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!