Kennedy @ 7 Months

What a happy girl! 7 months is definitely a fun time. I'm writing this a little late, but that's just because we've been having so much FUN! At 7 months, Kennedy:

• Creeps around on the floor, like an army crawl! She can get from one end to the other, using her arms and dragging with her tummy on the floor.
• Sleeps pretty well - takes 2-3 naps a day and wakes usually twice a night to eat, but is in the crib for at least 12 hours at night.
• LOVES reading. Has been more interested in sitting in our laps and reading than in playing with her toys by herself.
• Started saying "da-da"! I read that they don't know what it means yet, but she likes the sound it makes and says it all day. We're hoping the letter "m" is next on her list to tackle. :)
• Loves bananas and carrots the most. She's a good eater, and has also started being able to feed herself small bite-sized food, like the sweet potato puffs and yogurt melts.
• Drinks from her sippy cup (by herself sometimes and with assistance sometimes) and likes taking a sip of water in between every bite
• Still loves her jumperoo and jumps like a crazy girl! She shows a lot of pride in her jumping skills and wears that pride on her face after a good jump session.
• Wears 6-9 month clothes and onesies - right on track!
• Is very independent, curious, expressive, and interested in learning and trying everything. But at the same time, is very sweet and sometimes welcomes being comforted.
• Loves the bath and her rubber duckie
• Loves her pacifier, taking it out, putting it back in, keeping it close by at all times
• Doesn't have any teeth yet. We're wondering when those little buggers might pop through!
• Sits up very well on her own now, and sits in the shopping cart seat when we go to Target now too! She really seems to enjoy that vantage point and looking around at everything while we are shopping.
• Loves music of all kinds. It's been fun pulling out the old Raffi music!

The Noise. -OR- Intro/Extro/Ambiverts.

Last week I had one of those moments at work that reminded me what I love about my job. I love every chance I get to think deeply about things, gain perspective, and use my head to learn about people and grow. Specifically, by reflecting about myself and others. This chance  last week came in the form of an event called “Diversity of Thought: Introverts and Extroverts.” The session started with a video by the author of the book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking.” Here is a link to the video: (I highly recommend carving out 20 minutes to watch it.) Susan Cain - TED video

I love being reminded of the definition of extrovert vs. introvert. It's not about being shy or outgoing; it's about where we recharge and get our energy. Think about it. Do you get energized or overwhelmed in a crowded bar; are you energized or bored while at home reading, writing, or gardening by yourself? The more I think about it, I realize that while I have qualities of both (called ambivert), my tendencies have shifted over time. My cure for being sleepy used to be calling my friends to head out on the town, shopping or to grab a drink. Now, I find it easy and refreshing to get immersed in doing things by myself or with just a few friends or family. 

Maybe part of it is also an age thing and our capacity to fill our lives with THE NOISE after we complete our required tasks and obligations for the day. THE NOISE. Our lives are full of it. Cell phones. Words With Friends. Facebook. iPods. Radio morning shows (and afternoon shows). Reality TV. Gossip magazines. Gossip. Twitter. Email. Hallway conversations. Cubicles. Office pranks. Fantasy football. E! News. Facebook. Email.

It seriously never shuts off!

The session following the video was kicked off by a senior leader, who talked about how early on in his career he would go home from work exhausted every day. He began to recognize the style of our workplace and how it lends towards being an extrovert. He talked about fitting his style at work vs. being who he is. A few points that really resonated with me:  

• Don’t try and go against the grain of who you are- you won’t be as productive or your complete “effective self” if you try to operate as an extrovert but you’re really an introvert.
• If someone in the room sits and thinks quietly more than speaks up quickly, it doesn’t mean they're not engaged. Maybe they're processing information. Maybe they will have the best solution of everyone, better than all of the people who get their words out quickly.
• Extroverts might think that introverts seem like a 'fly on the wall.' Instead, they might just be trying to take information and make something of it quietly to themselves. 
• There is a place for both styles in this world. The world needs introverts and extroverts. Both can be successful - the key is being comfortable and confident in what we each bring to the table.

I remember when Jake and I attended our pre-marital counseling and learned that extroverts like to work through problems out loud, while introverts like to work through them in their head and then share. Jake and I definitely handle things differently, and it makes us a better team because of it. 

I think I'm learning more and more how important it is to stay true to myself. And to shut out the noise when possible, so that the things I take in are better received by my brain. And that there really is not one right answer. 

And so she sleeps.

Oh yes, she is a gorgeous sleeper. And sleeping she has been doing now, for a solid week! One week ago tonight was Kennedy's first real solid effort at sleeping through the night. Any new mom knows that this is a HUGE deal. I say 'effort' because although I didn't see or hold or feed her all night, she did wake up a couple times to fuss, and was able to put herself back to sleep in 10 minutes or less. That's another huge deal! We've been going strong for 6.5 months with at least one time up each night, and more like 5-10 times up each night. Anything under 4 times has been a blessing. Now, I can safely say that we've made it a week without getting up more than 3 times a night. And the average is now somewhere between 1-2!

It sounds like magic. Yes, it feels like magic too, and it was a long time coming for us. My secret (maybe it was only a secret to me?) is this book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." It is by Dr. Marc Weissbluth, a doctor who has done extensive research on sleep in children and adults. The main point: we were putting Kennedy to bed overtired and depriving her of some much needed sleep! When put to bed overtired, it is hard to sleep without extreme restlessness all night (especially for babies, but I think we can all relate.) The book was super enlightening! Babies need plenty of sleep- they will do it on their own! It's a matter of parents recognizing the drowsy state and creating optimal sleep environments and at optimal times. 

So we moved her bedtime up an hour. And if she seems tired, it's up 2 whole hours from what it used to be! And her naps are happening more regularly- the entire 24/7 sleep cycle (which he explains is very key) is more predictable, more intentional, more routine. We feel this awesomely newfound freedom and commitment to sleep as a family, and it shows in all of us. If Kennedy could talk, I think she would say so too- her personality sure sparkles to demonstrate that she is well slept!

On the topic of talking, I noticed a sound tonight that sounded an awful lot like like da-da. I'm not entirely sure yet, and studies show that she would merely be making letter sounds with no association to anything yet, but I am quite sure that her daddy will be happy to hear her say it. :)