Curious George & His Baby Brother: 8 Months

Owen is 8 months old and so much has changed since 6 and 7 months. It's almost like he's a different baby (person) altogether. He's getting so independent and loves to explore and figure out how things operate. He's crazy about music and anytime he hears a beat or song, he instantly stops in his tracks. In the New Year I want to get him in Music Together classes. I enjoy music too and I make it apart of our days. I sing him lullaby's at night and it works every time. I am looking forward to chasing after him and getting into some classes when he's a little bigger.

We have the house "baby proofed". Well, to the best of our abilities right now, and in some ways it's very make do. I never knew how expensive large baby gates could be, so we are blocking off areas with furniture and blankets. All the plugs are covered and things are out of reach so we are good there. The living/dinning room looks a little crazy though! What ever works!

We bought him a walker that he's still trying to get the hang of. He's got the walking backwards part down ok, but he thinks it's a bouncer and jumps up and down in it. He gets mad because it doesn't move and he growls. Yes, he growls and grunts when he doesn't like something. I'm really hoping he grows out of this. He has also started to develop a little temper. When he is upset or very tired he clinches his fists, throws his arms out and screams/cries while kicking his legs. I try to keep him calm by singing or distracting him, and it almost always works, but when he's hit his limit, there's no comforting him. We really saw this full force last week with the cold. He was so out of sorts! But I figure he's so much more aware now, and he is limited on how he can communicate to us. We try so hard to look for cues, but I tell you, there are some days when we are still learning and we just miss the boat. So I understand and sympathize with his frustration. I've been told I had a temper as a toddler so I can't be surprised if Owen gets it from me....I can't imagine James ever being difficult as a kid. Lol.

But over all, he is such a good boy. He sleeps through the night, takes his naps each day and cries very little. We are lucky with this. He is learning patty cake and to wave bye bye - still a ways to go on this. I try and keep him busy because he needs a lot of stimulation and activity. He's all boy! And he has no fear! I am getting my work out at home and the gym. He loves going to daycare and we both missed it last week. Today, when we went in and he saw the door to day care, he started laughing and bouncing up and down. He was happy to be there and that makes me feel good. He had seen enough of me! All the ladies love him and he has them wrapped around his finger. They tell me he's always happy and never cries. I believe them too. I think he saves it up for me when we get home ;) There is a lot going on there so it keeps him entertained. There are a lot of older kids running around and screaming. He easily gets board when it's just the two of us all day.

We are having fun together and I laugh so hard with him, sometimes I get tears. It is so odd how just laughing can make me emotional. His little chuckles are infectious and I am so thrilled when we have those moments. It's been so exciting to watch him transform over these past few months. He is now pulling up on furniture, into a standing position. This morning he stood for a few minutes before letting go. I was in awe of his new skill. I can't believe it! Seems like he just started crawling yesterday. He also pulled up on his walker today. I was doing something when I heard him crying out. I looked over and he was standing, but the walker started rolling forward and he was forced to move with it or let go, well Owen decided to hold on tight and move with it. He was taking steps and crying at the same time. I couldn't believe that he kept his balance that long. I ran over and that scared him even more. He had a death grip on that walker! He finally let go and grabbed for my arms and I held him upright. He is getting a little big for his britches, I think!!! But I was very proud and told his Daddy all about it when he got home.

So here's what Owen's up to at 8 months:

takes (4) 8oz bottles a day
eats breakfast, lunch and dinner
enjoys puffs
drinks water from a toddler sippy cup
crawls (worm style)
sleeps from 7pm-7am (there about)
naps sometimes in the early am (not always)
naps again from 2-4pm
wares some 6-9 months, but mostly 12 months (he's very long)
has 4 teeth (2 on top and 2 on bottom- And he bites!)
has had 2 colds so far (not fun)
is such a good eater and loves all green veggies
loves his roasted banana & oatmeal for breakfast
can say DaDa (although I'm not sure it's intentional just yet)
is pulling up and standing
enjoys other babies and loves to watch older children play
likes to swing at the park (on my lap)
favorite songs are still Bingo, The Wheels on The Bus, and now Patty Cake
is interested in mechanical/moving things (door nobs, hinges, locks, light switches, wheels, buttons)
smiles and laughs with me (we have laughing contest)
I taught him how to snort
thinks bodily noises are funny (what boy doesn't)
loves the train horn (choo choo)
is his happiest, first thing in the morning and after his noon nap

I can't believe how fast this year has gone by with him. Looking forward to seeing all the changes that will take place in the next few months. Won't be long and he'll be a year old!