Mitch Barnhart and Billy Gillispie!

8 month updates

Isaac is now 8 1/2 months old. It's so hard to believe how fast he is growing. Just wanted to mention the most recent updates. He now has 3 teeth. They are so cute, but the cutting of the teeth has definitely made him fussy and clingy. I know I have mentioned this in a previous post, but he is officially sleeping through the night. He had started sleeping through the night off and on...but every time he got an ear infection, was cutting a tooth, etc, it seemed like we had to start all over again. So we decided to follow the Ferber method, and now he goes to sleep on his own (without being fed, using a pacifier, being held, being rocked, etc) and sleeping from 8:30 to 7:00am. Praise God for that!!! We're still having trouble getting him to self soothe when taking naps. If anyone has suggestions, I am willing to hear them.

Isaac was starting to get mistaken for a little girl, so we decided it was definitely time for another haircut. This time, Adam took a lot off the back, so he looks like a little boy now instead of a baby! He looks so handsome!!!

As far as his motor skills go, he is really developing well. He is able to stand without holding onto anything (for short periods of time). He is also taking 5-6 steps without holding onto anything, before falling. It is so fun helping him learn to walk. He has a little toy that he walks with, and just loves it!

We have started Kindermusik and been attending the program at the library. He really seems to enjoy the activities, such as the music, playing baby instruments, looking at books and hearing stories, playing with the other kids (or shall I say, playing next to the other kids). It is so funny, many times he hears music (whether it's on the radio, watching American Idol, or in Kindermusik), he sings along (with random babbles). He's still not saying any definite words. It sounds like he is saying "hi," but we are not completely sure. He is giving high fives sometimes too, which is a lot of fun. I believe the funniest thing he does is bounce up and down, when we say the word bounce. He just bounces with the biggest smile on his face.

Well, those are the positives with Isaac lately. The negatives...as I mentioned before, include his fussiness and clinginess. I am so glad he wants to be with me and seems to love us; however, it is making it difficult to leave him anywhere (such as MOPS or the YMCA). The past 2 times I went to the YMCA, the childcare people had to come get me after about 20 minutes. This is another area I am open to hear advice...if anyone knows what to do about this or has experienced it themselves.

We do love our little man, and enjoy each day with him. Life is such an adventure with him. Even though caring for little ones is difficult, there is nothing like holding that precious child in my arms! We thank God each day for giving us Isaac. What a blessing he is to us!

Pictures are to come soon!

On the Move

Isaac has made good progress with his motor function since our last post, about 1 month ago. He is crawling all over the place now. He follows us everywhere, pulls himself up by grabbing our legs or furniture, and is walking around the furniture. He is definitely "on the move." There have been several instances where he would pull himself up and then remain standing without holding on for a few seconds. He's still trying to figure out how to balance himself in standing without holding on to something. Today he was able to take one step with his left foot before falling. It's funny how he likes to hear every conversation. He definitely wants to be in the action and know what's going on around him. Another interest he has is electronics, which he gets from his daddy. He loves computer keyboards, wires, remote controls, cell phones, and basically anything else he can get his little hands on.

He has started to have some minor attachment issues. I have found it difficult to leave him places now...such as church and the gym. For some reason, he will not take a bottle from anyone other than family. He is fine when I leave, but has been a little extra fussy lately. In contrast, at home and at grandparents' houses...he is extremely happy and is mostly all smiles. He is inconsistently sleeping through the night now. Most nights he is sleeping all night; however, we have 2-3 nights a week where is doesn't quite make it. We'll take what we can get!!! When he doesn't sleep, he lets us know as he yells and walks around his crib. As far as eating goes, he has liked all the baby foods so far, except turkey and cereal puffs (which he just tried today and acted like he was going to gag on both of these foods). We did try to feed him a pureed banana, and he did not seem to care for it. We are trying to get him to drink water from a sippy cup, but have not had much success with that yet. Maybe these things will grow on him once he gets used to them.