Dear Waylon: 11 months

Sweet boy,

You turned 11 months on June 8th.

You learned so many new things and grew like crazy.

I love it when you discover new things and look to me for approval.

It brings my heart so much joy to praise you for learning.

While you've been saying "dada" for awhile now, you said "mama" for the first time on 5.10.12

11 month milestones:

started crawling - (you drag your left leg underneath you...hilarious!)

sitting/standing in your bed

pulling up on everything

opening draws/cabinets

saying "yay" & "hey"

shake head yes & no

waves goodbye

beginning to respond to commands (go get the ball)

learning sign language for "more" & "thank you"

You are a still a big lover of the outdoors.

Swinging.

Strolling.

Sitting on the front porch.

If we're outside, you are happy.

Feeding:

You will eat anything child. You aren't a picky eater (thank you, Lord!).

You have tried just about every vegetable under the sun and you like them.

One of these days we will have a vegetable garden of our own

so you'll get a taste of fresh homegrown veggies. Mmmm!

Since your appetite is healthy, you drink less formula.

You still take a bottle three times a day but you usually don't finish it.

Typically 3-4 ounces in the AM and 6 ounces at lunch and dinner.

You are drinking out of a sippy cup more often. Getting ready to wean you off that bottle.

Sleeping:

We are still in a good place with your sleep habits.

You still take 2 great naps a day, a morning and an afternoon.

You still sleep from about 8:30p to at least 6:00a, usually 7:00 & occasionally 8:00.

You fall asleep on your own at night but you usually have to be rocked and/or patted for naps.

Playing:

You are boy through and through.

You love to throw things.

You love to crash things.

You love to get dirty.

You love to make a mess.

You like to play rough.

But at the end of the day, you will always crawl up

in my lap for snuggle time before you go to sleep.

I sure do love and treasure that time.

Other highlights:

First Mother's Day - more significant for me than you

Memorial Day weekend at Granna & Grandaddy's

First Vacation Bible School at Green Valley

As always, you are such a delight, sweet child of mine.

I love you more than I could ever express.

Love,

Momma

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY MY SWEET BABY BOY!!

 I can hardly believe your first come and gone. The past year has brought your dad and I more joy and love than we ever knew was possible. Words truly aren't sufficient to express the blessing and pure joy you are to us, son. We love you from the deepest part of our hearts and souls.

We spent the entire weekend celebrating you. After all, there is so much to celebrate! We praised God for you, threw a party for you, and prayed for you. It was a special time indeed. I will post more about the birthday party soon but I could not let your actual birthday pass without telling you how very special you are to your dad and I and how grateful we are for the brillant, active, healthy little boy you are today! Happy, happy birthday my little love!

XOXO,

Mommy

Dear Waylon: 10 Months

My Sweet Waylon,

You are 10 months old today!

How is that even possible?

You are at a really fun stage right now. I feel like you’ve changed more this month than any previous month (do I always say that?). I have absolutely LOVED getting to be a more active part in your growth since I’ve been at home. I get to see the changes for myself on a daily basis. I cannot tell you how full and complete I feel being about to stay at home with you. It is certainly my calling.

Here’s what you’ve been up to lately.

You stick your tongue out ALL of the time.

You constantly click your tongue or “buzz” your lips.

You learned to drink through a straw.

You learned to pull up on your own 4.12.12

First day off of baby food 4.12.12

Had your first kids meal at Chick-fil-A

(nuggets, fruit, & juice box)

You drink primarily out of the sippy cup

You suck your thumb occasionally.

You love the silky part of blankets just like I do.

You hum yourself to sleep. You’ve been doing this for a while now but I just love it.

Sometimes you fall asleep to the singing/glowing seahorse.

You love to hear/see things crash. Cracks you up.

You are easily entertained and great at entertaining yourself.

You are learning your colors. You amaze me with your ability to follow directions and cues.

We played with Play Doh for the first time. You weren’t a fan.

You love Mickey Mouse. Elmo is old news.

You officially have a big boy car seat. You’re still facing backward but it’s roomy so you usually just recline with your feet crossed and your arms behind your head (not kidding) during car rides.

You’ve become a little fish in the bath tub. You seriously rolled onto your tummy and tried to swim. You also tried to pull up on the side of the bath tub. We’ve determined that means you’re ready to get out.

You play with your hair and mommy’s hair.

You acknowledge cues for feelings. I’ve made you cry before pretending I was crying. You’re sensitive – so sweet.

You’re a wiggle worm. Always moving.

You can – and will – slide of the couch if you don’t want to be on it.

You love to stand up. I have become your personal jungle gym.

You dance when music is on, especially if no one is watching.

You know how to give high fives. You don’t always give them on command though.

You are totally over the camera but you know what I mean when I tell you to say “cheese.”

You cut your first two teeth on 4.2.12 but the top two are trying hard to make their debut. About time to start brushing, huh?

You will give kisses but at your discretion. I think this might be a result of a little stubbornness. Not sure where you get that from ;)

You like books and turning the pages. You aren’t real concerned with what the story says.

You’re beginning to make word associations although you can’t say them. In the bath tub, you looked at your rubber duck and said “duh-duh.” Sounded a little like “dada” but I know what you mean.

You had your first “play date” with Eli. You two cracked me up. You had to check each other out but once you saw that the other was okay, you both laughed and played together.

A funny thing you did - you tried to hold Anna Banks’ hand at the ball field. You reached over and gently patted her hand. It was pretty cute. One that subject, I don’t think it’s ever too early to start teaching you how to treat women. It’s important to me that you learn to always be gentle with women and to respect them. You’ve got a great example in your dad. Okay, moving on.

Another funny: a friend, wearing an Auburn logo, tried to get you the pat it and say it was pretty. Instead, you swatted it and pushed him away. This happened several times after several attempts of getting you to "like" Auburn. You showed him your true colors...Crimson & White. Your daddy didn’t see it but he was so proud. I was proud J That’s our boy. Roll Tide!

You had your first encounter with real farm animals. In this picture, you’re watching baby ducks swim in the pool. You didn’t want to touch, but you were mesmerized.

You learned to pick up food with your thumb and pointer finger, affectionately called your pinchers.

I popped your wrist for the first time for not listening. Your lip quivered and you cried. It hurt my feelings and I wanted to cry but we’ve got to establish boundaries little man. No means no.

You’re definitely asserting some independence. And you throw temper tantrums occasionally when you don’t get your way. When you get impatient you do this grunt. This usually happens when you’re waiting for another bite of food.

Table foods you’ve tried: sweet potatoes, corn, black beans, fish, rice, green beans, turnip greens, strawberries, kiwi, plums, cheese, meatloaf, shredded chicken, tilapia, pineapple, banana, tomato, yogurt, avocado, puffs, and goldfish. I may have forgotten a few but you get the idea. You’ve tried a variety and you ate it all so well! Foods you can pick up I can only give you one at a time. Otherwise, you shovel it in until you have a mouth full and choke yourself. We’re working on that J

Favorite foods: strawberries, kiwi, bananas, cheese and sweet potatoes

Favorite toys: school bus, shape rattles, shoes, cups, paper

Not positive on your weight. I’m guessing between 20 & 21 lbs. You are 28 3/4 inches - we measured you so we could record it on your 'growth stick.'

You’re in size 3 diapers. You wear 6-12 month clothes, occasionally a 12-18 months but that’s usually big. And you still have a pair of 3-6 month shorts that fit – and I’m glad because they are too cute to only have worn once or twice. You don’t wear shoes too often. Your foot is little. I think you’re probably wearing a size 2. We’ve been handed down several adorable pairs of shoes (baby Sperry’s!) in size 4 but they are still WAY too big.

You’ve developed quite an attachment to me. I know most kids go through this phase at some point. And I don’t mind most days, but the days you want to be held or wrapped around my leg all day can be frustrating. I try my best to remember that nothing is as important as spending time with you right now. Cleaning can wait. And I usually stop what I’m doing and we play together or go outside and listen to the birdie’s chirp or swing or go for a walk, something to let you know that you’re most important to me and I want to spend time with you. We all need a little of that sometimes. But there is a fine line because I don’t want you to get the idea you can throw a fit and get your way. I talk to you just like I would anyone else. Your mind is young, not incapacitated. I use simple explanations as to why things are the way they are. You know what’s crazy? It works. Nine times out of ten I can calm you down when I talk to you about it, let you know it’s okay to feel like you do but there is a right way & a wrong way to express the feelings. I’m an advocate of “it’s never too early” to start training children to behave appropriately. You can be your bottom dollar they’ll learn the opposite way if you don’t teach them.

The separation anxiety on Wednesday nights at church has worsened. You cry when I leave you. And you usually don’t stop for a while. I teach the older 2 year olds on Wednesdays so I’m just right down the hall and I can hear you. Last week you were so stirred up they had to come get me. This was 45 minutes in. This is not typical Waylon behavior. I still think it has to do with your energy level at the end of a long day. Wednesdays are long for me. I know they’re harder on you. You nap the best on Thursdays than any other day. It still bothers me a little though. I guess I don’t know how to deal with it. I think one issue is you’re bored in the baby room and it’s time for you to move up to a room where there are toys and kids you can interact with and learn from. Maybe a change in scenery will do you good. It’s just a growing pain I suppose but I do hope you grow out of it soon.

DISLIKES:

Loud noises
(vaccum, blender, big trucks)

Changing table

Getting face cleaned

Getting out of the bath tub

Not getting your way

SCHEDULE (on days I’m off):

7-7:30 Wake up & eat breakfast

8:00 Take a 6 ounce bottle

9:30-12:30 Nap time #1

12:30-1 Lunch & 6 ounce bottle

2:30-5:00 Nap time #2

5:00 Snack time

6:00-6:30 Dinner

7:00 Bath time

7:30 Bedtime bottle

8:00 Bedtime

You made this schedule yourself. I like a good schedule because it allows me to plan my days so I actually get something accomplished, but I do not force you to nap at 9:30 on the nose – I’m just not a believer in that. You always show me when you’re tired and it’s usually around the same time every day. I like to leave some flexibility in the schedule so you learn to be flexible. It’s important to learn life happens and you need to know how to go with the flow. To sum up the changes you’re sleeping 11-12 hours a night and taking two 2.5-3 hour naps a day where you were sleeping 8-9 hours a night and napping anywhere from 1-2.5 hours. The extra rest is good for you.

*The schedule is slightly different on days that I work because 1) you have to get up at 6:00 and 2) there are usually evening activities involved (i.e. Daddy’s softball games on Tuesday, church on Wednesday). Thank goodness these activities don’t interrupt your night time sleep routine.

EAT:

Several big changes in this category. You can go much longer in between meals. Typically you eat about 5-6 hours with bottles in between. You usually have an afternoon snack when you wake up from nap to tide you over until dinner. You still enjoy your bottles but you’re less attached. I usually wait 30 minutes to an hour after feeding you to give you your “milk.” You still take about 6 ounces at each feeding but you don’t always finish it. I’m hoping this means our transition to whole milk will be smooth.

You are mainly eating table foods these days. We make it a point to eat dinner together at the table. I think we all eat less and healthier this way. I let you eat bites of what I cook for dinner. You aren’t picky at all. I hope that trait sticks around & you develop good, healthy eating habits. I do still have a few jars of baby food on hand for emergencies or if we’re traveling. I’m not ready to deal with the mess that comes with a child eating in the car. I may have to invest in a mini hand vac. I don’t mind the mess at home because I can immediately clean it up. In the car, different story. I can deal with crumbs. I can’t deal with grimy little handprints on the windows or the upholstery being splattered with already-been-chewed goldfish or sweet potatoes. I’ll just keep some clean-up wipes on hand.

God is so divine in His plan for creation. He allows us to enjoy every phase to the fullest because we don’t know what’s to come. I have loved every stage of your life this far. They’ve all been unique and exciting. It has been pure joy watching you develop into the brilliant, handsome, curious little wiggle worm that you are today. Your dad and I could not be prouder than you are ours.

I am so proud of the little guy you are becoming.

You are such a joy!

Love you so much sweet pea!

Mommy

Dear Waylon: months 7-9

(It's ridiculous that I'm over three months behind on Waylon's posts. Thank goodness I made iPhone notes. Now that I'm staying home I plan to actually do his post ON the date he turns another month old.)

My little bambino,

The past few months you have transformed from my baby into my little boy. I am reminded often how much you've grown and changed. It seems like yesterday you could cuddle on my chest. When rocking you now you fill up both arms. I remember when your head barely peeked over the top of the WonderBug. You're almost too big for it now. The stroller swallowed you, now you fit in it perfectly. Your clothes were itsy bitsy. Now you fit in all of the things I couldn't imagine you'd ever be big enough to fit in.

7 months

7 month milestones:

You weigh approximately 18 lbs and you're 27 inches tall

You sit in your highchair for meals now instead of the Bumbo

You started eating of table foods.

You're a big fan of bathtime. This is usually baby/daddy time so it's super special!

You've started biting your bottom lip. I hope you'll break this habit.

Your favorite toys are the shape rattles and the drum with shape rattles and your school bus.

You drop your jaw advising the feeder you're ready for another bite.

Still loving the jumperoo.

Eating schedule: breakfast fruit & 6 oz bottle, lunch fruit & veggie, 4 oz bottle, dinner veggie & 6 oz bottle

You can hold your own bottle.

Sleeping schedule: two good naps a day - AM usually 1-2 hours and PM 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Sleeping from 8:00 - 6:00 every night. And when you sleep, you sleep hard. Your eyelashes are stuck to your eyelid in the picture below. Cracks me up!

You make lots & lots of sounds but no real words yet, except "dada." I don't think you associate it with Daddy yet but you're not far from it.

You've taken interest in my iPhone and the computer. We like to "play" Kneebouncers.

You are sitting like a champ.

First sick visit to Doctor. Turns out you were perfectly healthy - only teething. Better safe than sorry.

You also watched Alabama win their 14th National Championship this year. You can't say "Roll Tide" yet I know you're a Bama fan at heart because you love the Alabama cheers. I have used those for months now to settle you down when you get wound up. Works every time.

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8 month milestones:
I'm not positive but I'm guessing you weigh in the 19-20 lb range.
You got a 'watch me grow' stick for Christmas so we can keep up with your height and take it anywhere we move! You are about 27 1/2 inches tall (we started in January).

We're still bathing you in your baby tub but you're outgrowing it. Guess it's time for baths in the big tub. You still LOVE bathtime.

You do NOT like getting out of the tub, however. You scream while getting dried off, lotioned up, & dressed for bed.
You also do not like getting your face or hands wiped.

You are becoming more mobile. Not really crawling and not walking but you're definitely moving.
You're still eating like a champ. We are trying new table foods all the time. Haven't found a thing you don't like yet. Still taking 4 bottles a day, about 6 oz each time.
You're still napping twice a day but the morning nap has shortened to 45 min to an hour. Your afternoon nap is still a solid 2 hours.

You "talk" and "sing" all the time. One of my favorite things is when you sing with me in the car and when you sing yourself to sleep.
You have shown a little bit of separation anxiety from me lately. You're usually fine within a minute or two, once you warm up.

I don't rock you to sleep every night anymore :( I am doing this mostly because I want you to learn to go to sleep on your own but I miss rocking you every night.

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9 month milestones:

This month brought a lot of fun change. At the end of your 9th month, I quit my full-time job to stay home with you 3 days a week and I. love. it!! God is so faithful!

Also, you spent almost a week with Granna & Grandaddy this month. I missed you like crazy! Daddy did too!

You came back to me so grown up and making the silliest face ever...I call it the scrunchy nose. Always makes me laugh.

We celebrated your first Easter.

We had our first pool time. As much as you love the water, you had a blast!

We transitioned to the big bathtub. Daddy got in with you the first time because you were a little slippery on your own. I think he had as much fun as you did :)
You are trying to pull up on everything and can stand alone with only the support of a couch or chair.

You are officially a copycat. What you see me do or hear me say you are trying to mimic.

We went to the Doctor for your 9 month checkup. You weighed 19 lbs 14 oz & are 28 1/2 inches. You only had one shot this time but you didn't handle it as well as all of the others. You didn't eat well at all the day you got them. You just weren't yourself for several days. We are going to discuss spreading out the remaining vaccines to keep you from having any potential longterm effects. I'm a believer in vaccinations, but if I can minimize the risk of autism or other things by coming back for extra visits, that's a no brainer to me. I'll make the trek as many times as necessary.

Several days after your shots you spiked a high fever, almost 103 degrees. I'm not sure it was related at all the shots. You had the fever off and on for several days. Just about the time I was going to take you in it broke for good.

You learned to eat using your fingers. I caught this on video but I can't post because I squealed and cried....embarassing. I was extremely proud of you and that I actually caught it on video.

We started using the sippy cup a lot more. I put your formula in it several times and you handled it well. I want the transition of bottle to sippy to be as painless as possible. We are planning to make that happen by your birthday.

Our transition from baby food from the jar to table food has continued. You do really well with it. You love all fruits. We're experimenting with veggies now.

We've started having issues with separation anxiety at church but only on Wednesday nights. You are perfectly fine on Sunday mornings. I equate it to the fact that it's the end of the day and you're just tired. Seven o'clock is your wind down/get ready for bed time. Wednesday nights don't allow you that luxury since we're at church until 7:00. Plus you've usually had a long day of fun and play at MeMe's so you're just worn out. The poor little ladies in the nursery think it's something they're not doing right, but I assure them it's that you've had a long day and you're tired.

Your sleep schedule made a huge shift this month. Since I've been staying home you are going to sleep at between 8:00 and 8:30p andsleeping until 7:30ish, sometimes later. I have to wake you up at 6:00 to go to MeMe's on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And your nap times have increased as well. You take a good 2-3 hour morning nap (usually from 9:30-12:30) & 2-3 hours in the afternoon (3:00-5:00). I'll admit I enjoy that time to get things accomplished so I can play with you when you're awake. I'm happy with your new sleep schedule That extra 30 minutes to an hour in the mornings makes a world of difference (and it's great for weekends, too!).

We've started making weekly trips to the grocery store and you do fantastic. I strategically schedule our outings for right after you wake up from a nap. We don't go that much because we're too busy having fun at home. But the dreaded grocery store runs have become more enjoyable since I get to take you with me (in a good mood).

You cut your first two teeth (bottom centers).

Love bug, you are my sunshine and I love you oh so much! Thank you for teaching me every day, challenging me to be better, and for loving me through my mistakes.

Love,

Mommy

p.s. Sneak peek of 9 month pictures with Sarah :)