Baby Jack is Three Months

Baby Jack, Jack Attack, Jackie, Pupp-a-doo, Pu-do...all names that Jackson has acquired over the last three months. I can't believe it has already been that long. The time is really going too quickly. Jackson is getting bigger and stronger every day, and I desperately want to keep him a tiny baby. I know all too well how quickly he is going to grow up, and despite our tough start, I really do wish he could stay a baby forever.

Jackson has the most beautiful smile and sweetest personality. He greets people with a big grin and loves to be talked to. After he eats, we usually have our best conversations. We go back and forth "talking" to each other, mostly saying "goo" over and over. It is one of my favorite times with him. I need to record our conversations soon so that I will always be able to listen to those beautiful sounds. Another fantastic sound that we heard for the first time two weeks ago was laughter. Jackson was sitting in his swing, and I was describing to Nick how Jackson thrashes around in his sleep and grunts. I was acting this out, and apparently Jack thought it was too funny. Please don't think that I have lost my mind if you see me grunting and throwing my head back and forth - I'll do just about anything to hear a baby laugh! I love how social Jackson has become. He squeals, shrieks, coos, goos, and ahhs all the time.

Baby Jack loves to stand and is doing so well supporting his weight. He is also getting better at holding his head up. He hates tummy time and will just bury his face in the ground and fuss. I hold him over my shoulder in order to help him strengthen his neck. Because of the reflux, Jack's time on the ground is limited. He spends a lot of time being held up-right, in his swing, or in a bouncy seat in order to help his tummy troubles. This will probably delay rolling over, but that is okay by me. I am in NO hurry to have him mobile.

Jackson has many loves. His favorite toy is a stuffed elephant. His face lights up when he sees it, and he kicks his little legs and flails his arms every time. Another love are his play mats. He can't spend too much time on them because he is on his back, but he really does enjoy his time staring up at the toys suspended above him. We put Jack in the Bumbo seat for the first time the other day, and I need to see if it will fit on the mats so that he can play while sitting up. Unlike most babies, Jackson likes to get his diaper changed and have his clothes put on. I think he really enjoys being able to see the person changing him and likes the feeling of being naked. Last, but not least, Jackson LOVES his swing. I think he would sit in it all day if we let him. He watches the mobile and mirror above his head and sits back and relaxes. Jack is a big fan of being around other people. He likes to be held and is not keen on being left alone for long. When he gets upset, we take him for walks around the house and let him look at the pictures that we have hanging on the walls. He seems to like contrasting colors. Another thing he likes to look at on ours walks is the mirror. He sure does like to look at himself and the person holding him.

What does Baby Jack hate, you might ask? One word - Car. How is it that I managed to produce the two babies who absolutely hate the car? Charlie screamed bloody murder for the better part of his first year, and Jackson is following suit with his brother. The mere act of placing him in the car seat sets him off. If we can keep moving continuously, there is a small glimmer of hope that we can keep him happy for a while. But, we have not had a tear free car ride in a long time.

Jackson got the all clear for thrush at the doctor on Monday, so we are still nursing. He gets one formula bottle before he goes down for the night. This seems to keep him full longer, and he has been sleeping for 6 hours, followed by 3 hour stretches. It is recommended that reflux babies sleep on a 30 degree angle. This is difficult in the crib because Jack either rolls to the side or slides down into his swaddle so that it covers his face. The only way to get him on such a high angle and keep him in one place is to let him sleep in his swing. So, that is where Baby Jack spends his nights. It is definitely not what I had envisioned for baby number two, but if it keeps him happy and out of pain, then I will do it as long as necessary. He does nap in his crib because I can monitor him and it is for a shorter time. He usually only naps for 30-45 minutes. I am trying to encourage him to stay awake longer during the day, but he still seems to get tired after 60-90 minutes of being awake. This means he still takes 5+ naps a day.