A Funny Face!

Climbing and Crawling

We had a nice visit from my Dad and Ginny on Friday. Billy showed off some of his new moves, and later on he got into a razzing contest with Grandpa. And on Sunday while Stu was at a friend's place watching the football game, Billy and I went up to Southcenter mall to meet my mom. We discovered together that there is a library at Southcenter mall; a great place for Grandma Em to play and read with Billy. Later that afternoon we stopped in at Great-Grandma Bitow's for a visit. A great weekend for seeing family.

Monday and Tuesday Billy was a little under the weather. He had a bit of a runny nose and a cough, but most noticeably he lost his appetite and was extra tired. Yesterday he started feeling a lot better, and he was very happy about that. We also noticed yesterday how much his crawling has improved. He is especially motivated by a tower built with his stacking cups, because he loves to knock it over. And he's starting to really love pulling himself up on things: couch, shelves, piano bench, me,...what a big boy! It's fun to watch him wobble, and to see the joy and pride on his face. It's more than fun, it's heartwarming!

Otherwise, we've just been living the routine, which Billy and I both enjoy. We're getting more regular with the timing of meals, naps, and bedtime. Bedtime has moved up to 7-7:30, allowing Stu and I some time together in the evening. And Billy is getting more of his much needed rest. He's a growing boy!!

New Adventures with Sleep

This is an old picture; of the "good old days" when naptimes were somewhat simpler. Billy liked to be in the corner, so he had the comfort of the bumpers around him to help him feel cozy. I layed him down there when he was drowsy, and he might cry a little and roll around a bit, but then he went to sleep, (usually.) Things have changed since then...

We took the bumpers out because I had read that they're a safety hazard once the babies start pulling themselves up. And once we did that it seemed like his crib was a completely new place; he now perks up being put there, and wants to start exploring the place! And especially while he's focused on learning how to crawl, he will immediately roll onto his belly and get up onto his knees; the idea of going to sleep completely disappearing from his mind. It just takes more winding down time after he has satisfied his exploratory nature, and a bit more crying, but he does eventually go to sleep- usually on his belly. When I go in to check on him and/or reassure him, he will sometimes just look up at me with an incredible grin. He's so proud of his new abilities, and it's adorable. I'm still determined that letting him go to sleep on his own is best for everyone involved, but it sure takes a while sometimes. Stu had said to me that he just doesn't understand why taking a nap is met with such resistance, it sounds like bliss to both of us!

We're looking forward to a visit from Grandpa Gil and Grandma Ginny today. We'll attempt going out to dinner with our little noise-maker. Before they arrive I'll try to fit in a shower and a quick clean up around the house, along with a trip out to the market.

Thanks for all the positive feedback regarding the blog!