Monthly Update: Month 11

We officially only have one more month (as of 5/28/14) until Sebastian is technically no longer a baby (wah! big sigh!)!  We had so much fun this month!  Not only did he take his first airplane ride and vacation (more in a separate post) but a lot of learning and exploring took place, as well.  On top of all that, this is the first time we really noticed an obvious growth spurt and he is truly looking more like a toddler these days. (Note: For this irrational mommy, toddler = adult who will leave the house at any moment and no longer need me!)  ;) 

• Sebastian sprouted one more tooth this month - officially increasing the amount to 8 teeth!  It still cracks us up to see him with his big toothy smile!  We're also trying to make more of an effort to brush his teeth regularly.  Luckily, he seems to like his Tom's Silly Strawberry toothpaste and banana shaped toothbrush.  
• He stood up unassisted for the first time... well, I think he does it at school all the time but I saw it for the first time at home.  
• Sadly, I found out that "mama" doesn't mean me!  :(  I guess I always knew that but we discovered in Hawaii that mama/meh/mel means he's hungry and wants his milk pronto!  Additionally, his other means of communicating with us now include saying "mo" for more (this is especially prevalent during meal times) and pointing at stuff he wants or the direction he wants to go.
• He is continuing to master walking with his Learning Farm Walker - he can get around pretty fast nowadays.  Now if he could only figure out how to turn around and also not bump into the walls...
• This guy is a clapping maniac. He randomly likes to start clapping and does so with the biggest smile on his face.  He will also clap on demand.  During bedtime, he likes to grab both of my hands and clap them causing him to crack up into a fit of giggles.  ;)   
• He bangs on EVERYTHING.  I realize this isn't a unique trait but just thought I'd mention it for documentation purposes.  ;)  We noticed that when he's super tired he'll start banging on his head (and pretty hard, too).  Kinda makes him look a little crazy so we're trying to stop that habit!  :)
• Sebastian is a fan of drinking pool and bath water - which means he's probably drinking his own pee too!  Again, another habit we're trying to break!  
• He thinks inflicting pain on us is the funniest thing in the whole entire world.  With so many teeth, we are definitely feeling the pain!  We've got to do a better job of not showing our pain because I'm sure its our facial expressions and noises that amuse him. 
• Although he admittedly is still smaller than most kids in his class, we have noticed a big growth spurt this month.  His limbs are longer and he's harder to carry around for long periods of time.  Seriously, he looks like a boy now.  He was never really a chubby baby with crazy, squishy rolls but with him being so active these days, any of the chub he did have is pretty much gone.  :( 
• Sebastian is very interested in Pookie - he could be fast asleep but when she walks into his nursery, he'll perk right up to see her.  He likes to pet her, grab her ears, and loves it when she licks his hands and face.  Unfortunately, he doesn't know his own strength and sometimes his "petting" looks more like hitting so we'll have to teach him how to be more gentle.  Luckily, she's really good with him and doesn't get as annoyed with his antics as she used to.  Such a sweet pair!
• He will wave at anything - people, toys, the TV, even his own reflection in the mirror.  He seems to be pretty outgoing and loves to sit and people watch like his mama!  :) 
• We learned that cheerios will keep him quiet and content so you can be sure that we've invested in a large box!  ;) 
• He can go up the stairs super fast and seems to be fearless!  He doesn't know how to (safely) go down the stairs yet so we definitely have to watch him like a hawk! 
• He got his first baby tan from our time in Hawaii… actually, it was more like a farmer's tan!  You can't tell in pictures but the parts where he is a little chubbier and fat folds over are still his normal skin color. So freaking cute.  Don't worry, we were slathering on that sunscreen like crazy!  

Monthly Update: Month 10

We are officially in the double digit months!  Sebastian's little personality shows itself more and more each day - it's been so fun to see it emerge!  Such a fun age!  :)  Here is what Sebastian was up to this month:

• This kid has a mouth full of choppers!  He is now up to 7 teeth - 4 on top and 3 on the bottom. So crazy to see and hard to get used to!  The good news is that after his first two popped up on the bottom, the pain doesn't seem as bad for him (or at least that's the story I've made up in my head). 
• Sebastian continues to be an awesome eater but we gotta make sure he's fed on time because otherwise he gets HANGRY!  He's seriously like a human garbage disposal.  We will be broke when he starts eating normal portions!  He likes most things and when we get his "report card" after each school day, his teachers always report that he ate everything that was served!  He really seems to like soup - especially pho!  Now, if we could only get him to stop touching his hair and ears while eating... he is quite the hot mess after each meal.  
• He loves being up on his feet and is shuffling sideways when holding on to tables, chairs, our legs… just about anything!  He even tries to stand up while taking a bath or in mid-crawl.  I know I keep saying this but seriously, it really is only a matter of time before he starts walking on his own.  Also, now that he is on his feet more often he has graduated from just wearing socks to wearing soft soled shoes! 
• Sebastian's newest "trick" is blowing farts on our bare skin - we all think its the funniest thing ever.  And yes, we get amused easily!  ;)
• He is getting big and is finally wearing size 3 diapers - it seemed like he had plateaued at size 2 for a long time! He's still mainly wearing 6 month clothing but finally started to fit into some of his 9 month stuff.  Unfortunately, most clothing brands lump 6-12 months as a pant/jean size... such a big range, why do they do that?!  Anyway, that size is starting to get short for him but the next size up is way too big.  I guess he might have to be in "high waters" for a little bit.  At least its almost summertime so he can wear shorts instead and bypass the length issue!
• It looks like he may take after his daddy with his sweet dance moves!  ;)  He likes to shake his head vigorously while bouncing up and down on his legs.  If he's feeling fancy and securely propped up against something he'll even throw up his arms.  Cutest thing ever!
• He reaches out for us and I love it!  Well, he reaches out for the people he is most familiar with and who he wants to hold him.  Of course he does this for me and David but also for both of his grandmas, sometimes the grandpas, and the director of his school, Miss Kathy.  BUT, I like to think that he reaches out for me and actively seeks me out the most. 
• He has transitioned to his big boy car seat (still rear facing)!  In truth, we sometimes miss the convenience of being able to leave him in his car seat when he falls asleep but he seems so much happier having more room.  In addition, his new car seat looks so comfy and padded... I kinda wish they had an adult version I can crawl into!  ;)   
• Sebastian is officially sleeping in his own room and crib... yay!  :)  It is amazing how spacious our bedroom feels without his pack and play by our bed. Bedtime continues to be in the 6:00-7:00 PM timeframe and unfortunately still wakes up often in the wee hours of the morning for milk or comforting.  Speaking of bedtime... this is one of my favorite times to spend with him and is my special job each night.  With work and his early bedtime, it feels like we don't get to spend nearly enough time with him while he's awake so I do enjoy the time we spend together before he falls asleep. (His special time with daddy is his bath time.)  We usually cuddle together in his rocking chair, say a little prayer, sing songs, and of course he drinks a bottle or two.  He's very aware of his hands these days so he usually likes to touch my face, hair, or interlock his fingers with mine.  Its hard not to just stare and watch as he's peacefully sleeping in my arms... so sweet!

Monthly Update: Month 9

I can't believe my little buddy has been out in the real world for as long as he was in my belly!  Wow. The nine months leading up to Sebastian's birth seriously felt like FOREVER! Conversely, the last nine months have been a blur!  I almost can't remember what it was like without the little munchkin  in our lives.  Here's what he's been up to this month: 

• Our little man is extra talkative these days (daddy thinks he must take after mommy) so we call him Mr. Blah Blah - his favorite "word"  ;)  Towards the middle of the month (around David's birthday), he officially started saying "Dada" - although I don't think he associates the word with David yet because sometimes I'll leave the room and he'll start screaming "Dada" until I return.  ;)  I am also happy to report that he doesn't discriminate and is also saying "mama" now; although not as frequent as dada.
• He tried "meat" for the first time this month and loves it (chicken and turkey)!  We always try to taste his food pouches whenever its a new flavor and wow... the meat ones are not so yummy.  As long as he eats them, we're good!    
• Sebastian started partaking in school-offered lunches this month!  His first meal consisted of bananas and green beans! His teachers say he is a really good eater!  
• He tried spaghetti for the first time!  We cut the noodles up really small and put them on his little dinosaur plate to pick up with his hands.  In order to minimize mess, we tried to put saran wrap over his high chair tray but that didn't work out as well as we had hoped.  ;)  All in all, I'd say most of it ended up in his lap but I think he really enjoyed it.  :) 
• Sebastian is doing the "normal" crawl now - he's finally figured out how to incorporate his legs!  :) Man, is he super quick!  He still likes to stand every chance he gets.  Its only a matter of time before he starts walking... crazy!
• He seems to favor the color yellow - he'll have a pile of toys in front of him and he'll always pick up the yellow ones to chew and hang on to. 
• He loves to make big splashes during bath time - still loving the water!
• He has two new upper teeth to keep his bottom teeth company!  He likes to grind them - it is the worst sound EVER!
• Sebastian loves to blow raspberries on David's shoulder.  Its hard to believe such a little dude can produce SO much drool! :) 
• He's exhibited a couple instances of stranger danger - sadly, it was with family members he's seen multiple times.  But, I gotta admit, I do love it when he automatically looks for me and reaches out for me to grab him.  :) 
• Sebastian is sleeping SO much better these days!  He used to take super long naps after daycare (4:30-7:00 PM) in his car seat but after suggestions from a couple friends, we no longer let him nap past 5:00 PM.  His bedtime is now between 5:30 and 7:00 PM.  Although he does need to eat in the middle of the night and does a little whining/whimpering thing around 1:30 AM every day (and some times each subsequent hour or so thereafter), we've noticed that going to bed early makes him happy!  Oops... makes me feel a little guilty that we were "depriving" him of sleep for so long with an original bed time of about 9:30 PM.  I'm glad we finally figured it out!
• Here are the stats from his 9-month check-up: 
• Height: 72 cm (58th percentile - What?! Pretty good for a lil' Kopino!)
• Weight: 16.9 lbs (6th percentile)
• PS. Can you tell that both Sebastian and Pookie were SUPER tired in this photo shoot?! ;)  We had a tough time getting a good shot because neither one were in the mood and just sat there blankly for the most part.  Oh well!  

Monthly Update: Month 8

Wow. Our baby is 8 months old!  Is it weird to feel like the world is going in hyper speed and to have a fear that blinking would result in seeing a big boy or man in front of me?  Obviously I'm being overly dramatic but I do feel like that sometimes!  I say this every month, but time is going too, too fast! Here's what Mr. Sebastian was up to this month: 

• Sebastian started standing up on his own this month!  He is definitely very pleased with this newly acquired skill and is practicing every chance he gets!  When he's propped up against a table or toy he's even able to make mini steps sideways.  The look on his face is priceless - SO proud!  :) This is both awesome and scary at the same time!  As I keep saying... we REALLY need to baby proof - especially for our little daredevil!
• We lowered his crib a notch - even if he's not sleeping in there at night he does nap in there from time to time!
• This month he started doing this thing with his mouth - a cross between blowing raspberries and trying to make bubbles (is that the same thing?!). Super cute and super wet! ;) 
• He's beginning to practice "talking" - he currently says "ba ba ba ba" a lot - sometimes it sounds like "da da".  We also like to have shouting matches from time to time.  ;) 
• He's loves Mr. Wubba again! ;) 
• He can eat a whole food pouch in one sitting - and mixed with some oatmeal!  We can't believe how much this kid can eat!  We hope this means he'll be a good eater and won't be ridiculously picky like his mommy.  
• He has always enjoyed bath time but we're letting him stay in his tub a little longer so he can play with his toys.  His favorite bath toy is a little turtle squirter.  He clings to the thing as if its the most precious thing in the world.  Watch out if it ever floats away!  ;)  We also removed the little bump in his whale tub since he's able to sit up on his own.  We can't believe how big he looks in the tub now!
• Sebastian has legit play times now.  I know he has play time at school but prior to now we could get away with keeping him entertained on our laps at home.  Now, after his naps, we spread out the blankets and various toys so he can play for a couple hours.  Our living room looks like a toy store exploded - definitely a hazard for this clumsy mama! 
• There are some mornings when he's wide awake while we're getting ready for work.  If that's the case, then he hangs out with us in the bathroom in his walker while he watches the Mickey Mouse Club.  The two of us always have a dance party when The Hot Dog song comes on at the end. So catchy and so fun!  :)  After MMC is Doc McStuffins - he is not so much a fan of that show so then he occupies his time by trying to run over our feet with his walker.  ;) 
• We are beginning to see signs of "jealousy" with this kid; especially for my attention.  Actually, sister Pookie has been exhibiting similar behavior lately.  When we're on the floor for play time, Pookie will strategically place herself in between me and the baby so I can pet her and give her all my love and attention. As soon as that happens, Sebastian immediately stops whatever he's doing and army crawls around Pookie and starts climbing on me with a quickness while kicking her away in the process.  I feel so loved and wanted but dang, sharing is caring! :) Another thing they do is gravitate towards one another's toys. If we're not paying attention, Pookie will have one of Sebastian's stuffed animals in her mouth and Sebastian will be gnawing on her Kong. ;) 
• As you can tell from the pictures below, it is getting harder and harder to get him to sit still long enough to take a photo!  Ugh!  I always get all sweaty after trying to wrestle him into his spot and every time we have to change his diaper or get him dressed!

Monthly Update: Month 7

Wow, SO much has happened for Sebastian developmentally this month!  Its been so much fun watching him learn and experience new things every day!  :) Here are some of the standouts from month 7: 

• His most favorite thing in this world is his jumperoo!  We got it for him after Christmas and it has already paid for itself!  He always has the biggest smile on his face when he's in his jumperoo seat and has bounced happily for almost an hour a few times now.
• He can now reach the ground with his walker and has finally figured out how to move forward in it!  
• Sebastian had his first "real food" this month - rice cereal mixed with milk.  Granted, the majority of it was all over his face and bib, but we think he was able to ingest at least a little bit!  ;)  By the end of this month, he has also tried and liked mashed banana, mum mums, oatmeal, yogurt melts, and various mixed fruit/veggie pouches. He also tried puffs but does not like those so much (I really don't know why though - I think they're good!)!  Every time he eats something he always gives a bitter beer face whether he likes the food or not.  :)  But, you can tell he likes it when he takes his little hand and repeatedly slams it on his high chair to signal he wants more...  ;)  
• Daddy was unexpectedly sent on a business trip to Tennessee this month leaving mommy and the two babies alone.  It was tough having daddy away but we managed to keep in touch via Skype everyday. Big THANKS to both of Sebastian's grannies who came over to help - David's mom came over in the morning before work/school and my mom came over at night.  They helped with the baby (who makes a stink if he's put down or not entertained) so I could pump and do all the necessary baby-related prepping.  
• He can now sit up on his own unassisted.  I know I'm biased but he looks so cute when he does it! Such a little man!  :) 
• We've got a mover and a shaker!  Sebastian has mastered the art of the army crawl and is much more mobile.  His upper body strength is quite impressive.  :)  He can get up to the normal crawling position but hasn't figured out how to do it yet... it'll happen soon though so we really need to baby proof!
• He has officially outgrown his bassinet (tear) and is now sleeping in his pack and play next to our bed. He's been pulling himself up on the sides a lot and appears to be very interested in the ground below so we're gonna have to remove the middle section very soon.  After that, the next stop will be his crib (and sleep training - mommy, daddy, and sister Pookie are so, so tired)!