A Weekend in the Life of 8 month old Jack

Initially when I was preparing this blogpost I was going to write about a typical weekend in the life of Jacques. However, I quickly realized that at this age there is no typical weekend. Jack is at such a fun period in his life right now; he is exploring like a champion and he is doing so many exciting new things what seems like every day. It's so hard to keep up with him!!

Anyway, here is a brief snapshot into the life of little Jack at 8 months old. Alexis and I have not taken that many pictures recently, but decided to have an intense weekend of photographing to let everyone see how much Jacques has been growing!

Good morning everyone!!

Here are a few things going on in Jack's life right now...

1) Exploring...exploring...exploring. In the past few weeks, Jack has become increasingly active. He definitely doesn't have the most elegant way of getting around, but he knows where he wants to go and manages to get there. He first started out moving by dragging his belly along the ground with his arms (see video below), but has quickly advanced to his knees and now does funny pirouettes with his feet to make circles around the room. I guess it lets him get to where he wants to go!!

Cheese!!! Playing with some of my favorite toys after breakfast

Everything looks so much more interesting at this angle!

I'm a sea monster...and I'm coming to get you!

Truth be told, he seems much more interested in finding ways to get onto his feet and stand then figuring out the "proper" way to crawl. In a span of two days, he figured out how to sit up from lying down, and then to pull himself up to a standing from there. It's a lot of fun to see him scoot around the furniture during the day, but needless to say, this has made naptimes and nighttime a lot more interesting! He is still learning the correct way to get back down without falling on his head.

2) With Jack's new found freedom and independence, also comes a bit more need for love and attention. He's slowly getting to the age where he needs his Mama and Papa, especially after the occasionally boo-boo or mishap. Overall though, he is still quite good with strangers and will go to most people without complaint (unless of course it's near bedtime!). Anyway, we are waiting for this to change in the next couple of months...stranger anxiety is soon upon us, no?

The one where he "sings"...Jack style

Oh where, oh where should I go...

3) Teething....yup, the teeth keep on coming in. Jack is up to 6 teeth already, 4 on the top and 2 on the bottom...and I'm sure there will soon be others on the way!!

4) Afternoon outings. Now that Jack has established more or less a good schedule, this has given us a lot more freedom to get out of the house and do things. One of our favorite spots to go is a big beautiful park right near our house where we can go watch the birds and parrots flying around, as well as watch all of the children playing. Jack really enjoys our lazy afternoons playing on a blanket in the park...especially now that the good weather has returned to Barcelona.

Just another afternoon in the park

...and some good cuddle time with Papa

...and hanging out with Mama...

And to finish the weekend...a picnic lunch at the beach. We are trying to get Jack use to the waves and sand so he can throughly enjoy his summer vacations this year. Funny enough, the more times we go to the beach...the more relaxed we are as parents, and the more sand Jack eats. At least he is having fun, right?!

Checking out the ocean with Papa....

Just like anyone who was the subject of 2 photographers for the day...Jack got a bit tired tired at the end... The result is below...

No more videos...Please?...