35 Months / 6.5 Months

At 3.5 months adjusted, James is becoming much more interactive. He has discovered his hands, and is constantly grabbing or batting at toys. He tolerates tummy time, and is quite strong at lifting his upper body, as long as we position his arms for him. Sometimes he'll roll over onto his back, surprising himself. His legs are strong, too; he loves to stand in our laps.

His sleeping, however, has gone from bad to worse. For a couple of weeks in October, things were improving. He started having long stretches in the beginning of the night. Then he got a cold, and reverted back to waking every 2 hours throughout the night, every night. And he stopped napping, except for in the car. He always falls asleep immediately in the car.

We were at the breaking point a couple of days ago, and started some sleep training. We now sit with him while he settles himself to sleep, rather than letting him fall asleep while nursing. Things are slowly starting to improve. He discovered his thumb, which helps him fall asleep on his own, and he's starting to favor it over the paci.

At 35 months, Patrick continues to surprise us with the words he knows and the things he remembers. He's very excited about his birthday, and talks constantly about inviting his cousins and having a cake with three candles. We've used this opportunity to talk about some of his more frustrating behaviors, like refusing to say hello or good morning to people. He now claims he'll say hello or smile for the camera "when I'm, three." We'll see...

James and Maya

It was fun getting James together with cousin Maya. They were born only 3 weeks apart, but of course she is months ahead developmentally.

Cousins

Patrick and James enjoyed playing with cousins Sophie and Charlie, and second cousins Caelyn, Isaiah, Jake, and Maya. Only Cooper was missing; we hope to see him next year...

Thanksgiving in Maine

Since 1970, the four Snyder siblings have taken turns hosting Thanksgiving each year. The next generation is now in the rotation as well; Laura and Lindsay welcomed family from Virginia, Connecticut, Ohio, and New York. It's our turn next year!

Happy

On the Chart!

James had his 6-month check-up today. Everything looks good, and he finally climbed out of zero percentile.

Weight: 12 lbs. 9 oz. (1%)
Length: 25 inches (15%)

P is for Patrick

Robin: "Patrick is C-R-A-N-K-Y."
Patrick: "No I am not. I am P-A-T-R-I-C-K."

Patrick and Sophie

Daddy's Sweater

Michael's grandmother knitted this for him 44 years ago.

Scooting