Sleep Strike

That's what I'm calling it.  Some (as my online research suggests) refer to it as the "9 Month Sleep Regression." 

Jude, just when I thought you were getting the hang of this whole sleeping better at night thing, you go on STRIKE.  Ugh. And it isn't only nighttime sleep that is suffering.  Naps now too.  Double ugh.

This little waving charmer has taken 1 1/2 naps in the past two days...oh wait, there was that nap that kept me trapped in the chair for an hour and half yesterday too....so make that 2 1/2 naps....and he is fighting another one as we speak.  This is opposed to the normal 2-3 naps a day. 

I know I've been blessed (lucky??), going to bed at night and putting himself to sleep for naps has been pretty painless for Jude.  He's a great napper.  Or was.  Until now.  I haven't had to hold him while he sleeps since he was a newborn.  In fact, until recently, he preferred...I'm talking, would ONLY...sleep in his crib. (Or the occasional crash in the car seat while driving).  He loves his crib.  It breaks my heart to hear him cry.  Trying to see if he'll give in.  He hasn't before.  I always give in first. I cuddle him, bounce him, pace with him, rock him, sing to him, hum to him.  No dice. I let him get up and we try again later.  I know he's wasted tired because he can't stop rubbing his eyes and can't figure out what he wants.  The extra cuddles are nice from my busy busy baby, but it is a toss up.  For sure. 

And nighttime is no fun right now either.  He has been up a bunch the past couple of nights.  I gave in and started nursing him back to sleep, even though we had broken that habit a bit ago.  The worst part is, after being up with him, trying to get him back to sleep (...he dozes, i lay him down, he cries, stands up, reaches, i try to leave, he screams, i come in, i pick him up and it starts all over again....), sometimes I can't get back to sleep.  Last night would be one of those nights.  I'm running on maybe 3 hours of sleep.  Awesome.

It is a good thing he's cute and rocks adorable cankles.  Who knew cankles could be so cute?  Love him, but would also love some more sleep.  Motherhood isn't always fun, but I still wouldn't trade it for the world. (ok....maybe I would trade for one or two nights of uninterrupted sleep.)

Off to rescue my whimpering babe.  He's tried long enough for this Mama.  

Stats

Jude had his 9 month doctor's appointment yesterday.  Our littlest goofball charmed the doctor and all the nurses.  He got a break from vaccines this month and measured up just right.

28 inches (...I think they were generous here)  ~  35th percentile

20 pounds, 1 ounce  ~  35th percentile

and right around the 90th percentile for head size....just the right size to hold all of his brains 

Canoe Chips

Eli got to pick his "Back to School" meal, and after his first actual day of school yesterday, we had his requested meal:  chili (that is "not too hot, Mommy"), with turkey dogs, carrots, and canoe chips.

Apparently Eli has decided that Fritos SCOOPS! look like little canoes and are perfect for eating chili with.  I couldn't agree more, Little Man. What a fun meal, and I never would have thought this is what he would pick. I would have thought mac n' cheese all the way.  Shows you what I know....

Here's to a wonderful and "not-too-spicy" school year!

Been Thinking

I have been trying to figure out if what I'm about to state is actually true.  This is the FIRST time in 30 or so years that I have not gone Back to School.  As a student and then a teacher, I have had at least 30 first days of school.  That is CRAZY!!  No wonder I felt a bit anxious and funny inside beginning last week.....when teachers reported back, and then this week when the kids came (already slipping...) went back.  Hard to believe I am not teaching this year.  I am OK with it.  I really am.  I think. *wink*

Things just didn't fall into place to make a part time teaching gig work this year.  I (we) are committed to no childcare, if possible, as we were with Eli.  When I went back to work after Eli, things just clicked.  The ideal job, with the ideal amount of hours, and best of all, Eli came too!  I had him at school with me.  Perfect.  When that wasn't going to work this time with Jude, it was a no-brainer.  I'm staying home.  And I honestly know that it is what is best.  For all of us.  I am still doing after school tutoring and my schedule is pretty full already. It is a blessing, and I'm happy that I get to use my math skillllz a bit each day in addition to my mommy-ing and housekeeping (not sure I'm actually skilled in this dept.) skills.  Today was Jude and I's first morning together....just us....since the summer started.  And I am totally loving it.  We are working on finding our new rhythm and routine, but I really think I'm going to like it. 

So even though it feels a bit funny to not be back in school.  I know I'm where I'm supposed to be in this season of my life. 

It is OVER

Ahhhhh!  Summer is over.  Summer is so wonderful, yet so fleeting.  Hard to believe it is already time for back to school.  I have loved seeing all of the blog and Facebook posts with pictures of kiddos heading off for the first day of school.

We sent summer out in style with trips to the pool, time with friends, and one last blazing hot, sweat-your-brains-out trip to the park.  Eli brought his soccer ball and had fun climbing.

While Jude enjoyed the swings.

And then we were sure to make the end of Summer 2011 memorable with a trip to a walk-in clinic...then the ER as Eli took a tumble at a birthday party and dislocated his elbow on Saturday.  It took several tries to pop it back in, and after a very long night, our brave boy ended up in a splint for 5 days....just in time for back to school.  Overall, Eli has been a trouper about it.

The bum wing hasn't slowed him down and he was even able to help me bake some Back-to-School cookies yesterday.

And today was the big day.  Back to school for one last year of preschool. It was a shortened day, and Eli was having some mixed emotions this morning.  Even some nerves....which I totally didn't expect.  Lots of nervous energy.

Come on, Mom!  Stop taking pictures!  Let's go, already!

He had a great day, picking up right where he left off. 

Such a big boy....my how he's grown!

                                2009                                                      2010                                                    2011

Fun with Shapes

I set up another art invitation for Eli last week while Jude took his morning nap.  To make some fun shape collages, I cut out a variety of shapes from different color construction paper and put them in a muffin tin on the table.  Along with the shapes I put out card stock, markers, and glue.

The invitation was quickly accepted.  After a brief moment of deliberation about what to make, Mommy quickly threw out some ideas, and he was off!

 

 

This is his stegosaurus.  Can you see it?

My favorite part is the teeth....and oh yeah, the rocks by his feet. 

We are definitely still working on the amount of glue to use. Still figuring out the difference between what is the necessary amount and what is the fun amount.

While he worked, he was chatting away.  I decided to write down his comments.

"This is fun being creative."

"I'm going to use white for the rocks. Circles make good rocks."

"Dinosaurs have four legs, so I need four rectangles."

"I need two drops of glue for the rectangles."

"This dinosaur is showing his teeth saying, 'You need to get away NOW!'"

"That glue is too big, so I'll use two triangles."

So fun hearing his thoughts as he worked.  I loved hearing him process and make decisions. After the dinosaur, he decided to make a sun and sky out of triangles and rectangles. (I think I might have it upside down here...)

And then he lost interest in the middle of this random collage....

 

But that is ok.  I kept the extra shapes and will set them out again to see what his creative little mind comes up with next time.

Mini Moments

Captured a couple of moments in our house the last day or two that make my heart smile. 

Jude using his sign for more for the first time.

Did you see that intense look on his face?  More!  MORE!!....and yes, I turned off the camera to give him more puffs.  I actually think he used this sign the day before after he had stolen handfuls of french fries off of his brother's plate.  But I was in denial as he slammed his little fists, full of fries, together.  More, Mama! More!!!

And just a little clip of Eli working on his sight words by creating sentences and reading them. 

Do not be fooled!  Not all of his sentences made this much sense.  This might have actually been one of Mommy's creations now that I think of it.  

Eli is growing up.  He is looking more and more like a big boy to me.  The haircut I gave him a couple weeks ago has a lot to do with that.....and his legs!  They are so long.  His vocabulary and pronunciation are sounding more and more grown up too.  Gone are cute little mispronunciations of a toddler....almost.  Several times this week, I've heard him say something along the lines of, "You are 'upposed to have milk with dinner."  Or "Mommy, you are not 'upposed to tickle me after I say 'Please, stop!'" Love it!  One of the few mispronunciations left.  And you better believe that I have not corrected him one bit!  He is definitely growing up.

So, I will cling to mini moments like these.

A Perfect Summer Treat

So easy and so yummy!  I knew as soon as I saw this idea that I had to try it.  Eli (and Jude for that matter) can put away some watermelon, so it was a no-brainer.  Slice the watermelon, use a cookie cutter for the shape, jab in a popsicle stick (we only had the fat ones on hand), and freeze it.  It is that simple.  And an ideal healthy treat after playing outside in the stifling summer heat and humidity. 

9 Months

Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness.  The time keeps flying by and we keep having more fun.  We are falling more and more in love with our happy littlest man. He is just too sweet....and kinda cute too. 

 

I can't tell you how much I love this face...and that pursed lip smile! I adore taking time to remember all that has been going on in Jude's little world this month...and finding fun pictures that haven't made it into other posts. So let's see....what's new with The Dude?

Jude loves to make noise, but his babbling is different one week to the next. First it was "Dada", then "Mama", and this week, it is all about "dadadadadada" again. I still don't think he really knows what he's saying, just making sounds and loving it.  Still only signing "milk" but emphatically at times when he wants it.  I believe he understands many of the signs I use with him, such as more, eat, cracker, all finished, and sleep but he still doesn't use them himself.  We gets lots of tongue these days.  He loves to stick it out and make funny noises waggling it in and out of his mouth. And I'm not sure if it is on purpose or not, but the little trouble maker does not seem to understand any form of "Stop, don't do that" kind of words or sounds.  He will turn, look at me, smile as big as he can, and keep right on doing it....sometimes he'll even laugh about it.  I think I'm in trouble.

He loves to giggle and laugh.  Eli seems to get the most giggles, but tickling or the idea of a chase will get him going too.

Jude is officially a crawling expert and moves quickly wherever he wants to go.  His favorite spots are the front door (there are windows and a crazy fun door stop to pull up there!!), the bathroom (that toilet is fun!!), and the stairs (he will climb them if you let him!!).  Mama has got to be on her toes.  Thank goodness for the baby gate. He pulls up like a pro and cruises around.  He is finding his balance and barely holding on at times.  Would it be wrong to start knocking him down?  

Jude has a new found sense of independence now that he crawls with ease.  He loves to play and explore. In and out, open and close. He puts everything in his mouth.  We are officially on choke-able patrol around here.  His favorite toys are the remote, outlets (with covers, of course) and anything Eli is playing with  Let's just say that this is NOT Eli's favorite part about having a little brother.  Sharing toys has proved difficult for Eli, and we are still working on it. 

Jude loves to nurse. I don't see him giving it up anytime soon, and I'm ok with that.  He eats 2-3 meals a day of table food.  He prefers veggies to fruits, but will eat applesauce, melon, and pears.  He likes yogurt for breakfast, but I think his favorite food would have to be tofu...along with puffs and Mum Mums.  He likes teething biscuits too,

but boy are they messy!  And with his 4 (yes 4!!!) teeth, he bites off huge chunks that I have to fish out of his mouth eventually.

Those blue eyes, the nearly bald head, and his silly grin win over even the grumpiest stranger.  Not sure if the blue eyes are going to stick around anymore.  They seem to be getting a bit more gray in them...but we'll see.  He does have hair.  But not much and what he does have is super fair/blond.  Still can't believe Matt and I made a blond haired blue eyed baby.  Genes are so crazy and so fun!  

Jude is such a chill baby and is continues to be super content.  As long as he is near Mama, but especially in her arms.  He is starting to get a bit better about being left with other people, but it is still a work in progress.

The boy's cries just break my heart.  But when he's happy he is oh-so happy!  He has decided that banging his hands or other objects (i.e. his cup) on tables is all kinds of fun and makes a fun sound too.  Lately, he has started doing "soooo big!"  I honestly think my heart grows each time he does it.  So stinkin' sweet!

Last but not least.....Drum roll, please......he is starting to sleep better!!!  WOOOOO HOOO!  This Mama is finally getting some sleep. I feel like a new woman.  It was like magic...over night. He still has nights where he wants some Mama love and maybe a little milk (like last night....), but I'm gonna hope we have turned a corner here....for good!

Looking forward to the next month of adventures and discoveries.  Hard to remember our life before Jude.  He fits so perfectly.

Yellow+Blue=

I mentioned before that I've been following some great "mommy blogs" with lots of crafty ideas to try.  There are some products that get used a lot, and shaving cream is one of them.  We have used it a few times, but most recently for a color mixing activity.

I set the table up with an invitation for Eli....zip-lock bags, shaving cream, food coloring, and a piece of paper with some funky problems on them.  Eli quickly came over to try and figure out what was going on. 

Once I explained that the words matched the colors they were written in, Eli was able to "read" the sheet and make his predictions as to what happens when you add one color to another.

 

I thought he knew, but clearly he has not mastered it.  Turned out to be a perfect activity to reinforce what happens when you mix colors.  And since....he's been quizzing himself as we drive around in the car.  "What do yellow and red make again, Mommy?"

 

Eli loved helping me fill the bags with shaving cream.  Trickier than I anticipated.

We added 5 drops of each color.  He LOVES using the food coloring.

Mix, mix, mix!  What a fabulous sensory experience this was for Eli.  He had fun squishing the shaving cream around, but usually asked me to finish it.  Next time, I will add tape to the top of the bags.  I was so worried that they would pop open, spewing dyed shaving cream everywhere.  It only happened once...and in my hands.  Whew!  Got lucky.  Wouldn't risk it again though.

Corrected his guesses.  And from there, I let him add drops to different bags to see what happened and increase the intensity or hue.  Nothing really dynamic to report, so he was ready to move on to another activity.  All in all....

....success!  He had a blast and learned a bit along the way.  Eli proudly hung his color mixing chart on the refrigerator.  A definite success.  

Messy Bessy

Oh. My. Goodness.  He is such a mess and oh so cute.  This self feeding thing lends itself to some funny food faces, for sure.

Do you like the sweet potato in my eyebrow?

How about the tofu in my nose?  

I couldn't help it.  I was too busy shoveling it in to take time to be sure I was getting it INTO my mouth.

The boy loves his tofu.  Jude will pick around all of the other food on the table and go for the squares of tofu first.  Mmmmm! 

Projects and Fun

In addition to our summer adventures, there have been many projects too. I have been inspired by finds on the internet and mommy blogs, but often times, Eli directs the play and comes up with some pretty cool creations and activities.  I do my *best* (it is hard sometimes!!!) to keep my hands off of his projects and let him do things the way he wants to do them.  I have tried to stay away from "kits" or specific outcome projects because I find myself disappointed when they don't turn out "perfect."  It is the perfectionist in me.  Don't think Eli has inherited that trait of mine...and it is probably a good thing. 

When I thought to grab the camera, I did. I tried to capture the process or moment.  I also like to take pictures because I can't keep everything Eli makes....especially when many of his creations are structures.  So I try to document his creations with pictures. Then when the time comes to clear out old projects and make room for new ones, we know we have gotten them on camera to look back at, smile, and remember.

Just a sample of some of our fun:

And, in an effort to keep it real around here, I should state that we don't have adventures or do projects everyday.  We have had many MANY lazy days this summer of just playing, dropping, moving-on-to-the-next-toy kind of days too.  It makes for a big clean up job at the end of the day, but those days are good days too.