A Word from Mommy...

Seeing as how this blog is being used for memory-keeping purposes (and will hopefully be made into a book!), here are a few updates from the past few weeks that I hope to remember someday, but am writing here just in case! I realize it's a little long, but these are those everyday memories that I don't want to forget.

1. Food - Little man has really progressed, both in type and consistency. Recently, he's furrowed his brow at turkey and lentils, scarfed down mac 'n cheese from Noodles&Co, eaten grilled chicken pieces like a champ, eaten an entire turkey hot dog, and added carbs in any form to his repertoire. He's now at 4 "meals" a day and loves to use his deft palmar grasp for whatever is in front of him...we definitely see a lot of chipmunk cheeks! Regardless, though, we have still never seen him spit out, throw, or otherwise not eat his food - we experience relatively clean eating!
2. Drinking - Okay, seriously, he acts like there's never enough water. He gets more excited about being given his sippy cup than his food. He's up to around 3 full sippy cups each day. Needless to say, we are now having to double every diaper, otherwise he leaks after about an hour and a half.
3. Growth - Although considered to be short and small according to "the curve" (20% weight and 45% height), he's developed a small pooch, a slight double chin, and round cheeks. He does eat alot!
4. Development - His cruising abilities are definitely increasing thanks to the new second-hand lion walker we got him. He's also beginning to study books more, and is getting into blocks via his wooden train. He can pull up really well now without having to use much leverage. He's still a little unstable on his feet and definitely can't stand without holding onto something. He's also begun realizing that he can open cabinets. He totally loves whenever we open the pantry door or the fridge. We also finally had to move the dogs' bowls out of the kitchen and into the bathroom.
5. Sleeping - His nighttime sleep is great! He generally only wakes up maybe once a night, wants to quickly nurse, and goes back to sleep. In more recent nights, he's only whined out a few times for 5 seconds or so, puts himself back to sleep, and made it through the entire night without needing any help from us. It's bittersweet for me. His daytime sleep, on the other hand, still is hit or miss. Without wanting to jinx anything, we've recently had a couple days have been a bit more consistent - short morning nap around 10, and 1.5-2 hour nap around 1:30 or 2. I never keep my fingers crossed, though. Each developmental milestone brings change in this department anyway!
6. Overall demeanor - Owen is still one of the happiest, easy-going babies (well, not so much baby anymore :( !!). He smiles and laughs alot, even when he's sitting by himself. Even the "black screen" in-between songs on the Baby Signing Time video makes him laugh. Anticipation or relief?
7. Favorite things - He loves playing with his sunglasses, grabbing the radio remote to chew on, pulling out whatever is in the office trash, standing up and having a snack on the ottoman, and taking a bath with his stacking cups. But his very favorite thing of anything he "owns" is his lovie (he loves the doggie and the elephant equally as much!). I can't even describe the beauty of watching him hold a corner of it over his face and rubbing it as he sucks his fingers just before going to sleep. Thank you, Angel Dear, for making such beautiful, sweet, super soft lovies! Simply holding one induces him to sleep-mode.