8 Months

Well, it's time to report on the growth of my little Natey Nate. After last month's somewhat controversial post, I would like to say that Nate is sleeping like a dream now, but he's not. However, it has definitely improved! Two weeks ago, I, with the support of my husband decided that it was time to let the boy "cry it out". I had tried this in the past, but there always seemed to be something that would make me cave. Sickness, hectic day, etc. But after much agonizing and feeling like nothing else was working I got firm and let him cry in his crib until he fell asleep. The first night he cried for an hour and fifteen minutes, though it felt like much longer! He stands up in his crib now and I would go in every 10 - 15 minutes and lay him down, tell him to go to sleep and leave. The following naps/bedtimes he would cry for about half hour to 45 minutes. He was pretty stubborn. But after about 4 days, he would only cry for about 5 minutes or less. Since then, he on occasion still carries on, but for the most part he actually goes down for naps and bedtime pretty easy. Now the next step is to figure out how to get him to sleep longer than a half hour for naps! Not to mention, he still wakes several times to eat at night. And wakes very early in the morning, so although there is improvement, Chance and I are still pretty tired. It's getting to the point where we argue over who is getting more sleep! Which makes me think, isn't Nate tired???

Okay, so on to the cute stuff, because this boy is a cutie. His personality is really starting to come out! He loves to climb on everything and he gets this really funny look when he gets excited or has his eye on something. His face scrunches up and he starts breathing hard, it's funny. It looks something like this...

When you see that face (above) you know you are in trouble!

He has his moments were he decides to cuddle which is so cute! He just lays his head against your chest and snuggles. Often times it when someone else is talking to him. It's like he decides to get bashful.

He's a little stinker, always grabbing at stuff and people (including his wonderful sport of a brother, Luke). He will crawl over and on to you when he decides he wants to be held.

He weighs 20 lbs now, quite the "bruiser" as his Grandpa Jim calls him.

He finds whatever he can to work on his skills, and his pretty fearless. He's already started climbing the stairs. He uses his new toy as a walker...

He'll chase Luke around on the floor playing "tag". He really likes to be involved with whatever is going on, but he's also a happy spectator to Luke's performances. He's very loving and curious. Love you Naters!