6 Months?

True.  He's been around for 6 months as of yesterday (don't tell... I'm late again!).  We've had an adventurous month, for sure.  He celebrated last night by sleeping through the night for the first time in 3 (?) weeks.  I can't tell you how much that gift meant to me!  Seriously, it's been a long few weeks.  It felt longer than the weeks as a newborn, mostly because he had teased me for a while, and I had grown used to the idea of getting a full night's sleep.  I'm amazed how refreshed I feel today, and I'm quite thankful he gave me a half-birthday gift.  It seems to be that he's finally feeling better, at least in my opinion.  For a while, he was experiencing quite a bit of discomfort and pain that I believe I can attribute to his milk protein allergy, and I could totally understand why sleep was so difficult.  The weeks I've gone without dairy seem to be improving his sleep and his disposition, so we'll see if the pediatrician will confirm my suspicions next week.  I hope so!!!  Alternative = colonoscopy.  Not cool.

Jakob is enjoying his food these days.  He has tried oatmeal, rice, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, applesauce, and bananas.  Of these, he despises applesauce most!  His face is classic, though, when he tastes it.  I've never seen a kid so adamant about NOT taking another bite.  He's smart, and that makes him quite hard to trick.  His favorites are green beans and peas, although the carrots he's had make him very happy, too.   I can't believe that he's just now seeming to get into a good routine, but it really took a while!  I blame that on numerous reasons: 1) me.  2) he's my third; he has to just fit in.  3) he seems to be somewhat of a free spirit.  Like his dad.  :)  Say no more, right?  I am getting used to his unpredictability, though, as it works to our favor most days if we are out and about.  When we're trying to plan, however, ... hmm...  Once his tummy is feeling better, that's a very firm goal of mine.  He needs a little more structure!

Jake's new trick is getting up and rocking out on all fours.  I LOVE this little trick of his, but I know from this point forward, there's no going back.  He's going mobile, and he will no longer be content to roll around and coo at me.  Ah, it's time, though.  He's ready.  Jordan and I predicted that he would be crawling in October, so we'll see if he can put two and two together!  He loves to roll around and crow at the top of his lungs.  His feet are still his favorite toys, and he can put on the sweetest smile when you finally meet his gaze.  I love him.  The girls love him, too, and I love watching the interaction between the three of them!  Emily and Elyse both despise his drooling habits, so they spend most of the play time griping about his "pit sup" (as Em says).  They take turns wiping his chin and the carpet.  They also love to blame every yucky smell on his diaper.  Must be a Jakob poop!

Jakob currently takes a morning nap, a cat nap before lunch (we're really close to eliminating this one, I think!), a longer afternoon nap, and SOMETIMES a brief nap before dinner.  It depends how early he wakes up from his afternoon nap.  It seems to work well for him, but I can tell he's ready to stretch out his feedings a bit more, and I will welcome that.  He has two bottom teeth, but I have a feeling a few more will follow shortly.  He seems to be chomping on everything in sight.  As for his disposition, he is as charming as ever.  If he's getting his way :)  The only times I see that little temper flare is if he's not ready for bed and I (heaven forbid) jump the gun a little, or if he wakes up with a messy diaper.  He will scream his head off until I go in and hug him, calm him down, and retry.  Then he's silent.  Crazy boy...  I guess I might as well ask forgiveness, right?

We love taking him out, as he's the best little companion.  He doesn't mind his car seat anymore, and he seems to love taking in new sights.  He is quick to smile and flirt :)  I'm so thankful for this little guy.  Obviously, I love him more than cheese, right???  It's hard to believe a year ago, I was anticipating that day in November (or was it December?) when we would discover he was a boy :)

Here are some of my current favorites and "dislikes" for this age:

fun's:

* I just love the way he gets excited when he's up on his knees, rocking around.
* I love being greeted by him after a nap :)
* He is SUCH a loud singer!
* He's pretty cute to feed in his little high chair.  I love his fat lips :)
* Watching him interact with Daddy and the girls makes me one happy mommy!
* I still love our first hang-out session of the day (around 6:30am).  It's so QUIET.
* Roly-poly legs and arms.
* I love that he's incredibly ticklish!

not-so-fun's:

* His "unhappy" scream.  (see how gracious I am?)
* Jakob's nails grow faster than the speed of light, and he is constantly scratching himself.
* He likes to think he should be my midnight buddy... early morning buddy... etc.  Good thing he's cute!
* He is so ready to move- I can't imagine what a little crazy boy he's going to turn into!  Didn't he get the memo to keep my life simple?
* Um... he discovered he can bite.
* Naptime interruptions = poo.  Not cool.

Jakob, you're sweet.  You're cute and cuddly, and we are so happy you are our boy!  6 more months until we introduce you to the wonderful world of cake.  You don't need to rush it though... It won't be any good without real milk anyway...  :)  We love you!