9 months

At 9 months old Jackson is still a joy.

• He went to his well-check and everything looks great.  His weight is 20 lbs. 8 oz. (66th percentile), his height is 27 1/2 inches (17th percentile), and head is 89th percentile. It's good to see he's growing into that giant noggin, since at his last check up it was the 95th percentile.
• He got tooth #3 two weeks ago and tooth #4 last week.
• His sleep habits are regular: in bed at about 8, up to feed between 4-5, and up for the day at 7-8.
• He loves to eat.  We are transitioning to three meals a day, and he loves puffs and cheerios.
• He finally sits independently.  I can sit him down, give him some baby toys, and he is entertained for quite awhile.
• He doesn't crawl yet, but can roll, wiggle, and scoot across a room.

As soon as he could sit, I made an appointment to get some pictures taken at Camera Shy.  They turned out great.  They normally give you a disc with about 60 pictures, but Jackson was so cooperative we left with 100!  I have done my best to narrow down some to show you.

Preschool

Last week the twins finally started preschool.  I told my mom that my real requirements for a preschool were
1.  I needed to get them out of the house and give me a bit of a break,
2.  I wanted it near our house, and
3.  I wanted them to learn to follow directions. 
If they learned letters and numbers too, that was just a bonus.  I think we have chosen a great school, that fits all my requirements and just may fit my bonus items too.

Carter

Brady

The boys were so excited for their first day.  (Day 2 was crazy with them running around outside before school while I tried to feed Jackson and then crying when it was time to be dropped off. We'll see how tomorrow goes.)  They loved their backpacks, getting new doggie shirts, and going to school like Tyler.  

I am so pleased with these boys.  I went in to check on them before I came into bed tonight, and I was just overcome with emotion.  Granted, at least once I day I feel like screaming because they can be so crazy, but overall they are my sweet boys.  Sometimes I can't believe how blessed I am to have them in my life, and how lucky we are that God worked this miracle to bring them to our family.

8 months old

I love this boy.

Some things about Jackson at 8 months old.

• I love the way he sleeps; he automatically rolls onto his tummy and tucks his arms and legs up under him.
• When he's tired, and eating a bottle, he puts one or both hands over his eyes.  He's done this for quite awhile now.
• When he's about to fall asleep, he makes this quiet moaning sound.  So if we're driving in the car, and he starts making it, I know he'll be asleep when we get home.
• Poor boy is not on a schedule the way his brothers were.  That's what happens when you are the fourth.  His basic schedule is sleep from 8 or 9 at night to 7 or 8 in the morning, but with one feeding in there about 5 or so. He will have either one long nap or two small ones, depending on what we have going on that day.  
• He loves toys.  He loves to hold rattles and teethers and even things that aren't toys.
• He is still so happy.  He gives smiles away to everyone.
• He is being so slow to sit independently.  But he loves to hold on to your hands and "stand" in your lap.  He has wanted to "stand" since long before he had the muscle strength to do so.
• He's getting around lately and can roll and wiggle across the room.
• He plays patty cake and will give fives.  He also plays with his own fingers and opens and closes his fists.
• He's a pretty good eater.  He gets fruit and cereal for breakfast, which he loves.  He's not as keen on the veggies, but will eat them.  Except for green beans.  I haven't been able to get him to finish a serving of beans.
• He loves his brothers.  The twins love to give him hugs and make him smile.  Tyler is also good at entertaining him.
• I love his last feeding of the day, when he is sleepy, and takes his bottle, and will snuggle with me.  I love him.

And a few from last month: