First Bites

The Throne

Not a happy camper, at first...

aahh..much better!

I know the American Pediatrics Assoc. recommends that babies are breastfed exclusively for 6 months...well our little one was ready! I debated back and forth as to whether or not we should start. All the signs pointed to her being ready: head held upright and really strong, watching us eat, grabbing for our food, and breastfeeding soley doesn't seem to satisfy her completely at times (meanwhile my supply isn't meeting her demand...stress...stress). The flip side is that we open up a whole can of worms, poopy diaper smells will change, more messy, more prep work for day care. On the other hand, I'm looking forward to making all (or most) of her food, the anticipation of what she will like or dislike, there will be less pressure for me to produce milk, and best of all I can possibly stop pumping at work or at least pump less. Hooray!

RT agreed with me that she was ready. That was all the go-ahead I needed. So, we busted out the rice cereal and got it pretty runny. It almost seemed too runny, but we thought it was her first try with "solids" so we can take it very slow.

She devoured the rice cereal. We probably gave her a total of 2-3 teaspoons worth. She had no trouble swallowing and was eager for more. It was so cute to watch her. It was definitely messy (since it was so runny), but for the most part, she got it down the hatch. I have a feeling this little girl will be a good eater!

We're so excited to start this new chapter of development with Little P! Now the next debate is, what will we introduce next? Stay tuned to find out...

Life With a Five Month-Old

Hanging out in the garden.

Each month it seems that the time goes by faster and faster. Everyday is a new opportunity to learn more about our little one. Her personality is definitely emerging. Some of the things we've observed this month are: She is really strong. She likes to kick her legs a lot (I think she takes after her daddy in that respect!). She is starting to sit up on her own. When she wants something, she lets us know, usually by grunting and inching her way upward especially while on the changing table. She's definitely looking around a lot, observing her surroundings and soaking it all in. She seems to have a fascination with clocks (her great-grandfather on RT's side was a clock connoisseur!). She is talking, babbling a lot. She gets a lot of attention anywhere we go. We usually have her in a carrier (she doesn't like the stroller too much and it's too bulky to tote along most of the time). A lot of people comment on her kicking legs. She has earned the nickname "Kicky Longstocking".

Overall, she is a happy baby. She definitely brings a bottomless depth of happiness into our life!

Is Your Mama A Llama?

Little P is at the age where she definitely recognizes and knows her mama! I have to admit, it is quite flattering to have a little one always tracking your every move or get a sad, pouty face when her mama leaves the room. My mom laughed at me one day when we were Skyping. She said, "What do you two do all day...you're always together!"

Ain't that the truth! I definitely act silly when we're together, and I'm always trying to make her laugh or try to evoke new expressions on her face. I love this time when we're together by ourselves. I am absolutely cherishing every moment together. Everyone always says it goes by fast, and I'm finding out that it does. Time is a precious thing.

Happy 4 Months!

 

The time seems to have flown by...I remember thinking while I was pregnant that I would be bored or wondered how I would fill my days with a little infant. Boy, was I sure disillusioned! My days fly by so fast. I never seem to have enough time for anything, and I'm always in a hurry--huh, seems to be a recurring theme...

Some of her milestones include:

• Laughing (when you kiss her cheek and chin--best sound in the world!).
  
• Kicking her right leg up.
  
• Holder her bottle (she doesn't like it if you try to hold it!)
  
• Rolling over.
• Following you with her eyes.
• Entertaining herself with toys (more like biting them).
• Her two bottom, front teeth have scratched the surface.
• Grabbing our faces.
• Curious about everything--doesn't want to miss a thing!
• Shorter naps.
• Less poopy diapers!

First Day at Day Care

I was starting to get cold feet as the day approached to take Little P to day care. Even though we felt very confident that we found a great match between our baby and the provider, Anne, it was still nerve-wracking to entrust someone else with your most precious gift.

RT and I both decided to drop her off. She was as happy as a clam on the drive over. We did not make a big deal over it. Anne held her, and we chatted for a little bit and left. She didn't cry or seem anxious about us leaving. It was actually a very easy transition. I felt better as we both went our separate ways to work.

Throughout the morning I thought about her a lot and what she was doing. I couldn't wait to go pick her up!

I found out that her day went well. Anne said she was such a good baby and so sweet! I am so glad that we found Anne. I know Little P likes going there, too. She is always all smiles and legs a-kicking when she sees her!

Stop Teething Me

I think Little P is cutting teeth. I can't see or feel anything poking through yet, but the drooling has increased ten-fold and the other night she was just miserable. She wasn't sleeping as well and nothing seemed to console her. We gave her baby Tylenol to alleviate some pain. She finally was able to sleep. I hope this whole teething process doesn't bother her too much.

Before & After

Little P loves going for a walk. She especially loves to be facing outward. No stroller action for this girl! RT took her in the evening so I could finish a project for work which was super nice. When they left, she was bright-eyed and awake and looked so sporty in her outfit. Upon their return, she was OUT...