Leap 7: Yes, indeed, it can get worse

This how we noticed that Jaxx was in leap 7:

• Sleepless nights (lots!)
• Very clingy during the day, both with dad, mom and grandma..
• Eating and drinking less well than usual. Less appetite for it.
• Separation anxiety (at night)
• More irritable
• Pull open all cupboards and drawers and throw everything upside down
• Many dreams

We always try to adapt as much as possible to Jaxx. And no, of course not to spoil him, but it does help if you can soothe him if he gets angry when something doesn’t work out. Or that you comfort him when he is sad at night. We (no longer) take Jaxx to bed with us. Purely because we are afraid that he will eventually become accustomed to it. I spent a lot of time with him on my chest in his room during this leap (so a good chair in the nursery is really a must!). This helped him to fall asleep and that was ultimately my goal. Unfortunately, it fell apart and I don’t have any really good tips for that… I keep thinking: it’s a phase, it passes again. That sometimes helps, but certainly not always! We also have an evening ritual that we repeat every night. Even if we are away from home, for example, we stick to this. This feels good for Jaxx and he knows that he has to go to his bed and go to sleep.

What struck me was that Jaxx is now able to entertain himself more and more on his own. He can easily play with his toys for fifteen minutes before he looks my way again. We also noticed that he starts to recognize people. He already recognized his grandparents, but now also nieces and nephews or, for example, friends who often come around. It is nice to see that happen!

He also recognizes songs from certain baby programmes that he watches regularly. You notice this because he starts‘ dancing ’when the song starts or then breaks out laughing. As of this leap, he is now also able to stand completely on his own. Often he does not realize it himself but hey, the beginning is there.. He is also increasingly loosing his babyish behavior, bit by bit.. That was quite a stunning realization!

I hope this helps you again. Every child is different, so who knows, it may be very different for you. Any tips from your side? Let me know!

Love, Yentl