Our "Normal" Day

We've finally gotten to the place where Joel is consistently following a daily routine. He is a pretty flexible baby, so the times in our routine often change. He does, however, follow a similar schedule each day. I wanted to write it down, so that I can refer back to it with other children. I think it will be interesting to see what our other kiddos are like when it comes to sleep and scheduling. In my humble opinion, every baby is different. Some babies need rigid schedules, while others are successful on more flexible routines. It all depends on the family and the child. I'm interested to see how our next babes will be! 

All of these times are approximate. If Joel wakes up a little earlier, the whole routine moves up. If he wakes up later, the whole routine moves back.

6 AM: Nurse and change diaper, say "hi" and "bye" to dad, put back in crib

9 AM: Wakes up and nurses

11 AM: First meal (usually fruit and Cheerios/crackers/breakfast bread)

12 PM: First nap (I get work done)

1 or 2 PM: Nurse and second meal (usually whatever I'm eating for lunch ... rice, chicken, veggies, noodles, etc.)

4 PM: Nurse and second nap (I get work done and make dinner)

6 PM: Wakes up and eats dinner (usually vegetables and some of what we're having)

8 PM: Nurse

8:30 - 9:30 PM: Bedtime routine (bath, book, nurse, brush teeth, bed ... aka the five B's)

Yes; he goes to bed "late" and wakes up "late," but it works for us! It allows me to get things done in the morning and allows Adam to see Joel for an extended period of time at night. It also allows us to stay out late(ish). On the other hand, it does not work well when we have to be out of the house early in the morning. Of course, this will allllll change when I start working out of the home again and when we have more kids! Such is life!

:

Ten Month Update

I haven't written in a while and have a lot of updates on Joel. It's crazy how time passes! Joel is

• Drinking from a sippy cup
• Self-feeding solids
• Nursing five to six times per day
• Typically taking two naps per day for a total of two to three hours 
• Giving high fives
• Waving bye-bye
• Following one-step commands
• Understanding (but testing) the words "don't" and "no"
• Saying "mama" and dada"
• Trying to dip his spoon into food (sometimes successfully)
• Feeding himself with a spoon (but often not getting all of the food off before pulling it out)
• Enjoying peek-a-boo
• Singing/squealing in the back seat of the car
• Sleeping 10-12 hours per night with one morning feeding
• Walking everywhere
• Learning to walk in shoes in public
• "Petting" animals
• Nodding "yes" and "no"
• Looking for objects after they are taken away from him
• Glancing at mom for approval when meeting new people
• Still loving to turn the pages of a book and "tell the story"/babble
• Taking things apart
• Sneaking up the stairs
• Clapping
• Finding and plugging in the outlet protectors when we've forgotten to put them back in (OH MY!)
• Trying to share his food with others (including inanimate objects)
• Getting and bringing back objects (including a ball)

I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but that was a pretty good start. As for me, I am enjoying every precious minute with my little guy. I love the roles of nose-wiper, diaper-changer, grape-peeler, food-slicer, hand-holder, picker-upper, protector, playmate, teacher, etc. I am very thankful for the provision of being able to work at home this year!

A perfect fall day

First Halloween