swelling where the center two will come in on top but they are taking their sweet time. Maybe they're sweet teeth? Groan... sorry. I'll get back to work...

Sharon

Pictures and kisses!

We got the link to the proofs from Lisa Richmond Photography today and she did an AMAZING job. I cried when I watched the slide show! Thanks, Lisa! I can't post anything here (proprietary info, you know) but e-mail me if you want the links and password to order pictures.

Jake learned a new "trick" this weekend. Thanks, especially, to Grammy, when you kiss at him, he kisses back! It's so darn cute you could just die. And he realizes that it sends people into a tizzy so he does it all the time and grins the biggest grin when you get all excited. He loves making others happy!

He was the star of the show at Grammie's retirement party this weekend and walked all over the house where it was held. He did SO well with all the people wanting to fuss over him and hold him. And he's starting his official transition to the Toddler Room today. My little baby is growing up SO FAST. I look at the pictures Lisa did and then at the ones on my desk of when he was just a newborn and have to wonder where the time has gone.

Sharon

Happy First, Big Guy!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, Dear Jake!

Happy Birthday to you!

Jake had a lot of fun at his party, I think. He was all smiles and showing everyone how well he walkes (in the limited room with that many people in our small house). He got a buch of great prezzies, cause heaven knows he's not already massively spoiled, including a huge dolphin from Mommy and and cool monkey named Mel from Auntie Renee. He had fun with his cake. Didn't really eat it, but enjoyed the attention. So now for the part you've been waiting for... the pictures!

Sharon

So much going on!

Sunday is the big day and we're all gearing up for the big birthday celebration. Especially Jake who appears determined to be able to impress all his guests with new skills by then. I think he also knows that he's competing with one of the girls in his class for the open spot in the toddler room. He's a very competitive little guy.

Last night he walked from his bedroom, out into the den, across the kitchen, and into the dining room. All by himself - no help and no holding on to anything! It's probably 35-40 feet. Wow! And this morning while reading one of our books, Mommy signed "duck" and he signed right back! Of course, I couldn't get him to do it again no matter how many more ducks I showed him, but he did do it. And then when leaving for school, waved bye-bye to Mommy (which he hardly ever does. Everyone else gets waves but Mommy) and Steve swears he heard him say bye-bye as well. We will wait for confirmation on that as well as the first sign.

I even bought a candle (see picture) for his first birthday cake (well, cup cake - carrot, of course) but it's so cute I'm not sure I can light it. I can't wait to post pictures from Sunday's party, to give him his dolphin (shhh.... it's a surprise), and see the whole family!

Sharon

Chickens and seagulls

This was a fun and busy weekend. Saturday we went to the Fair Oaks Village Chicken Festival. Jake got to meet a big chicken and some real chickens as well. He also got to see and pet an alpaca. Not quite a llama, but close. Sunday we went to Marin and saw family. We spent 3 hours in a park and walked by the shore of the bay. Jake got to see seagulls and jellyfish (from a distance in both cases) and got a lot of walking practice in. He even walked next to Mommy instead of in front. He's getting better by the day at this walking stuff. He also got to try carrot cake and cream cheese frosting (a sneek peek at next week's festivities, unbeknownst to him). He LOVED it. And my nefarious plan worked perfectly... 30 minutes after the cake and icing, the sugar crash set in, we bundled him into the car, and he made it to Davis asleep. Yay! Thanks to Auntie Heather for that little tip!

Mommy has jury duty tomorrow and will be spending the week getting ready for someone's FIRST BIRTHDAY - I can't believe it's already here.

Sharon

Just a general update

He's definately our kid. We went for Din Sum with him for the first time Sunday and he LOVED it. Give that kid a potsticker and he's a happy boy. He's also devouring full slices of melon and peach now. No more cutting it up into small pieces - he wants it whole!

He spent his first day in the toddler room last week and loved it. There are 2 spots opening soon and they're pretty sure he's going to move over then with Jack. He gets to go outside for recess, drink from a cup, and play with the big kids. He loves it. He's even doing pretty well with the one nap a day.

He got another hair cut this weekend in anticipation of school pictures this week (and pictures with Lisa on the 30th). He was great, as always, and looks like such the little man. Fire truck seat again. I keep trying to get them to let him sit in the Blue Angels plane, but I think it's for bigger kids.

As always, he is a constant joy and my sunshine. He came to visit me at work yesterday when I was here working on a bill and he's such a ham. Everyone loves him but not as much as Mommy!

Very important moment...

Jake's first matzoh ball. I think he liked it!

Sharon

Walking!

Here's proof. Jake walks! OK, it's not Speilberg, but it is cute video.

Jake's wish list

Please do not take this as a plea for gifts in any way (the kid has a ton of stuff and really needs nothing), but since we have been asked for Jake's Amazon.com wish list and wish info, I am publishing the link in preparation for his 1st birthday. He loves any toy he can crash, bang, or knock over. Mommy and Daddy love toys without batteries. He is in size 12-18 month clothes.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2MGLAUOQ6CYQR

Sharon

OMG, It's started

Jake took his first two independant steps last night. He "walked" from Steve to me. Steve's comment was that he was really falling forward and catching himself. However, I contend, that's what walking is: a series of controlled falls. None the less, if we had it on video, he took 2 or 3 steps and I'm counting it! So there! He is also getting more willing to stand without support. His favorite place to do this, unfortunately, is in the tub. I'm wondering if they don't have those things like they use to train people on the trapeze or use for the flying scenes in movies for babies. We're going to need one.

First zoo trip!

Jake got his first trip to the Sac Zoo yesterday. He loved the tigers and especially the giraffe (of course!). He also liked the coi and the reptile house and pointed at all of the animmals, including a turtle that he spotted before I even did! Clever boy! We're members now so I'm sure we have many more fun days at the zoo ahead of us.

Jake and Dippy playing!

He's such a good boy who loves his doggy and Dippy's the best dog ever... here's proof!

Another one...

Couldn't resist this one either. His favorite toy is the dog flap right now. Dippy is so nice, she always watches for him when she's coming in and waits until I move him. Unlike another Shiba who shall remain name-less (but who belongs to Kat and Nghia and comes over occasionally and sounds like "Sashimi") who just barrels through without thought.

I honestly think he's getting the sign thing to click. This morning he would do the day care sign for "diaper" when he got up (really wet dipe). Then, after his morning bottle he pooped, sat down, and did the sign again! We'll see if it was a fluke or if he's starting to "get it!"

Sharon

What? I'm playing.

I just loved this picture from this weekend. You can really see how thin he's getting. He's so active that the formula and big boy food just melt right off. I need to learn his secret!

Sharon

Allergy results

We got the results back from Dr. Budd and it doesn't appear that Jake is allergic to anything. They still have to test for parakeet (they needed to know what kind of bird to test for) but so far so good. The Singulair seems to be working wonders and Jake has slept through the night every night (until last night) and hasn't awakened coughing once. The crust around his nose is disappearing and we haven't had to use the Pulmicourt or Albuterol in a week! Yay!
Sharon

Sea Ranch and general update

We had a fun weekend at Sea Ranch. Jake did really well on the trip to and from and did well in the strange environment. He loved crawling all over the house and he loved his new Kelty carrier. The dog had a great time too and they bonded in the car on the way out there. Dippy had her head in the car seat and let Jake touch her all the time to calm her in the car and they've been thick as thieves ever since. We took Jake to the Chapel and he explored (while Mommy snapped a billion pictures). While in Bodega Bay visiting friends he got to play in sand, which he found facinating, and see (and dip his feet in) the Pacific.

The down side is that on Sunday he got pink eye so had to go to the doctor's Monday and stay home from school Monday and Tuesday. He's much better now and we talked to Dr. Budd instead of Dr. Halavi and he wants us to do an allergy work up (which I've been advocating for for months) and he started Jake on Singulair. It seems to be helping a lot and Jake didn't need his Pulmicourt tonight! Yay! But there was blood drawn on Tuesday and that didn't make the little man happy. We should have the results Friday or Monday and then maybe we can start to get rid of the sniffles and coughing.

Sharon

Jake's favorite passtime

Pulling books off of the shelves.

First haricut!

Jake got his first haircut today. We went to a place out in Roseville called Jack and Jillybeans Salon. They specialize in kids cuts. They had a fire truck for him to sit in and Baby Einstein videos to watch and toys! He got to ring the bell on the fire truck and he was SO good! The little boy in the next "chair" was crying and Jake never made a peep. He looked at us a few times as if to say "should I be crying like that?" but decided against it. He looks so cute with his new do... just like a little man. He's growing up so fast it seems like he's not my little baby any more but on his way to being a big boy more and more each day.

Sharon

Big Boy News

Jake had a very "big boy" day today. He had lunch in a restaurant in a high chair and ate table food. He got put to bed in big boy PJs (two piece, no feet). And, most importantly, he got his first tooth! He had comported himself with perfect grace until Daddy woke him up doing the dishes a few minutes ago and set him crying... gotta go...

Sharon

I'm 3/4 Today!

Jake is all better after his bout with the big bad flu. So are Mommy and Daddy after theirs (thanks, kid-at-daycare!). Jake is 9 months old today. It amazes me just how big he is and how much more he can do for himself every day.

We will be participating in a study at UC Davis on Monday that compares him to a little boy the same age with Fragile X Syndrome (will have to WEbMD that one) and that should be interesting. His next doctor's appointment is on the 11th but first we get to go to Berkley on the 4th for a party! Yay new things!

Someone has the flu!

Jake got sent home from school Friday because he couldn't hold down any food or formula. Apparently, 5 or 6 other kids in his class are having the same problem. So here it is, 10:30 Saturday night and we're trying to get him back to sleep after another barfing episode (and I was so hopeful this bottle would stay down!). Not fun for anyone. Here's hoping tomorrow holds better things (and some solid food?). Pictures omitted for, hopefully, obvious reasons...

Sharon

OK, so this is REALLY how it started...

But why let reality get in the way of a happy memory?

Swimming!

We took Jake for his first swim yesterday. When he first got wet it was a little cold and he cried, but once he was in, he was fine. He floated around in his little covered ring floatie and then I took him out and let him "swim" with me holding him and moving him through the water. I have a ton of video footage and I'm going to make one video out of it but I'm trying to think of a good Beach Boys song to set it to. Ah, a mother's love - I allowed myself to be seen in public, and even video taped, in a bathing suit! And, while I was kinda chicken, I did dunk him once and he was fine. Barely even noticed. Of course he'd splashed so much that his face was already pretty wet. Here's loking forward to a summer of swimming fun!

We've created a food monster!

Now I know why we didn't try table food earlier - he won't eat anything else now! He is doing great with just about anything we give him. He hasn't met food he doesn't like (Momma's boy!) and is getting better at getting it to his mouth on his own. Still about 70/30 down the bib/in the mouth (depending on what it is) but improving. School has given him Cheerios (which he adores!) and even pasta with red sauce! Now I have to give him his baby food (which now has meat in it! He's an omnivore! Yay!) before putting anything out on his tray. If there's "big boy" food he just looks at the baby food like "that is SO 7 months!" We're planning on having our first dip in the pool on Father's Day - pictures to be posted!

Sharon

We're standing!

Lots of progress this weekend! Jake learned to get food into his mouth, while Mamaw was here, no less. He also got really good at pulling himself up to a standing position (pretty much any where, any time) and can maneuver around his little table on his own. He also figured out how to climb up stairs, but not down. We still need to work on that one. He is getting speedier every day, it's amazing. I just love this picture of him standing by his new table. Thanks to Uncle Dave and Aunt Jessie for the cutie polo!

I just love this picture...

Video proof

Here is a video mix of him swinging in the park and crawling after Dippy...
Sharon

So much new stuff!

Well Jake is officially crawling and getting faster at it by the day. He loves to crawl after Dippy (of course) and I honestly think she taunts and encourages him, thogh she would never admit that! He has also started trying to pull up so we had to drop his matress down. He is geting so big!
He still seems to be teething but still doesn't have any teeth.
We went out to the park yesterday and Jake got to swing in a swing. He loved it - just laughed and squeaked. I guess it's like us playing "plummet" with him but higher and consistent rather than relying on our poor arm muscles.
He is still loving going to the grocery store with Mommy every week and we get out as many times as we can every weekend. I'm sure it will be even easier (and harder in some ways) as he gets more and more mobile on his own.

Sharon

Forward progress!

Well it's official. Jake has mastered forward progress on his tummy. He's not exactly crawling, but he isn't going backward any more and he can get where he wants to go without rolling over. He sort of pulls himself along and pushes with his feet. Picture the butterfly stroke on land and you'll get the idea. It certainly won't be long before I need to be aware of where I step and where he is at all times. Baby-proofing here we come!

He has also started to really watch my hands when I sign to him. He can quite clearly tell that the hand motion and the word or thing I'm pointing to have some connection so I'm sure we're on track for a perfectly normal beginning of signing at 9 months or so.

Sadly, I have no cute new pictures to put up but I do have a hilarious video (OK, I think it's funny) of him chewing on Mousie's tail while Mousie freaks out because the mean baby is eating his tail.. includes Jake laughing at his clearly bizarre Mommy. I will try to post it sometime this weekend.

Happy Memorial Day!

Sharon

Teething in the grass

Well it was a rough weekend for everyone. Jake didn't sleep well, we had a friend's baby shower so he missed his Sunday afternoon nap, and he's definately teething. Still, he found time to be cute in Grammy's lawn Saturday night.

Still, even teething, tired, and grouchy, no better baby in the world (and hopefully I'll get a tooth - or 2 - for Mother's Day!)

Sharon

New formal pictures

New formal pictures (7 months)

There are also some VERY cute ones with Daddy.

Sharon

Video of Jake trying to crawl and Dippy

Finally, good video of Jake doing the baby rock (trying to crawl) and cute shots of Dippy barking at him to play!

Consonants and crawling

Jake has started babbling in consonant sounds (mostly B's and D's) and is definately on his way to crawling. He can get up on his hands and knees by himself and he rocks back and forth like, "OK, I know I can do this..." but has, so far, only managed to go backwards. This morning he actually got a knee to go forward, but that was the end of it. Still, it's progress and I'm sure he was gratified. Me? I'm terrified. I like him staying where I put him, but I know it can't last forever.

His wheezing is much better (we started using the warm humidifier in his room at night again as well as the pulmi-cort) but it's still there. I am also feeling better and we tend to cycle together so I'm hopeful for his recovery soon (and cold and flu season is ending). Still no teeth and he has been showing "teething signs" forever. Oh well. He has had Spinach and potato this week (loved them) as well as watermelon and canteloupe. For those who know me, you will realize what a sacrafice this was for me and how much I, obviously, love my child. (Shudder - I actually TOUCHED the stuff!) He didn't like the canteloupe, but I was assured it was not "good" canteloupe. As if there were such a thing.

We are trying again for pictures at Penney's this weekend. Won't be here in time for Mother's Day as I was hoping, but shortly thereafter, Jake willing.

Sharon

New video!!

Mom got us a Flip video camera (minor marketing - this thing is SUPER COOL!) for Mother's and Father's Day. Here's a video (hopefully) of me making Jake giggle...

Ear infection gone!

Jake got a clean bill of health from the doc on Monday - ear infection is all gone. He's still pretty stuffy and coughing so she gave us a new inhaled medication. A steriod instead of the Albuterol. I think se got the idea that unless he was really bad I wasn't going to use the Albuterol because it amps him up so much and just changes his whole sweet little personality.

This picture is from his Grandma Lynn at his great grandfather's birthday picnic on the 13th. Gotta climb over Mommy and see what's up! He's so ready to be mobile it's ridiculous. The question is, am I?

Baby's First Guacamole!

6 month check up

Well we just got back from Jake’s 6 month doctor visit. Here are the stats first of all:
Weight 20 lbs. 13 oz (lower than I thought but still in the 95%)
Height 29 ¼ inches (over the 100%)
Head circumference is 85% (higher than last time by about 10%)
However, we have an ear infection in the left ear (which I think started very recently) so we’re getting amoxicillin for that and we’re getting a breathing machine to give him albuterol because he’s been wheezing for the past few days. Neither of those am I happy about, but there it is. He was a super good boy for his three shots and cried but stopped as soon as Mommy picked him up. Dr. Robin was very impressed with his development (of course!) and we will go back in 10 days so she can check his breathing and ear. Other than that, he’s still a super good boy and just sitting here chewing on his elephant. Dr. R said we should be seeing a tooth soon! Such a big boy!
Oh, and the cutest thing… he was just waking up this morning, laying on his tummy at the head of the crib by the bedroom door. I went into the kitchen to get something and when I walked back in the room I saw two little eyes peering over the crib bumper through the slats at me. He was doing a little push-up so he could see me coming back. It was darling!

UPDATES!

OK, it's been way too long but my computer at home is broken and it's been busy at work (finally). So here goes:

Sleep: Sleep training is wonderful! Jake goes to bed at 7:30, sleeps through the night, wakes up with a smile, and takes his two naps a day. Healthy Sleep Habits is an amazing book and it saved my life. Also, Jake is now sleeping unswaddled and doing great. It turns out he likes to move around in his sleep and I will often get up to find him on his side or on his tummy (I guess he learned to roll onto his tummy while I wasn't looking!) and with his head in a completely different part of the bed. As long as he has Giraffe, we're good. The only way I know he's awake in the morning is I can hear him talking to Giraffe. What a GREAT boy!

As mentioned, he is rolling onto his tummy WHEN he sees the percentage in it for him. Doesn't happen often but if he wants something badly enough he will. He is also getting far more mobile and sat up from a reclining position all on his own this morning! I set him on the bed while I got dressed for work, propped up on my pillows, and he just sat up. Amazing. Still can't do it from a full laying position (that I've noticed) but he's cerrtainly getting there! And far too quickly!

He's still doing great on solid foods. He doesn't like green beans, but will eat them, and loves squash and pears the most. He's also had bananas but is on the fence about those.

One thing he is not on the fence about is his puppy - he LOVES Dippy and squeals and smiles every time he sees her. See picture...

Next doctor appointment is 4/4 so I'll have weights and measures then (and hopefully my new computer to post them with!

Sharon