10 months old

How big is Jake?

So big!!!

Fun sleeping position

Those big boys are SO cool!

Jake is on the move!

Guess who just pulled up on the couch?

This guy!  He also tried (but coughed and gagged on) puffs today. 

Ben's missing tooth

Ben Lost His First Tooth!

In other HUGE news today, Mr. B finally got a loose tooth out that he's been praying about and wiggling for quite some time.  He allowed me to pull it this morning while he sat on our bed.  I used gauze to get a better grip (a trick I learned and perfected with Kate's stubborn teeth), but it took the tiniest tug and almost didn't even bleed when it came out.  He carried the tooth around quite a bit today and just felt so big. 

I've been feeling like Ben needs a lot of extra love, hugs, and encouragement lately.  He is doing so great in all of his school subjects and he's capable of doing his simple assigned chores, but he's just having trouble staying focused and is actually trying to disappear for a while so he can get away with doing nothing.  I have been very lenient on his schoolwork since he's so young, but I have had to stay on him a bit so that he will complete the things that are really important.  He's also doing a bit of picking at other people who are trying to do the right thing.  I have to fuss at him enough and I am trying so hard to love on him and tell him how special/wonderful he is way more than I have to fuss.  Some days I do better than others, but I'm trying.  He is taking a lot of pride in baseball right now, so it's great (and easy) to encourage him because he's doing so well in the older league and trying so hard.  The last game he played, he was having trouble chopping down on the ball so we stayed after to work on a flat swing.  He still hit several balls off the pitch and he also caught a couple of really hard hits in the field.  I just think that if he can stay determined and not give up, he will be a really great athlete.  I tell him that all the time, but it must be difficult from his perspective because he competes with Drew so often.  

Ben is reading at a really, really high level, but I don't think he's able to comprehend more complex stories.  He's able to sound out just about any strange word he encounters.  He is doing great in math and is able to add (and subtract some too) really well in his head.   I added scissors practice for both boys a couple of months ago and he really enjoys doing that.  

Sometimes he calls my name a couple of times in a row in the middle of a lot of chaos and when I'm finally able to answer him, all he wants to say is, "I love you Mommy."  He has such a sweet little heart. 

I also gave him his first piano lessons the other day.  He still sings practically nonstop every day (his current favorite song is "Oceans"). He told me that he asked his STOMP (children's choir) teacher if they could sing Oceans and he could do the solo.  He told me that he didn't think the teacher heard him and that he would ask again soon.  He's so precious.  

When Ben gets in trouble right now, it's because he is picking at someone else, not obeying, or loudly grunting an answer to someone (usually us) in a pouting voice.  His consequence is usually push-ups or squats unless he's not getting along with someone in particular and then his consequence is holding hands or hugging that person for a certain period of time.  

Ben went back to the eye doctor last week and they said his weaker eye is still improving, but it's still not the same as the other eye, so he has to wear his patch for another 3 months.  He has been so tough and hard working for a 5 year old.  I think most adults would have quit by now or would really complain.  Once I am able to get it onto his eye, he just goes about his business.

We're also dealing with his cradle cap by doing some oil at night and then using a special shampoo in the morning.  He has to wear a shower cap to bed to keep from ruining his sheets and pillow.  Again, he's an amazing trooper!  We are praying that this medicine/system works to rid him of cradle cap forever!

Oh how I love my Ben. 

Jake is on the move and other Jake updates

He's not crawling yet, but he definitely took a big leap (so to speak) forward with his creeping.  He's able to cover a pretty good radius around where you set him down.  In other news, I'm pretty sure he is actually referring to me when he says "ma ma ma" and that he's referring to Chris when he says "da da da".  If that's the case, "Ma ma ma ma ma...." was his first word and "Da da da da da..." came a couple of weeks later.

He has also done this cute little wave thing for a while that's a little different from a wave.  It's his 'come hither' call when he wants you to come and pick him up.  

I'm really not happy that my baby is turning into a big boy.  I can honestly say that God has allowed me to really enjoy him.  I didn't get to completely enjoy the others when they were babies because of anxieties, fears, being busy caring for lots of kids at once, and other things.  I hope it doesn't come across that I didn't enjoy them - I totally did - but I just have a different peace, confidence, and contentment now.  The other really special thing about Jake being a bit removed from the others in age is getting to watch his big sister and brothers care for him and enjoy him.  I can't remember a time when I asked someone to hold or sit with Jake so I could do something and I didn't have multiple volunteers to choose from.  I am so thankful that God's timing is perfect.  We waited and prayed for Mr. Jake for 4 years and I really believe that God had us wait so we could really enjoy all of the kids a bit more.  

Do what the Jakey Does

A favorite game most mornings