Catch Up

Miss a few days of blogging and suddenly there's so much to tell!
Jacob has been doing really well with his new sleeping schedule. Each night it takes him no more than 10 minutes to fall asleep! He has been waking only once a night-sometimes only at 5 am- and he is able to sooth himself back to sleep in a few minutes. The screaming has been replaced with moaning and a sort of half efforted cry. It's as though he knows he is tired and he really shouldn't be crying because sleep would feel so much better. We are loving the effects of staying vigilant!
Jacob had a few interesting and concerning moments this week as well. He had his first fever for about a day and a half (we'll forgive him for staying up from 2-5am that night),and just when we thought we were in the clear and the fever had passed, he started to get a rash that, in a day, spread over his entire torso and back. We delayed our trip to Montreal this weekend for a couple of hours to sit in a doctor's office waiting to find out that it was just an allergic reaction-to what, we may never know. I suspect it was strawberries, so that's the end of them for now. After getting some antihistamines in him, we were off to visit the grandparents and we had a really nice Saturday with them.

Back here at home things are pretty routine. Jacob is getting ever more agile and each day it seems he is stronger and more daring. He loves climbing through and over things-like our legs and this train tunnel I am making him! Who needs fancy toys when you can use a free box and a little imagination?
Looking forward to these last few weeks before I head back to work. I can't believe how fast this year has flown by!

To Ferberize, or not to Ferberize?

This is the big question that many parents face. Should I let my baby cry it out at bedtime, allowing him to learn the tools necessary to fall asleep on his own, or do I do what is easier and more comforting for us both, and let him fall asleep in my arms with a bottle?

Up until two nights ago, Paul and I chose the latter. It was faster, easier, and predictable. However, after months of waking up through the night, it was clear that our little guy just wasn't getting the good night's sleep he needed or deserved. So, we decided to try the controversial Ferber method. Not so much controversial in the realms of sleeping theories, but more in the realm of sensitive and nervous parents. Of course no parent wants to hear their child cry, especially for an hour, or sometimes more. But sometimes we can overlook the real problems right in front of us for the sake of our own peace of mind and comfort.

Saturday night was our final straw with night time wakings. Mom was up 3-4 times with him, and then Paul a few times-once for about an hour. In the morning I declared the scary but glaring truth: We must change the rules! No more bottles to fall asleep, and no more picking him up when he cries, or cooing and shushing him to sleep with luxurious backrubs. No. We must be strong and let him cry.

My saving grace with this method is that you are allowed to check in on him periodically throughout the wailing. The first night I went into the room every five minutes to reassure Jacob that I loved him, but that it was bedtime. One pukey bed and half an hour later he was asleep. He awoke once during the night, and again I let him cry, though this time it took more like an hour and a half to return to slumber.
Last night, though I was only allowed to check on him every 10 minutes, much to our delight and surprise, it only took 20 minutes to fall asleep (with no vomit incidence). And, knock on wood and cross all toes and fingers, he slept through the night completely! I can just hear him starting to stir now. Yes, that's right, I am actually awake before he is! That hasn't happened since he was a new born.
So, we still have some time to go before we can say this is a sure method, but so far things are looking a heck of a lot brighter around here. I actually managed to write this whole post without downing a giant coffee first. Now that, my friends, is magical:)

Fast Track

This past week has left me in complete awe of our son. In such a short time, he has learned so much, and it is clear that he is soaking up all that we are teaching him daily.
Since last Saturday, Jacob has learned how to stand on his own holding onto something, cruise across the entire length of our sectional couch (walk holding onto the edge), including how to navigate the tricky corner. He has learned how to give kisses, albeit openmouthed sloppy ones, how to high five, how to go from standing to sitting (just today!), how to stand in a tripod with his feet and hands flat on the floor, and how to make farting noises with his mouth-Ha! What is even more amazing though, is the look on his face when you say something to him. He is beginning to understand what you tell him, like "don't touch" and "where's Jacob" when he is near a mirror. He'll also let out yelps of pleasure and excitement when you read him his favorite book, or show him his favorite colour plastic ring (yellow today). It's as though my little baby boy has suddenly transformed into a little man overnight. The transformation is, like I said, awesome.
I've heard parents comment before about the best times for babies. I think right now is the best so far. Especially when this morning, Jacob reached for me to cuddle and fell asleep in my arms. How I love this lil' guy.

Happy Birthday

Nine months ago you were on your way into this world. Happy 9 months Jacob!

Green Machine

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
Today we are going to eat green beans and broccoli:)

Stand by Me

Just two weeks ago, Jacob was shaky on his hands and knees, and was in the early stages of crawling. Fast forward to today and things are slightly different. Jacob can bust a move across any room with ease, and is now pulling himself up to standing position on the couch. Today I found him standing both in his playpen, and (for the first time) in his crib! Naturally he is quite pleased with himself when he does this, however it does make bedtime slightly more complicated. I can hear him now, five minutes after Paul put him down, giggling and yelping in his bed, no doubt standing and slobbering up the side of the crib.
It's true what they say-it goes by so fast!

Crawling?

This video was taken last week with the help of my beloved Swiffer and Gramps' ingenuity. Though Jacob has improved his technique somewhat since last week, he isn't exactly "crawling". He more or less scoots his way around the house, picking up a bum full of dog hair along his way.
It is such a relief that Jacob has finally taken the risks needed to crawl since he can now entertain himself and go where he wants to. Gone are the days of Jacob sitting still and moaning over and over because he can't get the toys he has thrown across the room. Goodbye Moan-y bologna! Say hello to our little Scoots Magoots:)

Last Lazy Days of Winter

I have been shirking my promise to keep this blog updated. I have several excuses that I can attribute this to; laziness, a baby that is now on the move (yes, Jacob can crawl!), the fact that my camera battery has been dead for a couple of weeks and I just keep forgetting to charge it.
All of these reasons are pitiful, I know. So, today I will charge that battery and vow to take some new photos of my petit prince-especially since Granny is on her way as I type to spend March break with us!
For now, here is one of Jacob favorite things. If ever I just need a couple of minutes to collect my wits and reign in my sanity, I plop him in front of this video and hit repeat. He goes silent and just loves it when Elmo makes his appearance. I think our boy will have great taste in music:)