Cry It Out, Night 2

(Subtitle: May This Great Trend Continue)

Tuesday, 6:40 p.m.: Mommy and Will begin the hour long newly implemented routine for bedtime

Tuesday, 7:43 p.m.: Mommy places a drowsy Will in his crib for a night of slumber

Tuesday, 7:45 p.m.: Will protests. Mommy goes downstairs to make dinner.

Tuesday, 7:58 p.m.: What do I hear? Nothing. . .

Really?! Ok, but I'm not going to go check, because that might make it stop (or, start, in this case).

Wednesday, 4:32 a.m.: Mommy wakes up and sees the clock. Really?! This time I do a stealthy check and spy a sleeping baby.

Wednesday, 6:32 a.m.: Daddy wakes Will from his hibernation in order to get dressed for daycare.

Thank you, baby! Oh, may this not be a fluke! Amazingly enough, for getting more than 7 hours of sleep last night, I am exhausted today. Oh, 7 hours. Hmmm, I'm more of a 9 hours type person in my regular life (you know, pre-baby). Hmmm, I guess I should have gone to bed a little earlier. Darn that Facebook!

Thankfully, I had a fully charged Christmas Starbucks card to get my morning latte courtesy of my very thoughtful parents! I really hauled in the loot this Christmas: Starbucks card, Target card (already spent on discounted Christmas decor to make next year even more festive!), and a fancy photo printer from Will and Jason! Not to mention, the labor of love I request of my dad: printing every single blog post and assembling it in a keepsake binder. Thanks!!

7 Months Old

My little boy looks like such a big boy this morning! I can't believe it's already been 7 months!! His eyes are turning to hazel, although the blue outfit today makes them look bluer than in person. And he's getting hair! I'm not sure what color it is though. It tends to look reddish or blonde in pictures, but it's more of a light brown in person.
William loves:

• His mommy and her hair.
• His daddy and his tickles (and his Blackberry, and his watch, and his Diet Coke plastic bottle. . .)
• His dog, Rachel, and her tolerance for sneak attacks and tail pulls.
• His grandparents and uncle and their singular focus on entertaining him!
• Climbing, standing, crawling -- pretty much moving and exploring constantly (see above photo for fan recon mission).
• To eat. We have tried a variety of food (see sidebar) with mostly positive results. My Christmas mashed potatoes elicited a gag, but everything else has been mostly well received.
• People watching -- Christmas was fun, as was after Christmas shopping at Target while sitting in the cart like a big boy!
• Laughing. And he's got a few different ones. They're all funny!

William has no interest in:

• Finger foods. Mashed bananas and Gerber puffs have both been offered. Rachel has ended up with all the puffs once they hit the floor and the banana just dried onto the chair!
• Sleeping! (Boo, says Mom and Dad.) We were cutting him some slack for a growth spurt, teething and a cold, but those excuses are wearing thin. Starting last night, he got to cry it out. First wake-up was 45 minutes of crying; second wake-up was relatively quick, but we fell asleep and don't remember.

Happily, I can't think of too many other things that he doesn't like. We're working on introducing new foods, as well as using a sippy cup for water. He's starting to "talk" a little more, but is still way more focused on playing. Thankfully his favorite toys are usually people, so you can sneak snuggles while he's scaling you like he's mountain climbing!

A Closer Look at Those Teeth

Those teeth deserve their own post for an extreme close-up. Ignore the weird blue spots under his right eye. I guess I got a little crazy with the "fix red eye" tool; that's not really there. Focus on the happy baby's teeth. . .not the weird eye or the dirty shirt! :-)

First tooth: December 6
Second tooth: December 21

Christmas Highlights

We celebrated Christmas for three days (including unwrapping gifts in 4 or 5 different sessions, thanks to Mr. Will's very slow progress with his huge pile)! The festivities included lots and lots of food - including our old and new family traditions of popcorn balls, peppernuts, and egg nog. I think our new family tradition will also include Chicago style deep dish pizza on Christmas Eve.

Two kids on an early Christmas morning. Rachel is enjoying her Christmas stocking treat, while all of Will's presents are still under the tree waiting for everyone else to wake-up. Hey, thanks! I needed some of these!

Yeah! I got shoes!

(And check out who got his second tooth last week!)

Who's ready to go sledding?!

Me!!!

Snow accumulation by the evening of the 26th.

Merry (Day After) Christmas!

We hope you had a great Christmas with your families! We have enjoyed hosting my parents and brother and being able to stay inside while it has snowed, rained, and then snowed and snowed and snowed!

Family Photo Attempt #43

Family Photo Attempt #47

I actually have no idea how many family photos we have attempted over the past nearly 7 months, but these were two of our best from tonight. We thought you'd all like the cute baby in the "out take" photo! We know we do!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

He's making a list And checking it twice;

Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice

Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!

You better not cry

Better not pout I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is coming to town

Christkindlmarket

We ventured into the city yesterday to go to the German Christmas Market at Daley Plaza. It was cold, but we were prepared! Are you sure they don't need a new baby Jesus? That manger looks warm!
First stop: brats!
Behind is the Mayor's Christmas Tree which has been panned for being so scraggly this year.

Enjoying the traditional warm, spiced wine: Gluhwein.

We also enjoyed some cinnamon candied almonds.
Will enjoyed some mittens for his snack.

Then we headed over the Macy's to warm up and see the windows.

Our view of the Macy's tree in the Walnut Room.

We hung out in the 8th floor furniture department to warm-up and rest/wrestle before heading home!

Let It Snow!

We had another dusting of snow over the weekend, so I could get pretty pictures of the house and yard. The big snow we had a week ago had melted except for the now dirty piles from shoveling and plowing. As usual, Jason and I end up spending our money on big projects for the house and not getting each other gifts for holidays. Here are two recent purchases:

Merry Christmas to me: a new roof!

Merry Christmas to Jason: a shed!

Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we've no place to go, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signs of Pauseing, And I've bought some corn for popping, The lights are turned way down low, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight, How I'll hate going out in the storm! But if you'll really hold me tight, All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying, And, my dear, we're still good-bying, But as long as you love me so, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Happy Hour!

It's Friday afternoon. . . go ahead and unwind with a nice drink! Hee hee.

We've got a fun pre-holiday weekend planned. Hopefully I get some good pictures. The key will be a healthy baby and healthy husband. I'm not sure I have either right now, but I've got my fingers crossed!

Sick Day (and Crawling)

Today Will had two firsts: a sick day from school (boo!) and real crawling (yeah!).

So, sadly the little fella came down with a nasty cold this weekend complete with runny nose, hacking cough and fever, so he had to stay home from school today. We're hoping just one more day and he'll be back to his healthy self. Fingers crossed!

However, the plus side, he and I got to spend lots of time snuggling and playing today. He continues to surprise us with his mobility. Tonight was a real crawl! His target: the vent cover in his bedroom. Previous "almost crawl" targets were Rachel, my cell phone, and the TV remote control. So much for toys, huh?! :-)

Will also had fun today sledding around the house on his new Christmas sled. Look at that smile!

O Christmas Tree

We continue to enjoy our fragrant and beautiful Christmas tree. I think it's so perfect looking that it looks almost fake! Will enjoys touching the branches, but in this picture he's just sitting nicely.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Thy leaves are so unchanging;O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Thy leaves are so unchanging; Not only green when summer's here,But also when 'tis cold and drear.O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Much pleasure thou can'st give me;O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Much pleasure thou can'st give me;How often has the Christmas treeAfforded me the greatest glee!O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Thy candles shine so brightly!O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Thy candles shine so brightly!From base to summit, gay and bright,There's only splendor for the sight.O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!How richly God has decked thee!O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!How richly God has decked thee!Thou bidst us true and faithful be,And trust in God unchangingly.O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!How richly God has decked thee! !"

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Sweet potatoes look a lot like what I imagine figgy pudding would look like! This song has intrigued me this season, as I've been listening to it on our Christmas CD. The idea of carolers standing in the front yard saying, "Bring us snacks or we won't leave!" is a little pushy.

We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer

We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here

We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth

. . .to go with my new bottom tooth! That's right, we've got one! Three months of hand gnawing and no sleeping this weekend = one teeny, tiny tooth peeking through on the bottom left. We finally saw it tonight, although we could feel it on Sunday.

All I want for Christmasis my two front teeth,my two front teeth,see my two front teeth!

Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth,then I could wish you "Merry Christmas."

It seems so long since I could say,"Sister Susie sitting on a thistle!"

Gosh oh gee, how happy I'd be,if I could only whistle (thhhh, thhhh)

All I want for Christmasis my two front teeth,my two front teeth,see my two front teeth.

Gee, if I could onlyhave my two front teeth,then I could wish you"Merry Christmas!"

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

As we countdown to Christmas, Will is hosting a Christmas carols sing-a-long. First up:

Hark! the Herald Angels sing,Glory to the new-born King,Peace on earth and mercy mild,God and sinner reconcil'd.
Chorus

Hark! the Herald Angels sing,Glory to the new-born King.
Joyful all ye nations rise,Join the triumph of the skies,With the angelic host proclaim,Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Chorus

Christ by highest Heaven ador'd,Christ the everlasting Lord!Late in time behold him come,Offspring of a Virgin's womb. Chorus

Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace!Hail the Sun of righteousness!Light and life to all he brings,Risen with healing in his wings.
Chorus

Mild he lays his glory by,Born that man no more may die,Born to raise the sons of earth,Born to give them second birth. Chorus

Super Sized Saturday

Project 1: Lower crib mattress after Will demonstrates how he can hold onto the railing

Project 2: Practice drinking water out of sippy cup (spill half on self) Project 3: Practice standing (between outfits, see Project 2) Project 4: Trim the tree Project 5: Celebrate Christmas!
We actually started our day with early morning H1N1 flu shot appointments at the county health department and then we went shopping for all of our Christmas baking and tree trimming supplies (including the tree). Projects 1-5 were after all of that!

In between playing with Will and trimming the tree, Ryan and I made my Grandma Leona's popcorn ball recipe. We get a little better with our system each year. They're super yummy!

Now we just need to do some shopping so we can put some presents under that beautiful tree!

TGIF!

We're hoping for a relaxed weekend at home. This week back to work and daycare after the holiday week has been busy, busy, busy.

Feeding has been going well; Will devoured his sweet potatoes last night. We've decided he's a little too wiggly (and short) to sit in his high chair to eat, so we've been sitting on the family room floor with the Bumbo seat.

I am quite certain he'll be crawling by Christmas. Heck, he may even be pulling up to standing by then. He was clever (and quick!) enough to grab the handle on the casement window over the kitchen sink last night and pull himself up and almost out of his bath!

Jason found him sitting up in bed this morning -- just chillin' waiting for someone to come get him. In general, sleeping is much improved now that he's eating. He's back to waking up just once overnight for a quick, half-asleep (both of us) nursing, and frankly, that is a huge victory!

6 Months Old

Photo Shoot 1: Too Cool for School (or Mommy's Stupid Photo Shoot)

Boring! Even Froggy is still asleep. . .
Snore!

Hey, I can't catch my toes from here!

Photo Shoot 2: Yes, Mommy, the Afghan Makes all the Difference

Oh, you wanted me to sit up and look adorable?

You just needed to ask (and give me my favorite blanket)!

Photo Shoot 3: Hey, Look! It's My Ball!

I got it!

Ah, the many faces of Will. All of three of these "shoots" took place over the course of less than 10 minutes this morning, which is the funnier part. Will loves his handmade baby blanket, which was a gift from my sorority housemother. (I love it, too; it keeps me warm on all of those early mornings and late nights when Will wants to nurse again.)

In the last series, Will is sitting up himself, but the bear is protection for falling backwards. He tends to get excited when he's playing and it's game over if he falls and hits his head. This morning was a new feat: he caught the ball on his legs and picked it up with both arms each time I rolled it to him!

What we've experienced over the last month:

• Huge leaps in motor skills: Will can sit unassisted and move himself from sitting to "crawling" and back. He can motor backwards quickly and looks like he wants to go forwards.
• Poor sleeping, especially overnight: Boo! Some nights he wakes up every hour screaming hysterically. We're hoping more food will help, although we aren't sure if it's hunger or teething or nightmares. This has been a tough one for us, since he had been sleeping 7-8 hours each night.
• Food: we started rice cereal one week ago, and he is eating it well. He shared Lexi's sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving as his first vegetable. I had great visions of making his baby food, but I haven't bought any supplies. Nor have I bought any jars of baby food. Nikki gave us a bunch at our August baby shower, so it seemed easiest to start through those first. I guess I'd better make some additions to my next grocery list.
• Lots of giggles and smiles when he sees us or Rachel. For all the lack of sleep, he's sure a happy baby in the morning! Go figure! :-)

The First Thanksgiving

What do you get when you put 8 adults, 5 children, and 4 dogs in a house for 3 days?! Thanksgiving fun on the farm! We had a great time with all of Jason's family this week in Indiana. In addition to Thanksgiving, we also celebrated Jason's birthday and an early Christmas. And, no surprise, except for the 2 hours that we were all riveted on the turkey frying, most of our attention was on the babies: Lexi and Will.

Grandpa Ed with two grandbabies
Unwrapping his first present on "Christmas morning" (aka Thanksgiving evening) -
a big boy outfit from Aunt Kelly, Uncle Pat and Cousin Lily

And tissue paper! Yeah!

Early Christmas part 2: a piano from Grandma and Grandpa!

All the cool gadgets, and the babies most loved Grandma's stacking cups!

(Don't worry, no babies were harmed in the taking of this picture. . . )

See?!

6 Month Stats

Well, what do we have here?
Where's that page I like so much?

Ah, yes, here it is.

Will wanted to demonstrate that his 94 percentile head circumference means he's a smarty pants (sans pants)! All I did was sit him on his bottom with his worm and fabric book. The rest was all him. He's getting good at moving from bottom to knees/tummy and sometimes the opposite.

Will's height and weight percentiles both decreased, but his head percentile was the same. I was surprised how little he weighed, but I think he's going to start packing it on now that he's devouring rice cereal and taking bigger bottles. The doctor said his size was good. His comment was, "As long as he's growing out of his clothes, he's on target." Done!

Weight: 16 lbs, 2 oz (29%)

Height: 26 inches (40%)

Head: 18 inches (94%)

Prior percentages at his 4 month check were 41%, 70%, and 94%, respectively, which were pretty steady with his 1 month and 2 months stats.

I'm happy to report that he had an excellent night sleeping last night. I attribute it to lots of milk, rice cereal, and total exhaustion from getting 4 shots in one day. Yes, four shots. Two were his regular immunizations plus he got the seasonal flu and H1N1 shots. Whew! But I really wanted him to have his flu shots sooner rather than later, so we did them all since they were available.

Catch 35

Since we had the services of a top-notch babysitter on Saturday night, we went to the nicest restaurant in town: Catch 35. We were celebrating Jason's birthday, which is on Thanksgiving this year.

I tremendously enjoyed the following:

• Organic Baby Greens & Maytag Blue Cheese, spiced walnuts, grape tomato, pear, tomato basil vinaigrette


• Block Island Swordfish with warm poblano fingerling potato salad


• Key Lime Pie

Jason's dinner was just as delicious:

• Alaskan Halibut with lump crab meat and portobello mushrooms


• Bourbon Pecan Pie ala Mode

And some yummy cocktails. What a great date night! Thanks again Mom!!! Here's another picture of Will, since I don't have any pictures of my dinner.