8 months

Another month has come and gone and now Jack is 8 months old! Why does 8 months sound so much older than 7? He is such a big boy and learning new things all the time. I love playing with him and watching him figure out how stuff works. Being a mother is not only the most important thing I will ever do, but also the most fun. Every day is an adventure!

I'm happy to say that we have made it another month of exclusive breastfeeding. I'm very proud of this accomplishment! I've been back at work and pumping now for 5 months and have another 4 to go (at least) so I figure I'm more than half way! I have to look at it as glass half full and just take it week by week. I keep setting mini goals for myself and am ecstatic when I reach them. My next goal is Labor Day weekend- only 2 more weeks!

At 8 months, Jack:

*weighs over 22 pounds (looking forward to getting an exact number next month)

*is just over 30 inches tall

*wears size 12 months clothes

*wears size 4 diapers

*eats 3 "meals" of solids a day ( 2-3 cubes each meal)

*is starting finger foods

*can drink from a cup (with help)

*is very close to crawling (he does a half crawl and pulls himself along)

*loves the water, swinging, lights, and books

Jack has tried 17 different foods (following the 4 day wait rule for all) as well as various types of cereal and spices (cinnamon & nutmeg). I've kept a spreadsheet of everything he tries and the date it was first introduced. I'm glad we're moving into the next stage because I'm running out of ideas of new things to give him! He loves yogurt (I give him Yobaby), and any and all fruit (banana, mango, & apples seem to be favorites). The only things he really hasn't liked are green beans and carrots. In the next month I'm going to let him try cheese (as he gets more used to finger food), blueberries, and some more interesting recipes with multiple ingredients (as opposed to a single puree). 

This was the hardest month for pictures. I think it would be easier if I had a second person to help distract him, but I'll take what I can get!

He looks like such a big boy here!

It's even getting harder to keep him sitting up for very long, especially if he sees something interesting nearby.

FYI: I found these shorts in Jack's drawer. He's never worn them and they were clean so I decided to put them on him. When I took them off to put on his pajamas tonight, I noticed the tag said 18 months! And they fit perfectly. Crazy! He'll definitely be moving up to size 18 months bottoms a lot sooner than expected. It must be those chunky thighs. :)

Jack, you light up my life and bring me tons of joy. More than I ever thought possible. I love it when your little hand is on my face or in my hair. You don't pull or scratch. You are so sweet and gentle. You are also very funny and you always crack me up! You also crack yourself up which I love. I love you so so much. Happy 8 months sweet boy!