Every night now when he needs me, Jack calls Mama. It brings me running to him if I am out of bed (I go running anyway when I hear him cry) and comfort him gently. He sleeps better now, and almost (just) slept again without nursing.

This morning, his Grandpop came to visit. After a huge hug from him, Jack struggled down, walked to the cupboard and showed his Grandpop his friend Paddington Bear who sleeps in there! He even brought Paddy out to show Dad. My Dad and I were so enthralled and Jack beamed from ear to ear, very proud of himself. Was I ever a prouder Mommy.

Jack is starting to walk a lot now without any assistance. He carries either his toy box or some toys and waddles around for about 4-6 steps before sitting down. A giant step from last week's faltering 2 step average! He also is an avid climber, climbing down from bed to floor, bed to crib, and most impressively, cupboard via bed rail to floor before our very eyes.

He is such a happy boy too. Since the day he was born. We brought him out for dinner and the lady who served us couldn't help comment how happy and well-behaved he is. In fact, everywhere we go, people comment that, and how easy he seems to adapt to wherever we bring him.

I never had a basis for comparison so I really can't say. But I do notice that celebrity mothers who are securely bonded with their children, like Jennifer Garner (with daughter Violet) and Gwen Stefani (with son Kingston), tend to have happier children. Both Jen and Gwen have said that their kids are with them all the time and it shows in their children's joyful and happy smiles.

I have never regretted giving up my career for Jack. Each day with him is an adventure waiting to unfold. In fact, in all of my life, I have never been more at peace with myself now than any other time. Family is such a wonderful thing.

Technorati: parenting, motherhood, Jennifer Garner and Violet Affleck, Gwen Stefani and Kingston Rossdale, Jack, Paddington Bear, happy baby, babies always with their moms