As long as I knew he was in my belly

Levi has now been in the outside world for as long as I knew about him inside me. The past eight months of his life passed WAY more quickly than the eight months I spent anticipating him. I know everyone says it, and everyone feels it about their kiddo - but I just can't believe how much I love this little guy (and by little I mean giant).

He still dwarfs even two year olds!

But those little chubby cheeks and thunder thighs that have more rolls than Spring Creek Barbeque won't last for long.

Sleeping:
the little turkey is still waking me up way too much at night! He can be settled with a pacifier, so Jarrod or I drag ourselves across to his room, plug him up and then back to bed. Usually that's all it takes till about 5-6 in the morning when he wants a bottle then goes back to sleep. This past week he has been waking up like 10 times and wanting his bottle at 4am! Not good for anyone. We toy with settling him the way we know he'll go back to sleep (give him his pacifier, give him a bottle, etc.) and ignoring it. You may think this is horrible parenting but I cannot let my child just cry. I can't do it. I won't. I don't have to, I'm the momma. Even if that means this phase drags out way too long. He won't need me to do this forever and I'm ok with doing it now. The last two nights have been much better. Today and yesterday I left him unswaddled for his naptime. He didn't take very long naps, and then couldn't stay awake for very long between - so he napped much more frequently, but at least he fell asleep and stayed asleep. I think we're going to say goodbye to the miracle blanket from now on.

Eating:
He is now eating table foods with us. I just throw whatever I prepare for us in the food processor for him. He's had speghetti, smothered chicken, meat loaf, chicken cacciatore, swiss steak, tacos, and all sorts of yummy foods. He loves loves loves to eat (if you can't tell by looking at him.) I take it for granted I guess that I have such a great eater, I've heard it can be hard to have a baby who has a hard time eating. He usually has a bottle way too early in the morning, then steel cut oats for breakfast with a fruit or yogurt, then a bottle in the afternoon, then regular people dinner, and then a bottle before bed. I like this schedule.

Playing:
He LOVES to watch cars. He LOVES to watch dogs. He LOVES to watch his baby einstein videos. He LOVES his jumperoo. He LOVES the water, drinking it, swimming in it, taking a bath, watching fountains - anything that involves water. He doesn't love laying on his back or stomach. He gets super frustrated when something is out of reach - you can just see him trying to crawl but just can't figure it out.

Happy eight months, Levi. Thanks for joining our family and making us laugh all the time. You're the best little dude around!

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