Pedal to the Medal

As if I could ever forget the fatigue of the newborn days, the days of rushing after Jack are now beginning. Yes, our boy is crawling and boy, did he get fast, fast. He is all over everywhere with a tired & wired parent close behind. Tucker is resolved to avoid him by retreating far away. It's fun to see him exploring and so far, he especially loves wires, plugs, and plastic bags. Yes, we are working on Jack-proofing everything and watching his every movement. When we can't watch him, we are restraining him in either his crib, the high chair, or the pack & play. He is pulling up but so far, only up to his knees. His balance is good if you stand him up...like him standing by the tub above.

Jack loves to visit our next door neighbor..."Grandma Jo" and Jack are special friends...He likes her to hold him (above in the top picture) and sometimes he likes to put her oxygen tubing in his mouth...We have fun visiting with each other and she's in our special prayers every night!

Happy Blur

The days are a blur but it's a happy blur. Big news...the two top teeth have broken through the gums! He did have some discomfort with this but overall...he did well. I experienced what I'm sure every mother has experienced....how can I take away the pain & keep my baby happy...we did a combination of teething pearls, motrin, & extra holding. I did something with Jack that I haven't done in awhile...I held him for his nap! We both slept and it was so wonderful to wake up with him squeezing my lips!

He's pulling up & getting on his knees & loves his new toy above (thanks, Auntie Alayne!). He has been belly crawling backwards but gets mad & doesn't understand why he's getting further away from a wanted toy. He has been up on hands/knees but until yesterday, didn't go forward on them. He went 3 "steps", so crawling may be any day now!

Tarheel88 is off to a conference in Florida this week...sans Jack. That's right, I will be away from my boy for about 100 hours. In so many ways, I'm looking so forward to it but my next thought is...how much I'll miss him. Chris & Kjersti (our wonderful sitter) are very capable, so I'll have no worries. What will I do with all my free time?

Tongue On Cheek

One of Tucker's older, 4-legged brother duties is face cleaning...today there was just a hint of apples & apricots left on Jack's cheek. Tucker took the opportunity to help me & lick it off...funny thing is..when Jack drops bananas, Tucker won't eat them off the floor. This was just a moment of our joyful day!

These are the beautiful (hazel is the final color) eyes that I stare into...he's getting into everything and today, he wanted the camera. Note Tucker in the background, head down between his paws...he's thinking..."when will my life get back to normal?"...I tell him..."this is the new normal."

Jack does something new & cool daily & today it was...pucker his bottom lip out like he's pouting...actually, he's sucking on his top lip & is in a great mood!

9 months old--Can you believe it?

Jack is 9 months old! Wow, how time flies when you're busy, that's a BUSY with capital letters, having fun! This week, we went to see Dr. Brian again. He was his cheery, efficient self. Jack was 24 lbs, 10 oz & 30 inches tall! Our boy is in the 90%...& he's almost crawling. He's trying to grab everything and pull up. He even uses Pooh bear as a means to try to get higher. I'm afraid where this will go...but I'm sure I will adjust as time passes.

Attempting Mouth to Mouth

2 Peas in a Pod

Today are just some random thoughts bouncing through my wooden head....

I've noticed that I don't second guess what I'll find when I open the door to Jack's room anymore...you know the thought, that instead of finding my boy sleeping in his nursery that it will be the old second guest room with my messy craft table in there. I was afraid for a long time that I'd wake up from this long, long wonderful dream where yes, it really, really happened...I had a baby & he's my Jack!

So even in my subconscious, I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my dream came true!

Now, back to reality...

Jack's almost mobile. He's belly crawling backwards which really irritates him when he gets further away from the toy that I'm trying to tempt him with....He's getting up on 3 extremities (1 leg to go) and then he'll be off. So my world will become more intense very, very soon.

Everyone says how beautiful he is and I agree....he is so darn cute. What will I do when he gives his heart to another woman (in 25 years, no doubt).....I hope I'll be ready for that....but for now, he's mine, mine all mine. What a wonderful time this is!

PS: November 15 is the 1st official UNC game...so only 75 days to go!