First sippy and sleep

Yesterday turned into quite a memorable day! I had been getting a little upset that Marius wouldn't take a bottle or sippy cup, since he's getting to the age where he will need to take in more water than Momma can provide. So, I've been letting him play with his sippy cup every time he's at his high chair for dinner. However, for the last month, he has just bit the sippy part, sucked out small amounts of water and spit it all out on himself. He has gotten quite good at this and I was about to just ditch the sippy cup. Thank goodness I didn't because last night after dinner I actually heard some swallowing and he wasn't biting down on it anymore. I guess I just need to be a bit more patient.
The best moment came last night when I put him down to sleep. He's always fought being put down in his crib for naps or bedtime without first falling asleep on the boob. But last night he wasn't falling asleep, even though I knew he was tired. So, I thought, what the heck.... I put him in his crib (eyes open), turned on his jungle mobile, patted him on the stomach, said "night night," and left the room. I waited by the door thinking I would hear him wailing, but he just made a few small moans and that's all I heard from him until this morning!!!!! SO exciting. I can't wait to try it again tonight! But I won't get my hopes up.
Simon has been calling from the field and is enjoying the area. It's apparently quite beautiful in Inchnadamph . Check it out. He did have to go the doctor though because he came down with an eye infection - not bad. Oh, and apparently the midges really are as horrible as everyone says here.... Yikes, I don't want to ever meet up with a cloud of them!.