Life on a Schedule

So AJ is officially on a schedule now, and I'm loving it! A while ago I borrowed some books from a friend about how to "fix" AJ's EARLY (we're talking 5am!) waking and erratic naptimes (2x/day, 3x/day, sometimes 30min, sometimes 3 hrs!) It was getting really difficult to make any plans, let alone just know if I had time to start an hour-long project, or if he would wake up right as I'd begin, so I was really in need of some guidance. As usual, the books each had their own (conflicting) stance, so I read all 3 and took from each one what made sense to me. The effect has been positively amazing!
Now every day is (basically) the same as far as blocks of time, so I can make playdates, figure when I will be able to go to the store and return without a meltdown (AJ or me!), and everyone comments on what a happy baby he is! Now AJ is napping 1 hr at 9:00, 2-3hrs at 1:00, bedtime is 7:00, and he wakes up again usually around 6 (though I wish it were 7...). Here is Andy reading one of AJ's favorite books with him before bed. Sooo cute!

We play together every day and AJ is definitely developing some favorite toys. Although it does not light up, play music or vibrate, AJ loves the "Pop up School Bus" which was pictured in a previous entry.
Here he is with it again! Thanks Kim! A little scrubbing with a toothbrush and this toy that has already been passed-down through a few families makes the grade! AJ also loves to just play on the floor. He likes to feel our carpet, roll around to get to his toys, and has great big belly laughs when I pretent to "eat" his sides and tummy.

He is practicing getting into a crawl position from sitting and can't quite do it yet, but today he was really close! I am excited for him but have to remind myself he will be mobile all too soon...

Last week we went to a friend's house for a lunchtime playdate. It is always so fun to get together with my other mommy friends and see how all our kids can play and roll around on the floor together. These 4 were all born within 3 months or so, but it's amazing what a difference that short amount of time makes in a baby's development. It's cool to see what's right around the corner for AJ! These little "heads" are (from left) AJ, Emilio, Zofi, and Izzy. We can't wait for the next get-together!

AJ's First Halloween

On Tuesday, AJ and I went up to visit Grandma Cheri in Rockford and AJ had a practice run in his costume. There were a lot of friends and relatives there, as well as another baby almost his age, so he got a lot of practice meeting people and being social. I put his pumpkin "shirt" on him and he was unhappy about it going over his arms and head (as usual!) but was fine in it once it was on. The lunch was wonderful and it was so fun to see and meet everyone. This way, Grandma Cheri, Aunt Sheila, Aunt Shirley and Great Grandma Marcella all got to see him in his costume dress rehersal!

Yesterday was the actual holiday, so I dressed him up again, this time in his full costume - green tights, pumpkin shirt and hat, and then I stuffed him with batting to fill him out!It was so funny, but he looked really cute and seemed not to mind the outfit. We decided not to go Trick-or-Treating (even though I really wanted to!) since it was getting too close to he dinnertime, and he wouldn't be able to eat the candy anyway. So we went next door to our friends' place and AJ's friend Kaya put on her costume too to take a few pictures with him. She was a buzzy bee. It's so hard to take a good picture of them both at the same time, so this is the best I could do!!

AJ and I also visited our friends the LaSalle's today and AJ got to meet his new little buddy, JP. He was somewhat interested in the 6 week old, but I didn't let him get close enough to touch (aka: slobber on/chew/poke) him. AJ has also really been enjoying the excersaucer I borrowed from a friend, and seems to find new and exciting things about it every time. I also borrowed one from his cousin Kyra, and that one is at my studio waiting for him to accompany me to work next week. We'll see how that goes!!