Month 10 sure held a lot of changes and excitement! Jack got his 2nd tooth, learned how to crawl and subsequently mastered it. He learned how to pull himself up on anything (even those things that really don't cooperate) and even how to cruise while holding on to furniture. He does lap after lap around the coffee table. He also walks well when someone holds his hands. It will never cease to amaze me how quickly they learn. Once he figures something out, it takes only a day or two for him to perfect the skill. He's so fast at getting where he wants to go these days, you really can't take your eyes off him for even a second!
He learned how to stand in his crib (even in a sleep sack) and scream for someone to COME and GET HIM! With the crib at its lowest height, the railing is at the perfect height for him to chew on, which he thoroughly enjoys! It certainly meant less sleeping and more of a fight to get him down for naps, but (most of the time) we won!
He jabbers nonstop and from time to time, it actually sounds like words. In response to us, we've heard sounds closely resembling "Jack" and "bye-bye" but only once and then, I think we act so excited, he just laughs at us. He often blows out of his mouth. It's a lot like the breathing techniques we learned in childbirth class. I have no idea what that's all about. He also still loves making the zerbert sound that he has loved since he was very small. He's also learned how to clap, which when combined with his dancing to music, is priceless! We owe all of that to his teachers at school as we never taught him those skills! I promise to work on the sound issue with the videos this month (we're going to have to get a new camera and need to do some research), but you'll just have to imagine the music in the background!
Jack loves cords. Any cord he can find he has to pull on. As I type this, he's trying to unplug the computer from the charger. He got a lot of great toys for Christmas but has loved the ones that light up and the books with things to feel the most. And his blocks, which he mostly likes to chew on.
He's very curious and adventurous and just wants his hands on everything. He loves getting into cabinets (or Daddy's backpack) and pulling everything out.
Eating is hit or miss. Some days he'll eat really well and other days, he's not really interested. I suppose we are all a bit like that so I try not to worry too much. Over the holidays he did have a few more Cheerios and snacky items than usual while we were out and about and that's proving to be a hard habit to break. But I suppose that we all indulge a bit more than usual over the holidays! He eats mostly table food but some days we still have to resort to baby food to make sure he gets enough in. He's no fan of it though.
He had his first playdate this month and while he didn't really play, I do think he really enjoyed watching all of the other kids and sharing his books with Mary Alex. When we are out and about he's usually very calm and quiet - just taking it all in. He loves going to the grocery store and I must admit, having him to look at makes the chore a lot more tolerable for me!
He hates getting in the carseat. Screams as you even near the car, but once in, and the car underway, he's usually fine. We'd love to know why he is so opposed!
He definitely is going through a bit of a phase where he isn't as willing to go to strangers or people he doesn't know so well. I'm sure that having been home with him for the past 2 weeks (no daycare) has not helped that situation but I hope that he will still consider his teachers among the more familiar crowd.
He looks more like a little boy and less like a baby every day. Just when I think he can't get any cuter, he does! 2009 will surely bring a lot of change for us and most of it is unknown at this point, but I do know that watching Jack grow and learn will definitely be the highlight!
