Crawl, Downward Dog, Catcher's Stance...STAND!

Yesterday, as I was getting Jack's bottle ready to go down for a nap, he accomplished a milestone. He went from crawling barefoot on the kitchen floor, to doing "downward dog"...on his hands and feet moving with his butt up, to plopping into a catcher's stance, to popping up into a stand. Yes, he stood without holding anything for the first time yesterday afternoon. It wasn't the longest of stands...but it was a full stand none the less.

It was almost like Jack scared himself when he realized that he was standing while not holding on to anything. His facial expression projected a bit of excitement, quickly followed by confusion and then he seemed to scare himself a bit. Back down to the floor he plopped. Although I was elated that this milestone was reached, Jack was quite unhappy about it. He sat on the kitchen floor, with a bit of a cry and a look on his face that said "What just happened? What did I just do? Whatever it was, I don't want to do it again. At least not until I know how to do it right." Although Jack doesn't have the biggest vocabulary, his face is very expressive. And I'm pretty certain that was the exact thought running through his mind.

We're not rushing him. We're just getting used to keeping a watchful eye on him while he's crawling all around. The thought of him standing on his own...and then walking...is unimaginable right now. I just wonder how far away we are from that milestone.

A New Classroom

I talk all the time about how much I like Jack's school. We don't even call it daycare or child care because its more than that. I feel great when I take him into school because I know that he's having a lot of fun, becoming social and yes, learning. Once they leave the Baby Room (called Infant 1), they begin a weekly curriculum and start learning through play and group activities. Jack's about to jump into these learning activities.

Jack had his first full day in Infant 2 today. He's in the room with "the big kids," which is what I've been calling it ever since the director told me he'd be moving up. The transition process has been going on for a couple of days so that he can get used to his new room. Everyone thinks Jack is doing well with all of this, which isn't surprising any of us-- he's a pretty social and laid back kid. Most of the children in this class are 12-18 months old, so he is the youngest. I'm okay with this-- because he seems to enjoy being around the older children and I think he'll learn a lot by seeing what the other kids in his class are doing.

In his new classroom, they work on a bunch of little projects each day. Whether its coloring or finger painting or pasting cut out figures on a page...they work on something different each day. Each week, their daily crafts feature different letter, number, shape and animal. Its learning through play. So, we'll start collecting "one-of-a kind-art" each week. I can't wait! If you're really really nice (and lucky), we may share a piece or two. :)

Jack's teachers are one of the best resources I could ask to have. They really do help me figure him out and also do a great job putting me at ease or giving me advice on how to approach the new scenarios we have with this little guy.
He's had a wonderful experience in his first room at LeChaperon Rouge and just loves Miss Margaret & Miss Char. They are just great. I think the world of them too. Now, he'll have a chance to work with two new teachers: Miss Sarah and Miss Danielle. Here's to a lot of fun as he starts in his new class.

Jack at 10 Months

My-oh-my! How time flies! Our baby is quickly becoming a toddler and soon will be more like a little boy. Everyday it seems like he's doing something new or getting into something new. Right now, its all about discovery.

He still loves to play with Boomer. In fact his face lights up whenever he spots his pup. Its quite cute. Their interactions are more and more comical. Boomer has a hard time distinguishing from Jack's toys and Jack seems to have the same problem. Jack can crawl over to him super fast. I'm continually amazed at how fast he can move across the floor on all fours

He loves to clap and hold two objects in his hands, which is almost always followed by him clashing them together. He stands up whenever he can and barely needs to hold onto stable items for support. This month, he's also become a good "creeper," where he stands along a stable piece of furniture and slides to either side. According to all the books, that the last step before, well, taking those first steps. That's a milestone that I think may not be too far off. He's gotten much better at climbing steps. We still have to be right behind him in case he forgets about what he's doing. He can travel up and entire staircase. Jack will get all the way to the top and sit, not sure how to get back down. That's okay though. At least he isn't diving head first back down the steps....yet.

We often see Jack with a big smile on his face. He seems to be a pretty happy kid. He's also very ticklish, especially around his shoulders, belly and feet. He has such an infectious laugh. Its really a little giggle---and I just can't get enough of it. It might be my favorite sound. Its such a happy giggle.

He is babbling a lot, but still isn't saying a ton of words yet. Lots of sounds, but other than "MaMa" nothing is truly distinguishable. He does "know" what some of the words we say to him mean. He knows who MaMa is, who Dada is, and looks over at Boomer when we say his name. Jack also recognizes is own name. I'm sure the sounds he makes will be molding into works in the upcoming months.

It still gets more and more fun everyday as more of his personality comes out! I'm curious to see what happens this month!

Any Given Sunday

Jack is being introduced to what he will soon realize is a family tradition in the Fall. Little by little, he's getting exposed to what its like to be an NFL Fan in both the Foley & Tucker families. There's a lot of passion that exudes from us on "Any Given Sunday."

We love Sundays....at least until about 3:30, when our team may be breaking our hearts as the 1pm games come to a close. We hope for much better results...like what the Bengals did today. Its an experience--that's for sure. We actually going to a number of Bengals games this year...and Jack will get to spend those games getting a little quality time with relatives and friends. That will be really nice for everyone.

Then, there are the away games....the ones we watch in our basement. This week's game was in Green Bay. We watched it together and I must say, I'm really proud of Mike (and of me too). Lets just say we tend to get a bit "loud" or lets say "intense with our responses" to our team's play. Jack has softened us...a lot. We don't want to scare him and it is going to take a little getting used to. I can just imagine the thoughts that run through Jack's mind as he watches us watch football.

We're having fun-- and we hope that Jack will grow to love the Bengals as much as we do. He'll get to choose who he roots for....but we'd be fibbing if we weren't already encourgaging him to love orange and black. We also hope that this team is one deserving of his cheering. So far, so good....Cincinnati's 4 and 1 since Jack has been in our world. Not many Bengals fans can say that!

Jack's first tailgate

So, last weekend, Jack had his first Buckeye experience. We arrived super early (like at 9:30am for 8pm game) to get into a good lot and reserve some space. One of Kevin's friends was planning the "tailgate to end all tailgates" (and I must add, he was successful--- what a set up he created!). We had a lot of fun. Jack an I lasted for about 5 hours...thanks to a canopy tent, a Baby Einstein exersaucer, an Ohio State umbrella stroller, some little friends and of course, some wonderful people to play with. Jack and Uncle Kevin really bonded....and we had so much fun looking up to big kids, Oliver & Nolan. I can't help but wonder if the three of them will end up at OU, just like their parents, hanging out and having a wonderful time!

Jack even participated in his first O-H-I-O outside of the horseshoe!!!And he witnessed ESPN College Gameday Live too! I don't know many 9 month olds who can say this :) It was a LOT of fun!

The most (extra) ordinary part of the day

Every night, when I put Jack to bed, I try to take it all in. I gaze into his big eyes that peacefully look back at me. I can have the most busy, crazy and chaotic day where everything's a complete blur. Or, I can have a frustrating day that I can't wait to end. Or, I can have one of the most enjoyable day full of quality time with good people. No matter what day I have, the time I enjoy the most is that time right before I put Jack to bed.

We make a bottle and go upstairs. Boomer and his "jingle-jingle" tags follow us closely up the stairs. We sit on the bed in Jack's room with the fan on and the start up the "safari" music on his crib music box. Then, the cuddling begins and I hold Jack and he holds his bottle and we each affectionately gaze at eachother. Its wonderful.

As he finishes his bottle, I get his binky ready and roll him close. Then he nestles his head towards me and we just cuddle. I love it. And I treasure every time we do this. It doesn't get old....but he is getting bigger, and will get older and we won't have moments exactly like this. Tonight, when I lifted him into the crib, this notion that he weighs more than he used to and is so much longer than he once was hit me. I'm glad he's growing...he's getting more of a personality every day. I also realize that I need to treasure every bedtime we get at this age, cause one day he'll want to go to bed a different way.

Granted, we'll have other special moments and I'm looking forward to enjoying them to the fullest, the routine will only last for awhile. So, I treasure it. I love the cuddly little teddy bear that he is right now!

Have Baby, Will Travel

Sorry that I haven't posted as many updates as I'd like this month. Its been pretty busy, but that sounds like a complete cop out. Lets just say....I'm back!!!

We've got a very busy Fall planned. That's fitting because the Fall is our favorite time of year. After this weekend, we're out of town at least one day every weekend until....mid November! Yes, mid November? And by that time we'll be planning a 1st Birthday Party for Little B! Oh my goodness....time just flies!

The upcoming weekends will be a lot of fun....with plans college football tailgating and games, a wedding in Pittsburgh, time in Dayton & Columbus, and 6 Bengals games mixed in. Oh my!

This is normal for new parents? Right? I'm kidding. Everyone said that we'd really slow down once our baby arrived. Nine months into it, I'll admit there's way less "down time" but as for slowing down....hasn't happened at all! I think I'm glad about that. Jack is a baby who's used to being on the go. And so far, he's showing to be one heck of a good little traveler. I fully realize that this can change at any time, but for now, we're really enjoying it. We keep a "weekend bag" packed for him. I literally wash the clothes, bibs, blankets and soft toys when we get back from each away weekend...them put them right back in the bag so we're ready for the next little trip.

Labor Day Weekend

Wow, what a fun weekend! We spent time back with my family in Maryland at our annual Crab Feast. Its funny-- this time last year, my mom, Collette and my family threw us one heck of a surprise baby shower. In fact, we were still referring to Jack as "Little B" this time last year. Wow-- what a difference a year makes!

Now, we have this little guy who loves to crawl all around and is "very, very busy" trying to climb up on everything posssible...even on some things that aren't possible to climb on! And yes, whatever he can get into, he gets into...including, but not limited to, dog food bowls, water bowls-- and they're a blast to splash around in, cabinets, closets, refridgerators...oh yes. And he's FAST! In fact, he did laps around my parents lower level!

It was so fun to see him laughing and smiling with family. He loved hanging out with the "bigger kids," his cousins and extended family. He also had a lot of fun with his great aunts and uncles. It was wonderful to watch. I love that we're able to head out there on weekends and its not too bad of a trip. In fact, its only about 5 1/2 hours by car from our house to my parent's. That's awesome. With him growing so fast, its important for us that he gets to see both of our families as much as possible.

There's one person in our family who I can't wait for him to meet. Its my cousin, Robert, who is serving over in Iraq. He comes back later this Fall and I can't wait to see him. We truly miss him and think about him all the time. What a great example he is setting for the rest of our family.

I think its fair to say that Jack's first crab feast was a success. Although, he didn't have any crab. Maybe next year...don't want to start shellfish too soon. But don't worry-- he ate well. And, he was still festive....he wore an outfit my mom and dad got him...complete with a crab and the words "Feed Me or I'll Snap." Funny stuff!

From Naples with Love

Mike's mom, Nonna G, came up to spend a couple days with us early this week. She arrived Sunday and left on Tuesday night. Its always nice to have her up-- she always finds clever ways to make us each feel special when she visits. Its so much fun for Mike and I to watch Jack interact with other members in our family-- and these opportunities allow us to watch the relationships grow.

Earlier this summer, Nonna G was visiting her family in Naples. She brought back two amazing gifts for Jack. Calling them amazing may even be an understatement, because the meaning behind them is so special. They aren't items that can be purchased-- they're irreplacable. While she was spending time with her mother, she showed her pictures of Jack and talked about all of us a lot. Great Nonna (Mike's Grandmother and Jack's Great Grandmother) is getting older and sometimes her memory is not as clear as we all wished it would be. Sometimes she doesn't alway understand the happenings of our family in the US-- but that didn't stop her from making such a wonderful gift.

With Nonna G's help, she wrote a note to Jack and knit him the cutest little scarf. Not only is it soft, but its perfect in proportions. What's really amazing is that when Nonna G put the handmade scarf on Jack (who was playing in his exersaucer next to us), he just beamed and smiled and cooed. Its almost as if he knew how nice a gesture this gift is. He rubbed the scarf up against his face and looked at us with such a happy face. It was quite a moment. Mike reading the note she wrote to Jack was also remarkable. The whole thing was special. We'll treasure both of those gifts!

The rest of the visit was also fun-- I think both Nonna and Jack had a great time. In fact, the day after Nonna went home, when Jack was back at his school, he took 3 long naps! He never does that-- especially at school. He must have been a very busy boy having fun with Nonna!!!