Everyday I am amazed at how fast Jed is growing. It seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital and his tiny little body was swimming in a newborn sized outfit. Now my “Chunky Monkey” is eating from a spoon and almost ready for 12 month sized clothes! Egad! He is only 7 months! Where does the time go? And where’s the nearest Carter’s outlet down here in Atlanta???
More rapidly growing and developing than his body though, is his brain. Jed’s little hands are quick to patty cake anyone within distance. He grabs toys with his toes (hence the monkey reference) and uses his long legs to reach where his arms can’t. He rolls crazily around the floor and has even started to scoot himself backwards when on his tummy. I feel DH and I are in for a major change with Jed compared to how laid back Baby was at his age.
By far, like other families, his greatest teacher right now is his big sister, Baby. She is constantly vying for his attention over his toys. Jed rewards her stellar efforts by studying every move she makes intently. She sings, he sings (screams really, like mommy he likes the sound of his own voice). She giggles and wiggles, he does the same. He tries to mimic her actions like a mirror. Just last night, Baby was jumping and singing the word “jump” at the same time. Jed was next to her playing in his exersaucer. Sure enough after a few intense stares in Baby’s direction, Jed was ready to join in the jumping fun. He wiggled his little body and his legs moved him up and down as he excitedly tried to keep up with his big sister’s movements. This of course captured Baby’s attention, so she started to giggle while continuing to sing and jump even faster knowing Jed would follow suit. Before long both were in full blown belly laugh mode and squealing with delight. In my opinion, there is no sweeter sound in the world.
We never were sure what age we wanted between our children…let alone what fate was going to decide for us in that area. I find the age gap we were rewarded works perfectly in our family. The first child old enough to share knowledge with the second, yet still young enough to continue to learn and adapt as the family dynamic changes. Since Jed’s birth, Baby has grown into the best big sister possible. She is confident in her role in the family and that makes me proud.
In the future, I know that the usual bickering and fighting sibling rivalry will most likely ensue. I, myself, am the often slighted or forgotten middle child in my own family growing up. But for now, I will just sit back and enjoy the belly laughs. Who knows, maybe when Auntie Kimmy comes to visit next time, I will jump up and down next to her and sing, just to see what happens.
I can’t believe how big he is is already. He is just too cute and I can see his sister in him too. My grandson will be one at the end of Sept. and I don’t know where the time went !!!
Hope you are all settled in and happy in Atlanta.
Debbie T.
OMG Jed looks just like Baby ! I love the way they interact. Take it all in, commit it to memory, it goes by so quickly ! You know my thoughts on the middle child….lol..remember my middles tee shirt, MOM LIKES ME BEST ! Keep the blogs coming, I love reading them ! Find that outlet…take care friend…E
Karen,
What a great picture and wonderful blog! I would love to see Baby, Jed, and D together! Hope you are all well. We are enjoying our vacation in Islamorada!
Love ya,
T
He sure is growing like a weed and getting stronger every day. Up to a little over 21 lbs already! Quite the chunky monkey!