New Tricks

Something about turning 11 months brings out all kinds of new tricks :) 

• Touchdown!  When Jack hears this, his hands go up in the air.  He especially like to perform this trick when he has a hand full of food.  That way he can then rub his dirty hands all through his mullet hair.
• Waving.  Jack loves to wave and pretty much has his wave down when he hears "Hi" or "Bye Bye".  He prefers to wave using both hands (this is my favorite trick...too cute!).
• Peek a boo.  When you say "Where is Jack?"  He will hide his face using his bunny (his bunny is little lovey he sleeps with) or will lay face down on the floor, then will pop up and grin really big and wait for you to say "There he is!"
• Kiss.  When you ask for a kiss, he will give you a HUGE open mouth kiss on your cheek.  You have to be careful though, with 4 new teeth he is starting to bite down....we are working on that :)
• Nose.  We have been working on our receptive language skills and learning body parts.  The only one Jack has learned so far is his nose.  When you ask where he nose is, he will point or grab his nose (about 50% of the time...ha).  Sometimes Jack gets a little confused and sticks his tongue out..ha.
• Banana.  Just this week, he has started saying "nana"  (well, it's more like "nanananananana")when I ask if he wants a banana in the morning.  Of course my mom (aka Nana) says he is just calling her name :)
• Climbing.  Jack has just figured out how to climb onto things...I'm not so excited about this trick!  He climbs in his radio flyer car and climbs onto the seat and stands there.  If it is pushed up against the couch, he uses it to climb onto the couch (which he cannot get off without tumbling down).  He also climbs on top of his toy bin, the step stool, any basket he can flip over, but can't get down :)
• Fits.  You might be wondering how throwing a fit falls into the "new trick" category, but believe me, it is definitely a trick of his!  He has started throwing fits when you tell him "no" or take things away that he can't have.  He doesn't do it as often when we are home (I think he has figured out what is off limits), but when we are away from home, you can guarantee a few fits will be had!  He has it down to an art.... big alligator tears and a sad pitiful cry.  He has also figured out who is more likely to give into these fits (CC and Nana) and it is a little more dramatic in the presence of these people :)

I say every month that this is the best age, but I LOVE this age!!! :)

Mr. & Mrs. Kyle Cravens

We had one of the best weekends ever!  My cute brother in law, Kyle, married a sweet and beautiful girl, Regan, who gets to be my new sister!!!  Everything about the weekend was beautiful and perfect and the couple is now relaxing in Bora Bora (I'm a little jealous)!  I am a terrible sister in law and even though my camera was charged and by my side ALL DAY LONG on Saturday, I took not 1 picture.  Trying to keep a precious little angel happy and his adorable white silk bubble clean of dirt is hard work!  Jack was such a good sport all day long even without a nap and he truly did look like a little angel.  Hopeful someone (Aunt Kim???) has some pics of my little angel on their camera and will send my way :)  Just wanted to send a shout out and a CONGRATS to Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Cravens!

*** One week later and I finally have the perfect picture to share with you thanks to Regan's Uncle Ben.  Handsome Groom, Beautiful Bride, and absolutely adorable "honorary" ring bearer who refused to smile :)

Books and Eyelashes

Jack loves books!  This mama couldn't be more excited about that :)  We have read to him since he was a newborn and I guess all that "lap time" is paying off, because "reading" his books is one of his favorite things to do.  Quite a few times during the day, Jack will crawl into his room to read his books.  When it gets quiet, I always sneak in to see what he has gotten into and most of the time this is what I find.

His favorite books right now are his John Deer Tractor Touch and Feel book, Brown Bear Brown Bear, Wheels, and Good Night Moon.  He turns the pages and checks out all the pictures :)

On a different note, look at this sweet little boy's long eyelashes.   If new baby is a girl, poor baby probably won't have any eyelashes because her brother got the long, thick ones :)

Sweet Guy

This sweet little guy has had a rough few weeks.  It all started about 3 weeks ago when a high fever and terrible cough had us at the doctor who diagnosed him with RSV.  After 10 days of breathing treatments he was on the mend, but the congestion had stopped up his ears which caused our first ever ear infections.  Two antiobiotics later (the first didn't help), his ears are almost completely clear, but now we are dealing with some teething issues.  He has had 3 teeth pop through with no problem, but this 4th one is given the poor little fellow fits.  We hope it breaks through soon so he can have some relief!  This sweet little guy is just ready to feel 100% better.

Had to also share what we do at our house most of the day.  He LOVES LOVES LOVES his cars and trucks!  Such a little boy :)

Cruisin' with my Love

Allen and I returned from "honeymooning" relaxed and with great tans....something I have never had in February :)  We had such a great time with the King's and are already planning another cruise for next year!  The only thing I had planned for the trip was lots of sleeping late...ummmm, that never happened.  Something about a pregnant girl and a massive breakfast buffet got me out of bed before 7:00 every morning!  This is what we woke up to our first morning.

We did absolutely nothing but eat, sleep, layout, laugh with friends, and eat some more (and I talked Allen into a couples massage and facial...He is now a huge fan of the spa!).  It was FABULOUS!  I took very few pics (because I didn't have a cute little 11 month old to take hundreds of pictures of), but here are the few worth sharing :)

Allen had to check out the water slide and he was very disappointed with his 1 mph speed

The only picture we took together the entire trip...not even a great pic, but I wanted to show I was indeed there :)  By the way, I am holding Allen's arm down due to him trying to act crazy for the picture...imagine that!

Allen and Zach decided one morning to take a class on towel folding.  Allen learned how to make a bulldog out of bath towels.  Bath time is even more exciting at our house now!  (Note:  See the man sitting behind Allen?  That was the average age of the cruisers...we were definitely the youngsters on the ship :)

This is what we did 98% of the time.... absolutely perfect in my book.  We didn't even get off the ship in Progreso, Mexico...instead we sat here all day long :)

Jack had a GREAT time with all his grandparents.  They split the time, so he spent the first half of the trip with my parents and the second half with Allen's.  I don't think he was ready for Mama and Daddy to come home, but his Mama sure was happy to see him!

11 MONTHS OLD!!!!

Hi, My name is Jack and I am 11 months old (and a week...Mama is VERY behind this month).  Here are some fun things going on with me right now.

• I weigh 21 pounds and wear size 12 month clothes and some 18 months (but they are still a little big).
• I eat only table food now and my favorites are ALL fruits, oatmeal, baked sweet potatoes, cheese toast, black eyed peas, and butter beans.
• I drink all my milk out of a cup!  Mama just took my bottle away for good this week and I have done great!  I still whine a little in the morning when she hands me a cup instead of a bottle, but after a few minutes I forget all about it.
• I do not like to hear the word "No".  It hurts my feelings and I lay face down on the floor and cry this sad pitiful cry.
• I say "Mama" and "Dada" all the time and babble all sorts of sounds.
• I have 3 teeth (soon to be 4)!  Two on the bottom and one on top and the 2nd top one is about to come through.
• I am very attached to my Mama, but will still go to just about anyone.  I get very very excited when I see my Daddy, Nana, CC, Pops, or Bigdaddy!
• I wait for my Daddy to come home every afternoon either on the front porch or watching out the front window.  It is the most excited I get all day long when I see his Jeep come down the road.  Sometimes, Daddy stops in the road and lets me get in and sit on his lap and drive up the driveway.  He even lets me honk the horn!
• I have started pitching little fits when I don't get my way.  My Mama ignores me and it makes me even more mad :)

• Mama and Daddy left me for 5 whole days last week to go ride on some boat and lay in the sun.  I had SO MUCH FUN with my Nana, Pops, CC, and Bigdaddy.  I didn't hear the word "No" the entire time they were gone and I got to do whatever I wanted!!!!!!  Mama held me and kissed me for 24 straight hours after she got home...I didn't miss her, but I think she missed me.
• I am not walking yet.  Mama can't believe what a cautious little boy I have become.  I know I could walk, but I don't like the idea of not having anything to hold onto.  I did take a couple of steps without holding onto anything over the weekend and you would have thought I had won the gold in the olympics by the way my Mama reacted (and Daddy didn't believe her). 
• My favorite toys and things to do are 1. pushing  my radio flyer car, 2. rolling any cars and trucks all over the house, 3. playing with Cuba, 4. playing in the yard and inspecting every leaf, rock, blade of grass I come across, 5. playing peak a boo
• I am still sleeping great.  I go to bed around 7:00 at night and wake up around 6:30.  I nap for about 1 1/2 hours in the morning and 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the afternoon.
• I love playing with friends and my buddy, Wyatt, and I have been going to story time at our local bookstore and we love it!  We are becoming little social butterflies :)
• Mama and Daddy tell me they love me about 397 times a day so I will never wonder if I am loved.  Mama gets big tears in her eyes when she talks about me turning 1 in less than a month.  She says she can't believe her baby is so big!  Daddy is so excited about all the fun things we can do together now that I am a big boy. 

Blue Jeans, New Shoes, Standing, and 12 Weeks!

Jack has had a big week...fashion wise :)  He got his first pair of blue jeans and real shoes!  I am not ready to see my baby in blue jeans yet, but his daddy wants him to have a few "boy clothes" as he calls it, so I gave in.  I have to admit, they are mighty cute on him!

As for the shoes, Jack is getting so close to walking.  He is cruising on everything and loves to walk holding just my 1 finger.  This week he has gotten brave and has started to let go and stand without holding onto anything for long periods of time, just won't take that first step :)  I decided that with all this "almost walking" maybe he was ready for real shoes....something with a little more support than his beloved Robeez he wears everyday.  So Jack is now sporting a classic pair of white Keds!  I love them...they are tiny and SO cute on his little feet!

Lastly, today was my 12 week OB appointment and I got to hear a strong heartbeat and loved every second of it!  I have been feeling pretty great until this week when all of a sudden morning sickness appeared, but it is still mild and I am very thankful for that!  My doctor told me we will delay our next ultrasound until 20 weeks since everything is going so well and since we won't be finding out the sex of the baby. I'll leave you with a picture from my bedside table book showing what Little Baby looks like about now.

Another Snow Day

I can't believe a Mississippian is saying this, but I am tired of the snow!  I am not going to complain anymore about it though...It is beautiful and I still get excited when I see school closures even though I haven't worked in the school system in almost 2 years :)  BUT I can't wait for warm, spring weather.  I guess it is easier to get "cabin fever" when you are a stay at home mom.  Jack and I did venture out to Square Books Jr this morning for some story time (which was GREAT by the way) and a little socializing before we became home bound due to the snow.  Jack went down for his afternoon nap around 12:30 with nothing falling from the sky and he woke up at 3:00 with close to 3 inches on the ground!  Since we are stuck out here in Taylor, we have been practicing our "walking".

 

Jack is getting closer and closer to the real thing everyday.  As long as just one hand is holding on to something, he will walk all over the place.  As exciting as the walking thing is, I'm not sure I'm ready for my baby to be a toddler!!!

Baby Fish

Jack has had a full week of play dates at friend's houses, story time at the library, lunch and playtime at Chickfila, and our first swim class.  Jack loves playing in the bathtub, so I really thought this "Baby Fish" swim class would be something he would love....boy was I wrong!  We decided this would be a good daddy/son activity so Allen was the parent who got in the water with Jack (I didn't even take a bathing suit).  It started out really well...Jack and Daddy played with the ball and splashed around a bit. 

About 10 minutes into the 45 minute class, Jack decided he wanted his Mama, who was sitting on the side of the pool taking pictures of her little fish.  When he realized Daddy wasn't going to take him over to Mama, he had a complete meltdown.  Allen looked over and mouthed, "Walk out!!!"  So I did as I was told and got out of sight.  This resulted in a panicked little boy searching the entire pool for his Mama and getting pretty upset when he couldn't find me.  The remaining 35 minutes Jack looked like this.

I am proud of Allen for not giving in and getting out of the pool.  Jack wasn't scared of the water, he just wanted his Mama.  Next week either I will be getting in the pool or I won't even walk into the pool area with them, so maybe Jack will completely forget that I am there.  I know this is a phase and we will get through it, but it breaks my heart when he is so upset and all he wants is Mama to hold him and I have to walk away.

10 Months Old!!!

Hi, my name is Jack Cravens and I am 10 months old today!!! (Well, yesterday really...Mama's a little tardy once again with this post).  Please excuse the fact that I am wearing my pj's in my 10 month pics....it rained all day and Mama said these days are meant for all day long pj wearing!  Here are some things going on in my life right now...

• I move 10 hours of the day...the other 14 I sleep.  Notice the blurry picture?  It's because I never stop moving!

• I weigh about 21 pounds and wear 12 month clothes.  I wear a size 3 diaper during the day, but Mama puts me in a size 4 sleep diaper at night.

•  I drink a bottle of formula in the morning and a bottle at bedtime.  During the day I drink my milk out of a sippy cup...I am a big boy!  Mama is going to try to start my morning bottle in a cup this week.

• I love to eat, but don't like baby food any longer.  Mama is having to get really creative with mealtimes so I get all my veggies in!  My favorite foods are baked sweet potatoes, whole green beans, black eyed peas, bananas, mandarin oranges, and yogurt (note to other new moms: look for Yobaby 3 in 1....found in refrigerated yogurt section.  It is organic and has a serving a fruit and veggies.  It is Jack's favorite!).  Other new favorites are waffles, goldfish, any kind of cracker, cheerios, cereal bars, anything Mama is eating :) 

•  I am not walking yet, but Mama thinks it will be any day.  I cruise along all the furniture and I love to walk holding Mama and Daddy's hands.  I am a little cautious and when I realize I have forgotten to hold on and I am standing alone, I will slowly squat to the ground.

•  I LOVE LOVE LOVE Cuba and Cuba is beginning to like me a little.  Mama says "Where's Cuba?" and I take off in search for him.  I really like to pull his hair and give him bites of my food.  Cuba will get his toys out and bring them to me to play with.  He is a sweet furry brother.

• Speaking of brothers, did you hear I'm going to be a big brother?!?!?!  I'm not real sure what this means, but Mama and Daddy are mighty excited about it.  I know that in a few months, I get to move into the room with the bunk beds! (Mama did just burst my bubble and told me I will still be sleeping in a crib and not on the top bunk....bummer).

• I still love my sleep!  I go to sleep around 7:00 every night and get up at 6:15 every morning.  I then take a nap from 8-9 and from 12:30-3:00.  I am a champion napper these days and never ever cry when Mama puts me in my bed.  Sometimes, when she comes to get me up, I don't want to get out of my crib :)  Mama says she is 1 lucky mom to have such a great sleeper!

• I get so excited when my daddy comes home from work.  Mama says, "Jack, Daddy's coming home" and I crawl real fast to stand in my chair at the front window.  We watch and watch until I see his Jeep come around the corner, then I squeal and jump up and down in my chair with excitement!

• Daddy finished my playroom upstairs and even put a tent up for me to play in!  Daddy, Mama and I play up there every night and Mama never has to tell me "No no Jack" because the entire room is 100% baby proof!!!!

• I am FINALLY saying "Dada".  Daddy is SO proud of me.  Mama still tells me I am a quiet baby, but I will talk and babble when I am playing with my cars and trucks and reading my book about tractors.  I like to say "Mama" a lot and will stand at the baby gate and say it over and over and over again until Mama opens the gate up :)

• I still only have my 1 tooth, but Mama thinks the second one is coming in now. Brushing my "tooth" is one of my favorite things to do...Maybe I will be a dentist when I grow up just like my Pops.

• I have started throwing little fits when Mama says "No" or won't give me something I want...Mama says I act just like my daddy and Daddy says I act just like my mama.

• Mama and Daddy are getting ready to leave me for 5 whole nights in a few weeks.  They are getting on some big boat to float out in the ocean somewhere.  I am SUPER excited about spending lots of time with BOTH sets of grandparents while they are away!  I bet I get 1,964 kisses from Mama on the day she leaves me, but she will be just fine on that big boat without me :)

• I have gotten mighty attached to my Mama.  If she is in the room, then she is who I want.  I also get teased when someone speaks to me who I don't know very well.  I will bury my face in Mama's shirt and grin.  Mama says she secretly likes this phase...it is the only time I am cuddly.

• Favorites as a 10 month old: trucks (I push them all over the house), being outside, bath time, balls, Cuba's toys, helping Mama clean (she gives me a rag and I "wash" the floor), playing with my buddy Wyatt , playing chase with Daddy,  reading books, emptying the kitchen cabinets, looking out the window, puzzles, watching "Baby Signing Time" and "Super Why".  Mama and Daddy say I get to be more fun everyday and that I am such a good boy!

This is how about 98% of our photo shoot went...

And this is what happened when I said "Jack, sit down and give Mama a big smile!"