9 month stats and encouraging a good diet

This week was very special for JJ. He turned 9 months on Monday and had his 40 week "birthday." Yup- He has been in the world on his own just as long as he was inside of me! I feel like these past 40 weeks have gone by faster than my pregnancy did.

JJ is crawling, pulling himself up and cruising the furniture. It won't be long until he is walking.

JJ's stats from his 9 month check-up:
Weight: 21 lbs. 1 oz
Height: 29 inches (that is 47% of my height and 39% of daddy's.)

The little man, walking behind his toy.



Encouraging a good diet
JJ is eating more solids and is quite comfortable with finger foods. He hasn't met a food he doesn't like yet...just like his mommy! (Daddy is the picky one in the family.)

Jeff and I are both committed to raising our kids with a good relationship with food. We want to encourage a healthy balance of fruits/veggies/fresh foods and less reliance on packaged and processed foods. I understand what a large commitment this is, especially because this isn't the only way Jeff and I eat now. Currently, we feed JJ dinner when we get home and then Jeff and I wait until he is in bed to eat. As he gets closer to one, we will be able to push his dinner time back, allowing us to eat as a family.

I feel good about the foods JJ is already eating. I make all of his baby food from fresh fruits and veggies. (It is really easy, even for a novice like me! Check out www.wholesomebabyfood.com for tips and recipes.)

We will need to plan our a week's worth of food in advance. There is less of a chance to fall back on take-out if we have a weekly plan.

Do you have any tips for encouraging your entire family to eat a healthy diet? Any tools you would recommend?

Sleep Training...again?

A few months ago, we worked on sleep training JJ when he kept rolling over in his crib and waking himself up.

Things went really well for a few weeks and then it happened. JJ got an ear infection (so we think) and he had a hard time sleeping. That cleared up and he started to sleep better.

Within the past few weeks a cold has been circulating through our household. Let's just say that the sleep training we did in October is all but forgotten. He goes down for naps and bedtime just fine, but now wakes up once or twice a night. Sometimes he can go back to sleep on his own, other times we comfort him or bring him into bed with us.

I understand that sleep training is an important step in a child/parent relationship. We are helping JJ learn to fall back asleep by himself, which will help him for years to come.

However, I feel like Cam in the clip below when I think about listening to JJ cry it out.



That being said, I am getting better at letting him fuss for a few (up to 10) minutes before running in to comfort him, but I am looking for more advice.

OK readers- lets hear your sleep training tips. While you share, I will be getting another cup of coffee.

Put me in coach!

We had a wonderful weekend, filled with the perfect mix of activities and relaxing. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly JJ is growing and learning new things.

He has mastered crawling and pulling himself up on furniture, the baby gate and Jeff/my legs. This little man will be walking in no time.

Saturday we went to lunch with Grandma Lyn and Grandpa Terry. JJ was spoiled and got to try pancakes, waffles and toast! Three foods never tried before and the little man gobbled them down in no time.

Sunday we went to Twinsfest, which had been relocated to the National Sports Center in Blaine. We came across an extra ticket and brought our niece. A great time was had by all.

JJ was hypnotized by all of the people and loved looking at the mementos for sale with Daddy. Our niece loved the kids area, complete with giant bouncy house!

We bought two baseballs for autographs and JJ held onto his like he was born with a baseball in his hand. We have a little Twins fan on our hands.

My Favorites

See these guys?



They are my reason for waking up in the morning. They both inspire me to be the best me I can be!

Giggles

If every word I said could make you laugh, I'd talk forever...


After a long night of wake-ups from JJ, I will get through today thinking of his giggles. There is no better sound in the world.

Wishing you all a happy Monday!

Near and Far

And here goes my baby...starting to learn to move and become independent.

JJ has already mastered a lesson from Grover:

Far


Near


Yup- My little man is crawling all over the house. He starts in the living room, follows me into the kitchen and back down the hallway. This weekend Jeff and I got on our hands and knees looking for items to move, pick up and lock so he has room to play.

For a walk down Memory Lane: Grover's Original Message

Recapping the year- Fun posts from 2010

I want to wish you all a Happy New Year's! This is a time for reflection. May you have a wonderful end of 2010 and a prosperous New Year in 2011.

My New Year's resolution: To expand my blog topics outside of JJ updates to other issues that catch my attention. (Don't worry, I am sure there will still be plenty of JJ updates too!)

Below are some of my favorite posts from the past year:

First Pic of the Belly

Odd Thoughts, crazy feelings and nesting

Traveling while pregnant...a trip to Atlanta

Baby Shower Mishap

Peanut Butter and Jelly= True Love

JJ's Birth Story

(P)oopsie!

2 months and so much learned

Rolling over and Not Sleeping...Oh My

Slowing down and enjoying my baby