Enjoying Fall

Brick by Brick

Our friend, Nick, works for MTSU. He called John a few months ago and told him that MTSU was creating a tribute wall that honors alumni who served in the military. Nick told John that he was purchasing a brick in John's honor. We were both moved by the gesture. While those military years were difficult, we both know that John has had many wonderful opportunities that he would not have had if it were not for his service. If you'd like more information about the monument, click here. Thanks, Nick!

Just for kicks, I'll add this photograph taken of John when he was in the Navy and onboard the USS Ross.

Eight Months Behind Me

Look Who's Eight Months Old

Our baby is eight months old today. He continues to be the happiest baby I've ever been around. He seriously NEVER cries... unless I am trying to get him dressed in the morning. Even then it's more of a whine than a cry. What else has Jack been up to this month? He is exploring all of the time now, utilizing an incredibly effective Army crawl to get anywhere he wants to go. In his explorations, he discovered the door stops, and they have become a favorite toy.

Jack absolutely loves his doggies. They are the first things he looks for when he wakes up in the morning. Usually at least Sparky is on my heels, so he doesn't have to look too hard. Winston has become Jack's biggest fan because Jack now eats Cheerios. Winston doesn't go farther than a few inches away from Jack's high chair when Jack is eating. This month Jack also tried pears, yogurt, peas, pumpkin, plums, and chicken. I'm really trying to introduce some solids, but Jack resists everything but Cheerios. Hopefully in the next month or so I can introduce pastas, cheese, and fruits that are not pureed. He's doing really well with his sippy cup and can hold his bottle by himself.

Jack has become attached to a blanket that he cuddles with during naps and at night. I read somewhere that babies like to have something soft that replaces mommy when they are falling asleep. Because I am such a worrier, I have to sneak into Jack's room each night after he falls asleep and tug the blanket out of his arms.

Speaking of sleeping, we are finally on a schedule! You can pretty much expect Jack to wake up around 6:30 and then nap around 8:30, 12:30, and 4:30. He goes to bed around 8:00 every night. Sometimes he's tuckered out a little earlier if one of his naps was cut short. It would be difficult for me to explain how excited I am to have the little man on a predictable schedule.

Jack's becoming pretty verbal. As he plays, he says things like da-da, ga-ga, ma-ma, bla-bla, oo-oo, and wha-wha. He loves playing peekaboo and reading books with Mom.

We can't wait to see what Jack accomplishes in the next month. We love having this blog to share each milestone with you, but also to use as a record of all things Jack.

Get Out Your Tools, Daddy!

I went to get Jack after his nap a couple of days ago, and I found a smiling boy who was sitting up, which means that Jack has reached another milestone. He can go from lying down to sitting up. At least he has done it once! This means that Daddy needs to get out his toolbox and lower the mattress on the crib so the wee one cannot fall out. The next milestone we are waiting for Jack to reach is for him to pull up to a standing position by holding on to something. So far he has no interest in achieving this goal. Tomorrow I'll post pictures of our eight month old baby.

Mommy's Little Pumpkin

Loving the Cheerios

You'll laugh when you see Jack's reaction to me getting the box of Cheerios out of the pantry.

Exhausted

Kanye West's Latest Rant

This is from one of John's friends from work. It made me giggle, so I thought I would share it with all of you.

Finger Foods

Way To Go, Daddy!

Doggie Love

Jack is all over the place now. This morning, I put him down in the middle of the living room so I could run and get a cup of coffee. The dogs started barking outside, and we all know how much Jack loves his doggies. Within ten seconds he made it around the huge green chair in the living room and over to the door to see his doggies. The days of setting Jack down for a second so that I can get something done are over.

Family Photo

All Before 9:00 AM

Jack was busy this morning. I guess I didn't get out the right toy to play with because he took matters into his own hands. Now that he is on the move, the house is a disaster zone. Toys are strewn from one side of the living room to the other, and he is getting to the point where it is hard to contain him to the living room area. He wants to be playing on the floor at all times. We went out for dinner last night and all he did was wiggle. I know he really just wanted to get down and explore. He wears himself out though. He's already down for his first nap of the day with two more to follow!

Randoms

This is Jack's latest trick. He purses his lips, scrunches his nose, furrows his brow, and breathes in and out of his nose. The result is the cutest little face ever!

Jack continues to be the happiest baby. This is the happy little guy who greeted me yesterday after his nap. My absolute favorite times of the day are when I go get him out of bed. His response to seeing me makes me feel special. 

Jack thinks he is Mr. Independent. He really doesn't need his mommy to hold the bottle anymore. 

We played outside for a little bit today since the weather is so pleasant. Jack loves the grass, so it's pretty difficult to get a decent picture. But, this one turned out pretty cute. 

Happy Birthday, My Friend!

If You're Happy and You Know It

I'm really sorry about the shakiness of this video, but when you're playing peekaboo with a baby shakiness happens! I just love this video because Jack's happiness is so apparent. Of all the things I wish for my child, happiness is first and foremost.