Show off!

Just when I thought he would always be my tiny little baby, Koen has grown leaps and bounds - in a week! Just in the past week, well maybe since he turned 9 months, Koen has suddenly started crawling (not just commando now, but on his hands and knees), is sleeping through the night, and is pulling himself up to standing. ALL IN A WEEK!

On the sleep front, Koen has been sleeping with me since day one and even though I love falling asleep with him and waking up to him in the morning, it was starting to wear on us both to keep waking up night after night. We had gotten into the habit of being "one" in the evenings as well and I was ready for a little alone time. So the decision was made - tough love - time to cry it out. He has recently starting rejecting his soother (yay!) and was only waking up once or twice in the night (after spending the evening asleep on my lap downstairs and then going up to bed with me at my bedtime) so it was prime time. I prepared myself for being up all night with him. He cried for a total of 28 minutes when it was time to go to bed and woke up once at midnight (after which he cried for less than a minute, then back to sleep). I couldn't believe it. The past three nights have been the same - last night sleeping from 6:30pm to 4am without a peep. There are big smiles all around in this place! He is going down perfectly for his naps, giving Bodhi and I a little more time together in the afternoons and giving me enough time to run a vacuum around this place before taking a breather for myself in the mornings. Civilized I would say!

His personality is just booming now. He's making funny faces, chatting with us all and following his big brother around wherever he goes. The recent mobility has proven to be slightly frustrating for Bodhi who is used to being able to build tall towers without them being swiftly knocked over or piecing together a train track without a part being grabbed and chewed on, but we're figuring it out!

This little member of our family is really staking his territory and finding his place. Just in time for our first Christmas as a family of four!

25 Random Things About Koen

1. When Koen was born, one of the only things that would get him to stop crying was to zip him into his snowsuit and strap him into his car seat. Now, 9 months later, snowsuits and car seats instantly make him cry.

2. Koen loves all things Bodhi... and all Bodhi's things.

3. Koen can spit on command. This amuses Bodhi to no end.

4. Koen just spoke his first word - dada.

5. Koen is a Mama's boy. Can only be fed by Mommy, comforted by Mommy and put to bed by Mommy.

6. Koen is a finger food lover! Favourites are: pear, avocado, banana, rice crackers, raisins, and blueberries.

7. Koen's seemingly favourite food is lentil quinoa stew.

8. Koen likes to sleep on his side.

9. Koen loves glasses. Especially Grandma's glasses. He does everything he can to pull them off whenever he can.

10. Koen is a commando crawler.

11. Koen has a first name and two middle names. His first name is a sanskrit word that means "joyful enlightenment". His middle names are Andrew (after Auntie Andrea) and Christopher (after Mommy).

12. Koen has many nicknames: Koko, Koko Loko, Kokonut, Keeks, Keekee Koen, Koey, Squeezee Kocheesee, Captain Koey-Badoo.

13. Koen is LOVED by his big brother - lots of hugs and kisses every day.

14. Koen loves to bounce in his exersaucer.

15. Koen loves to eat books. Well, any paper products really.

16. Koen perpetually has something in his mouth that he shouldn't - marbles, lego pieces, dried beans, rocks, leaves etc... Mommy has been pretty on top of things but we have had a papery poop (see number 15).

17. Koen had a raging diaper rash for his first 6 - 8 weeks of life. There has been no sign of a return. Phew.

18. Koen loves camping.

19. Koen is entranced by the vacuum.

20. Koen is a vegetarian.

21. Koen is about 5 pounds heavier and 3 inches longer than his brother was at this age.

22. Koen likes it when you pretend you're a robot.

23. Koen looks cute in anything.

24. Koen DOES NOT like to wear hats. In fact, he doesn't like anyone to wear hats. He will always pull his own off and try to get yours off too.

25. Koen is loved by everyone he meets. He has an infectious smile that is accompanied by big kicks and giggles. He is so wonderful.

An Interview with Koen (via Bodhi)

What is your favourite food: bananas

What is your least favourite food: squishy carrots

What is your favourite song: bedtime song (I've been waiting)

What is your favourite book: the one with the paper that comes off that he chews on

What is your favourite thing to do: play cars

What is your least favourite thing to do: fall over and get hit by sticks

Who do you think is the coolest person on the planet: Mommy

Who is your best friend: Bodhi

What do you want to be when you grow up: a boy...then a man

What is your favourite toy: the coloured cups

Where is your favourite place to go: Grandma's house

What is your favourite colour: orange

What do you want for Christmas: a snow blower