We have an eater!

It's official - Charlie got his first taste of "solids" this past week. While on vacation with my family in New Hampshire (baby's first trip to the mountains!), he ate oatmeal every day - and he loved it! I was admittedly nervous about this and wanted to wait until as close to six months as possible. I'm really glad I did too, because there was no doubt in my mind that he was ready. After the first bite or two he was already leaning forward and opening his mouth for more. Super cute! Here is the evidence... check out that little smile after he finishes his first bite.



In case you are wondering, we are using Earth's Best Organic Oatmeal mixed with breast milk. Tomorrow we're heading to the local farmers' market to see if they have any veggies and fruits for our next eating adventures. I'd like to try avocado, sweet potatoes, squash, banana, pears, and apples. Yum!

Charlie is funny

I'm going to try my best to describe this, since it wasn't possible for me to get a picture without risking Charlie's safety. Tonight during naked time we were practicing our sitting. I sit behind Charlie while he tripods. Tonight he decided to bend his arms so he could put his toes in his mouth for a bit, then pushed himself back up again. He did this a few times in a row - hysterical! I can't leave him sitting alone just yet, or I absolutely would have gotten a picture. Maybe I'll be better prepared tomorrow. :)

I also wanted to say that today was just an awesome day. My son is amazing! He's not even six months old yet, and I'm pretty sure he didn't even cry for a second today. Amazing, right? He is on quite the little schedule lately, with very predictable naps and eating times. He also accompanied me to the store this afternoon and was a perfect companion. I know not every day will be so perfect, but I am convinced that he is one remarkable kiddo!

Next week is the big week for starting solids!! I've got all our materials ready to go. The spoons are already in the drawer.

Today I also let Charlie practice with an empty sippy cup. At first, he just tried to eat the whole thing...

But then he got the hang of it once I showed him how. He was sucking on the spout like a pro!



Wait until next week and there's WATER in there! ;)

Yay!!!!!!!

Why the overuse of the exclamation point, you ask? Well, at Charlie's weight check today he gained seven ounces in the past week. This was after gaining only three ounces between four and five months. Silly little guy was not requesting more food after he ate from one side, and since I had an oversupply, I was only feeding from one side. But he needed more, and since I've been nursing from both sides, he's moving in the right direction. Phew! It's not that I was again using formula (the ladies in my play group jokingly call it the "f" word) but I felt confident that it wasn't the right choice just yet. After consulting with a lactation consultant last week, I knew we were on the right track to continue exclusively breastfeeding. Just in time to start thinking about solids. More on that to come... ;)

In more happy news, Charlie is just starting to discover his four-legged siblings. Today, Molly was practicing tummy time with a toy just like Charlie. She's such a good big sister. Charlie repayed her by grabbing a handful of hair on her head. We're still working on how to gently pet our puppies. :)

He looks innocent enough, but Cairn Terriers beware of Charlie and his grabby hands!

A Day in the Life of Charlie (5 months old)

It's been a little while since we've documented our day, so I thought it was time for an update. Here's what our day looked like today. It started with this handsome face greeting me. :)

5:00 - wake up to nurse, then back to sleep

7:00 - wake up for the day; change diaper and clothing; nurse; play

8:00 - bring Daddy to the train station

8:30 - nurse for a few minutes; 1st nap (Mommy does laundry, tidies up the house, and does some internet research on her new washing machine and first birthday party ideas - she's Ca-Raaaazy!)

10:00 - wake up; diaper change; nurse; play

11:45 - diaper change; nurse for a few minutes; 2nd nap (Mommy makes and eats lunch)

12:30 - wake up; nurse; diaper change; play

2:20 - 3rd nap (Mom naps too)

3:00 - wake up; nurse; kind of fall asleep again

4:00 - play

5:00 - nurse; play

5:30 - nurse from other side; play

6:00 - naked baby time (air out diaper area); bath; massage; jammies

6:30 - wind down; hum our bedtime song

6:45 - nurse for a few minutes; bed

That's it... hope you enjoyed some insight into our day!

I hope that one day...

... I'll be as great of a mom as my mom is to me. I had a bit of a rough week and she drove down from MA today just to check in and say hi. And then my dad surprised her by accompanying her on the trip. So Charlie and I got to see them both and hang out together all day. It was awesome! My favorite parts of the day were when my dad was making Charlie laugh during lunch and when my mom got to change Charlie's outfit three times. Love my happy spitter! ;)

Speaking of spitting, I tried out our new drooler bibs from Apple Tree Boutique today. Love them! Here is Charlie modeling the doggie version while he practices his sitting up skills.

Edit - I forgot to mention that my dad lowered the crib mattress today. Tear! Baby Charlie is growing so fast...

Changing Tables

I never really gave much thought to those changing tables in restaurant bathrooms. Until, of course, I became a mom. Today Charlie had a massive poopy diaper while we were out to lunch with friends. No problem, right? I have a beautifully stacked diaper bag ready to go. Unfortunately, the bathroom did not have one of those tables. Have you ever tried to change a poopy diaper on a five-month-old without a flat surface? I wouldn't recommend it. I'm surprised Charlie is still talking to me, frankly. ;)

Where were you at one o'clock this afternoon???

And because a few people have requested a new photo of Master Charles, here ya go... Don't worry, I didn't include any of today's diaper incident... Just pure, summer fun. :)