Wonder Weeks

Bodie is entering into a Wonder Week. If you are not familiar with wonder weeks, it is basically a period of growth either physically, emotionally or intellectually that babies undergo during certain weeks. They usually occur every couple of months. Babies not only go through physical growth spurts, but they also go through mental growth spurts as well. In other words, their little brains are taking in sooo much information and trying to process at an alarming rate. With these wonder weeks comes a change in behavior and sleep patterns. This is SOOO helpful for us to know because we can understand Bodie better and what his needs are during these times. It also helps to know that a sleepless night or an increase in fussiness is all normal.

With that said, Bodie has entered into Wonder Week 37. This growth is more intellectual with brain growth.The major growth I have noticed is his crawling, exploring and independent play (though mama must still be close by with a watchful eye!)

Crawling machine! Lots to explore

A glimpse into Wonder Week 37 for Bodster (it may not be the same very every baby so don't compare :) )

• Bodie's sleep has been very unpredictable. One night he was up every hour, the next night he woke up only once.
• He is VERY clingy and will pull on my clothes. Loves to look down my shirt :)
• He is becoming more independent. Can play with toys by himself and loves to crawl and explore on his own. 
• Pulling himself up on everything. Even trying to climb up the wall. Silly boy.
• Still eating well, but will get fussy during meal times and not eating AS much. Favorites things to eat right now are raspberries, avocado, beef stew and salmon
• VERY curious about everything. 
•  Starting to interact more with other babies. Will babble to them and carry on a "conversation" I am really enjoying this growth!
• Naps are very consistent right now. Two naps a day and a small snooze around dinner time still.
• Takes showers and plays on the floor in the water.
• Plays with himself in the mirror.
• Give lots of hugs and cuddles. 
• While reading books, he will turn the pages and touch the pictures as we read.
• Discovered his love for swings and anything that rocks.
• Talks to himself while playing in the car.
• Will crawl to me or daddy when his name is called
• Tantrums. Yup. He will kick his feet on the ground, cry and throw his arms up if something is taken away or when he isn't getting his way. 8 months and we are already starting it. I go with it and let him express himself. It's not him trying to manipulate or to be mean, it's his way of expressing his frustration and that is OK! 

Learning to sit up in the crib. 

Playing and observing at friend's birthday party!

Finding magnets- and placing them in our mouth! Mama had to hide these :)

Ikea Shopping!

Helping mama with the dishes!

Trying to stand- yet banging his head at the same time.

Making jingles bells at story time

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Up to no good exploring in mama's office

Fun at the park with friends!

And of course, just as I am figuring Bodie out, it will change in the blink of an eye and we will start all over again. One thing I am learning- GO WITH THE FLOW! With his constant changes I need to remain open to changing myself as well- my approach, the way I talk to him, the way I sooth him, they way we sleep, eat and play. It's all changing week by week. And you now what, I LOOOOVE it! Being a mom has challenged me in soooo many way. I think I will devote a post just to that topic :)