A big milestone!

I am so happy to report that Chris has reached a major milestone: he is officially weaned! He'd been sleeping through without waking up, so last Friday I decided that it was time. When he woke up Saturday morning, I got him up and immediately put him in his high chair for breakfast. He didn't seem to mind at all! And it has been the same ever since. It is bittersweet for me. I enjoyed having him nurse, as it was pretty much the only time my active little boy would lay still in my arms. But it was definitely time.
It is funny how even at such a young age he has developed preferences. Here are pictures of two of his favorite things. In the first one he is licking the butter off a piece of toast. It was funny to watch him eat: he would lick the toast, then take a bite. Then repeat. And the second picture is him emptying out my tupperware cabinet! He tries to do it at least on a daily basis... I can't wait until he is able to clean them up :)

Go with the flow...

I like routines. Maybe a little too much. But one thing I am learning as a parent is that while my routines and plans are usually good, there are definitely times when I have to just go with the flow. Chris's routine has really been changing lately. He dropped his morning nap a few weeks ago, which for me meant that I had to readjust and find a new time to take my shower! And while I would like to wean him, he has persisted in waking up around 5:30 to nurse. (we've tried just letting him cry... it didn't work!) However, even that habit may be on it's way out, as he has slept through until about 6:45 the past few days.
I've also been learning more tricks for entertaining him. Chris is not exactly an easy, passive child. He is full of energy, needs constant entertainment, and is definitely a "people person". He does not like to play alone, even for 5 minutes! So usually I spend a good part of the day attempting to get some chores accomplished while he follows me around screaming - until I stop and play with him. But, I have picked up on some tricks. For one, Baby Einstein videos. He loves them! He'll sit in his playpen quite happily to watch them. We only have 4, so we rotate them. I only let him watch 2 a day, but those videos are my sanity!
And then there are days like today... which has been absolutely wonderful. Whereas normally I have to entertain him EVERY SECOND, today he's been playing with his toys without fussing at all! I even took him to a restaurant to meet a friend for lunch and got to enjoy myself, because he sat and ate his food without a peep. However, even though not every day is peaceful, I still love being Chris's mom. He is a beautiful little boy, and loves to play and laugh. It is such fun to get down on the ground with him and play with trucks with him (his favorite toy), and he also loves being read to. He is getting better at walking, and seems to love "practicing" on tricky surfaces, such as grass. In fact, I've realized how stubborn he is: when he discovers a new place that is hard to walk on, he wants to do it over and over until he can keep his balance. What a good example for when I am encountering a challenge in my life!
Speaking of challenges, for some time I have had an interest in photography. And it looks like God is opening the door for me to pursue this further. If you'd like to see a little more, check out my other blog here.

watching Baby Einstein

Priceless...
Chris ADORES the vacuum cleaner...
My funny little man.
Please come and play with me!

The CUTEST Monkey ever!

Ever since Chris was born, he's been my little monkey. So when I saw the monkey costume in the store for Halloween, I could not resist! Of course, he's a bit too young for trick-or-treating. But I dressed him up anyway yesterday afternoon and let him wander around outside, which he absolutely LOVED. I wasn't home when the trick-or-treaters started coming around, but apparently it was quite an evening for Mark. Every time kids came to the door (which in our neighborhood is about every 2.5 seconds) Chris would pitch a fit because he wanted to go outside, too. But by that time, it was getting too dark and late to let him out (all he wants to do outside is wander in the street!). Here's a few pictures of him in his costume...

I hope you all had a fun holiday!