8.5 Month Update

Being that we are on the road, Jaden’s 8-month update kind of got away from me. He really is a true 8 month old though! Growing tons and learning like a champ.

Some new facts:

On the Move- Jaden is ready to cruise! He spends much more time on his tummy while pushing up his upper body. Occasionally he’ll bring up one knee. He can balance on all fours for a minute before he gives up and rolls!:) Seriously, I can’t even keep up with his speedy rolls anymore... hopefully he’s not too mobile to try to crawl? He’s been pivoting around and scoots every now and then. He also is getting better about supporting himself while standing. Sometimes I feel like he gives up since he has so much weight to support and a head that is more on the bigger end of things:)

Sleep- Jaden continues to be a great sleeper. Lately he just pushes his toy away and grunts when he wants to tell mommy "it's naptime!" He is one wiggly sleeper now, too! He used to sleep as still as can be with no sign of life except for his occasional arm position change and breathing (and maybe turn onto his side now and then starting at 6 months). Then at 7.5 months, he decided the tummy is what it’s all about. He slept on his tummy for every nap and at night for 3 days in a row. Then stopped and switched back to the good ol’ back. But now! Whoa! He is ALL OVER that crib. Blankies tossed about and EVERY position you can think of that a rolling boy can do.

(I love how he sucks his bottom lip - possibly to self-soothe?)

Communication- This guy is learning to talk. His new words are “daddy” (all the time), “hey!” and occasionally “mamma.” Ever since his teeth came in he switched over to “nana.” Does that mean I’m a grandma? Haha. He is definitely beginning to understand what we’re saying and will sometimes “obey” when we tell him not to do/touch something. It doesn’t happen every time but you gotta start somewhere!

Determination: - Launches for toys like there’s no tomorrow! This guy sits like a champ but doesn’t mind toppling over to grab whatever he thinks he can reach… even if it means bumping that cute noggin of his:)

Mr. Smiles- He definitely knows what the camera is. I have to try very hard to get candid (non-smiley) pictures. He just knows camera=look and smile.

Teething- He has one toothy grin! He has six teeth, is working on a seventh, and an eighth tooth just thinking about it.

Eating- We’re working into this whole finger food business. He can pick up the little cheerio size things, get it in his mouth, and pretty much chew and swallow. Often times, it comes spilling out though:)

Here is Jaden waiting patiently for the grub. Then peeking over to see "how it's coming." He then bangs on his tray impatiently. Silly boy!

Drinking- Jaden has learned to drink pretty well from a sippy cup. Halleluiah! He has not been too keen on the “plastic” for months, so this is GREAT news!

(from toy to drinking device)

The hair- His hair is starting to thicken up… which means no more of that cute baby bird-like peach fuzz!:( It’s coming in just like a fohawk… so cute!

Playtime - Jaden is great at playing independently. His latest favorites are the play gym (has been for six months) and ANY book... he chews them up too!:)

loves balls and stuffed animals (well more like the tags he finds on them)

one of the favorite spots for Jaden to hang out (I love how he toppled over in line with the frog)

Jaden is simply a pure delight! We just awe at this boy. Sometimes he is just “too happy” and we tend to take it for granted. Seriously, I feel guilty for pushing him to stay up later and skip naps just because he seems happy. Especially during all this travel business! He is a real trooper and we just love, love, love him to pieces!

(top right) this is how Jaden helps with laundry;)