It seems that we have at last gotten Jackson's reflux under control. He does not have any more symptoms and is so much happier. I took him for his swallow test a couple of weeks ago, and he is breathing and swallowing perfectly. The gagging that he was experiencing was just a side effect of the reflux as opposed to a structural abnormality. It was a great relief to hear that. Jackson being healthy has caused a complete 180 in his personality this last month. He is now the smiling, cooing, happy baby that I knew he was. It still makes me sad to think that his first few months were so painful for him, but the important thing is that he is healthy and happy now. We have entire days without crying spells where the only times he gets fussy is if he is sleepy or hungry. It is beyond wonderful!
In addition to Jackson's great mood, he has also changed a lot physically. His hair has almost completely fallen out with the exception of a slight mohawk and a mullet. It's very redneck rocker chic. He has also gotten so strong. Jack is happiest standing and can support his weight very well for long periods of time. If he is laying on any type of incline, he tries to sit up. I can't tell you how many times I have watched him topple over. It looks like he is practicing crunches. It just seems like he is ready to get up and go. He watches Charlie run around the house like a little crazy person, and I know he would just love to be doing the same thing. I have a sneaking suspicion that Jackson might be my wild child. We shall see...
Another HUGE change this month is in Jack's sleeping habits. As of last week, he is now able to put himself to sleep. Charlie was well over 7 months old when he started falling asleep on his own, so you know I am excited about this recent development. I am not a fan of the cry-it-out method, so it takes me a little longer to help my kiddos help themselves fall asleep. Jackson still needs to be swaddled to sleep, but I now leave one arm free so that he can suck his thumb/fist/fingers. This seems to do the trick. Sometimes it takes him as long as 10 minutes and he may fuss a bit, but he eventually falls asleep without crying. It has made such a difference in our days. At night, I feed him around 8:00 pm, and he sleeps between 6-8 hours. This means that I am getting up to feed him 1-2 times a night.
Jackson continues to babble away and has recently begun screeching very loudly. I am pretty sure he is just trying to compete with his brother. I told Nick the other night that I can only imagine how crazy and loud this house will be in a couple of years. Jackson is the type of baby who gives you his best smile if you smile and talk to him. I love that about him. He is just happy to have the attention. His laughing has really picked up, and he giggles a lot when I tickle him. I nibble his armpits, belly, and sides and soak up the squealing. Really, I don't think there is a better sound in the world than a baby's laughter. Jackson has laughed at Charlie a few times, and I have visions of the future. Charlie will absolutely adore his one man audience in a few months, and I know he will do anything to get a laugh out of his Baby Jack.
This month has been amazing for Jack. I am so pleased with his progress. He has been such a wonderful addition to our family, and it feels like he has been with us for a lot longer than just four months. We all love him very much and are happy that he is doing so well these days!
Picture to be posted soon :o)
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