Please Mom, More Food!

Carter has been waking up a lot at night.  He goes down around 8 then wakes up at 12, 2, 4, and 6.  Some nights he also wakes up at 5.  I haven't minded too much because I love the snuggles and he usually eats and goes back down in 20 minutes or less.  I also wasn't worried because I thought it had just been a couple weeks, but I looked back at notes and realized it's been almost a month.  Then I was looking back over his monthly letters and realized he's waking up more than he was when he was only 2 months old.  Okay, time to do something.

It's time to do more of this!

I thought about it and wondered if we should be feeding him more solids.  Every time he wakes up during the night he eats and he eats quite a bit during the day.  One indicator that a baby is ready for solids is that they wake up more to eat and eat more during the day.  It just breaks my heart to think of slowly weaning him from breast feeding and I feel like adding more solids is the first step.

When I look down at him in the position we use for nursing most often I know he won’t fit this way much longer.  He’s just getting too big.  He can reach the side of the chair with his foot and will kick off it, knocking his latch loose, and generally just pissing himself off.

This is how big he is compared to the chair!

I don’t want to be one of those moms who won’t let their child grow up, but man is it hard.  I’m still holding onto the little bits of baby I have left.  His six month birthday is coming up and I find myself wondering where the time has gone.  How is he almost half a year old?  It just seems unreal.

  
I guess that's why I've been dragging my feet about giving him more solids.  I'm just not ready to let go of him being a baby.  And let's be honest, we've all seen those chunky thighs, how is he still hungry?!!?  Today I finally bucked up and decided to try feeding him solids twice.  So we bought some rice cereal to feed him after he had his fruit.

My new obsession is documenting his chunky thighs before he thins out and loses them!

I followed the directions for the rice cereal and was surprised by how soupy it was.  I was trying to spoon feed it to Carter and even he realized it was absurd.  It was running down his chin, onto his clothes, and he wasn't getting much in his mouth.  He was getting upset and began to fuss.  I put it in a bottle even though I'd read you shouldn't do that because babies don't understand they are eating a solid.  I decided that was all a bunch of hogwash anyway.  I mean, come on, this mixture is clearly not a solid if you can't eat it with a spoon.

I can't remember the last time I gave Carter a bottle.  I've only done it once or twice around company and out in public before I was comfortable breast feeding with a cover-up on.  It has definitely been a long time!  It was nice because he had a better view of my face and I could look into his eyes.  He was staring at me the entire time. 

This face melts my heart every time!

While looking down into Carter's eyes I saw my reflection in his beautiful blues.  He was so content watching me.  I began to feel better about him eating more solids and becoming less of a baby.  I knew that as Carter gets older he may no longer need me as his source of nourishment, but he will always know me as someone who will love and take care of him.  He may not always fit in my arms like he does now, but he will know my embrace as a source of comfort and safety.

Carter may not always be a baby, but I will always be his mom.  All I can do is my very best job.  That means letting go of my wants and needs and embracing his.  It's not about me being ready for him to eat solids, it's about him being ready.

Every part of me wants to be the best mom I can possibly be and that's what makes these moments easier.  Instead of feeling sad about him growing up (even in this small little way) I feel joy that he is growing up as a healthy and curious baby.  Putting on my big girl pants tonight, setting my needs aside, and hoping beyond hope that little man sleeps better!

A Boy and His Dog Revisited

In April I wrote about Carter and Harper's relationship here.  It has changed so much since then and I have loved watching their relationship grow and change as Carter gets older.

Carter loves Harper.  He thinks she is hilarious.  When she walks by he laughs.  When she jumps for food he laughs.  When she lays next to him and her tail brushes his face he laughs.  Anytime she's around he watches her and smiles.  I caught him on video laughing while she jumped for a treat.

If the video doesn't work, you can watch it on youtube here.

The feelings are mutual.  Harper follows us from room to room.  If Carter is lying on the bed, she's on the bed.  If Carter is lying on his activity gym, she's lying right next to it.  If he's in his crib, she's lying right outside his bedroom door.

Staring at each other.

When they are lying next to each other, Carter reaches out and "pets" Harper.  He has even grabbed a hold of her ear and pulled it.  Normally she is unsure of babies and small children.  If they try to touch her, she gets out of range very quickly.  I'm so glad he feels differently about Carter.

Harper's ear in Carter's grip.

Today I decided to take Harper on a run with us again.  She sat in the back of the car with Carter on the way to the trails.  When we arrived she got really excited and whined as she wagged her tail.  Each time she wagged her tail it slapped across Carter's tummy and legs.  He laughed the entire time.

Later in the day Carter was on the bed and we were practicing sitting up.  He slid sideways and landed right next to Harper.  He reached out and rubbed his hand against her and then grabbed a handful of fur.  Harper jerked her head to the side and mean mugged him, but that was it.  I was so proud of her.  He kept "petting" her, so I took a video.

If the video doesn't work you can watch it on youtube here.

A Day of Firsts

When I signed Carter up for the summer reading program we were given a booklet with all the programs offered.  As I looked through it I was so excited to see many libraries offered a "My First Storytime".  I found the library closest to our house that offered the storytime for newborns to 2 year olds.  I put it into the calendar on my phone and eagerly awaited going for the first time.

Today was the day.  We arrived at the library and as we walked in I saw a meeting room with some small children listening to a story.  I knew we were early, but I panicked thinking I had the time wrong.  I went to the front desk and asked if "My First Storytime" was held in the meeting room.  They said it was, so I walked in and sat down with Carter on my lap.

Excited and ready for storytime.

As we were listening to the story I looked around at the other children and noticed they all looked older than 2.  It was at that time I realized the preschool storytime must be right before the one we were there to attend.  So I accidentally crashed the wrong storytime and felt a bit awkward about it.

After the end of preschool storytime parents began to arrive with their younger children.  Carter was still by far the youngest baby there.  Most of the other parents there were talking and seemed to already know each other.  They must do a storytime during the school year or something and I felt like the odd man out. 

The library employee came in and began to spread board books on the floor for children to look at as they waited.  I read a few board books to Carter and then storytime began.  I was surprised that as she began to read, Carter stared at her.  He was all eyes for the book and the pictures until other children made noises, then he would turn and stare at them.  I really wanted to take some pictures of Carter watching the reader, but I didn't want to be that crazy mom taking pictures of her child when no one else was. 

She mixed up reading books with singing some songs.  Carter seemed to enjoy the songs and the other kids danced and laughed.  It was so precious to watch.  I was very proud of Carter.  He was such a good boy the entire time.

When storytime was over we turned in books and checked out some new ones.  It was getting close to Carter's naptime so he was starting to get a little bit fussy.  I plan to take him again next week as long as it doesn't interfere with naptime.  He woke up from a nap just in time to go today.

Storytime wasn't our only first today.  This morning during a diaper change Carter grabbed his foot and got it in his mouth.  I wasn't able to get a picture of him with his foot in his mouth, but I did catch him with a good grip on his foot.  The craziest part of being a parent is the silly things you get excited about.  I proudly texted Ty to tell him Carter put his foot in his mouth.  When I really think about it, is that actually something to be proud of?  I imagine a parent of one of my students proud that their child can put their foot in their mouth.  Hmmm... now that would be strange!

Side note:  Look at the grip he has with his left hand.  He tends to grab things with his left hand, suck his left thumb, and have a better grip with his left hand.  I was starting to wonder if he will end up left handed.  Then Ty's grandma mentioned it, so I know I'm not just imagining it.  Maybe he'll be a leftie after all.  Some of my co-workers joked Carter would be a leftie when I was pregnant because he was always poking on my left side.  It would be funny if it turned out to be true!  

My Crazy Idea

Today as I left the house for my run I knew it was either going to be a disaster or a pleasant surprise.  I have been feeling sorry for Harper lately.  She went from being my baby to being forgotten due to our human baby.  I decided to take her along for our run.  That's right, I thought it might be a good idea to run with a stroller and a dog on a leash at the same time.

Harper running alongside the trail with us.

I loaded Carter up in his car seat, got Harper on her leash, and headed out the door.  Generally Harper is a very good running dog.  She loves to run and as long as I'm going a decent pace she keeps up and doesn't dilly dally.  If I'm going too slow she takes it as an opportunity to sniff and mark as we go.

As we neared the running trails Harper perked up with excitement.  The hardest part for her was waiting while I got the stroller set up and Carter loaded.  I got her out next and decided to start off walking to make sure I could navigate the stroller with her.

I always use a fabric leash while running with Harper.  I pull the leash through the handle loop and make it tight around my arm.  When we first started out Harper got excited and ran in front of the stroller so I unfortunately ran into her.  Other than that we had a minor hiccup when she started to go after a squirrel and that was it.  We passed multiple dogs and she ran along side me beautifully.  I was so proud of her!

Walking a cool down.

I don't think I'll make a habit of running with the stroller and Harper at the same time.  My back and shoulders are pretty sore right now.  That could also be due to the lifting workout my handsome husband put together for me.  We have an obstacle course race in August we would like to do which will take more upper body strength than the other ones I've done.  I'm getting a head start with the lifting, hopefully I'll stick with it this time.  I think I'll reserve running with the stroller and Harper to easy days like today.

And just because it's so cute, Carter's hair sticking up after a nap.

Car Rides with Carter

We have taken Carter on a few longer car rides.  The longest trip has been a 4 hour drive.  Luckily he has been really good!  We have a 6 hour trip coming up toward the end of June.  We’ll see how that goes.  The first time Carter went on a trip I was alone and feared he would get hungry during the drive and I’d have to pull over to feed him.  He slept the entire time.  

Double fisting bird toys in the car.  Notice the food mess on his car seat, that's why we don't use bibs anymore.

A month later Ty and I were scheduled for a visit to his family that entailed a 4 hour drive.  I was worried until Ty came up with a great idea.  We got an adapter for the cigarette lighter in his car so I could plug my breast pump in.  If Carter got hungry I could plug in, pump, and then feed him a bottle.  It worked like a charm.  I would sit in the back with Carter so I could feed him if he got hungry.  That also enabled me to play with him.

Harper now sits up front and takes on the role as navigator.

We pack a laundry basket with the breast pump, books, toys, a Ziploc bag full of clean pump parts, and a Ziploc bag to put the parts in once they become dirty.  I sit on one side of the car seat and we put the laundry basket on the other side.  Now that he’s eating solid foods we also pack a bib, spoon, and baby food.  We recently discovered we make less of a mess without a bib.  When using a bib Carter grabs the bib and rubs it all over his face getting food in his eyes, ears, and hair.  We don’t pack a bib anymore.

What no more bib?!!?

Our trips usually begin with Carter awake.  I’ll start out by reading him a book.  I love using board books because he can reach out and turn the page.

Then I’ll give him some toys to play with or play with him using the toys.  We also play peek-a-boo.  His favorite version is when I cover his face with a blanket or burp cloth and then lift it while saying boo.  He cracks up every time.

Gotta get the spit bubbles goin too!

He then gets hungry.  I usually start by giving him some baby food.  When he’s eaten the baby food he’s ready for some milk to wash it down so I pump and give him a bottle.  Lately he’s gotten to be Mr. Independent and grabs onto the bottle, trying to hold it himself.

Once he’s gotten his fill he falls into a deep sleep.  I always feel bad for him as his head slips to the side and I watch the strain on his neck.  When I fall asleep like that I wake up in a world of pain, but he never seems to mind.

What a sweet, sleeping boy!

I Love...

Seeing good friends.  There are some friends you can go years without seeing and just pick up where you left off.  We got to see one of those friends today.  I hate that I hadn’t seen her in 2 years, but she lives in Montana and I live in Oklahoma.  Neither of us can afford plane tickets, that’s just how it goes.

Carter meeting Jess.

Reading to Carter.  He stares at the pictures and grabs at the pages.  When we read board books he loves to turn the pages.  We have an even wider range of choices now that we are going to the library regularly.  

Garage saling.  We left the house with $36.  We came home with $1, lots of toys, some clothes for Carter, cubes to help organize his closet, and (Ty’s favorite) a croquette set for free.

We scored big this weekend!

My goofy husband.  He will do silly stuff like sit on a child’s toy to make me laugh.  He even does it with a smile on his face!  

It's a perfect fit!

Carter’s lovies.  He is so adorable with them.  He will grab them, hold onto them, and wave them around.  He takes the silk and rubs it on his face.  We have been using his bear the most and named it Buddy for Buddy the Elf.  This is Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?

How Carter now opens his mouth when he sees his spoon.  He is quite the eater and has figured out how to get it.  I am amazed at how much he eats.

Making Carter’s baby food.  So far I’ve only made the easy foods I just mash and add milk to.  I’m excited to branch out and make some more difficult recipes.  He’s loved the bananas and avocados I’ve made.  Actually he’s loved all the foods he’s tried.

I mustache, is that avocado you have there?

That Carter now has enough hair that it will randomly stick up in spikes on his head.  I can’t help but look at his hair and giggle.

Having a clean house!  Now that summer is here I have more energy after Carter goes to bed and I’ve been able to clean a little bit each night.  It sure makes a difference!

That for some reason Harper feels the need to lay on things that just aren't the appropriate size for her.  She is such a silly girl!

On the bench in our entryway.

S’mores.  There is just something about the mixture of melted chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy graham cracker.  I’ve been making them in the microwave lately.  Tonight we busted out the fire pit and roasted marshmallows.  It was glorious!  I should have stopped after one or even two s’mores, but I didn’t.  I ate three.

Fire pit = roasted marshmallows!

Feeling like myself again and fitting into my clothes.  I’m now a couple pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight.  My body isn’t quite the same, but I feel better about it.  After Carter and my swimming adventure it has become even more obvious how much I need a new swimsuit top.  Instead of getting a new swimsuit, I’m going to get a new top to match bottoms I already have.

Carter’s room.  I sit in his room and look around at all the love that was put into his room.  Through the different items family and friends made for him, the furniture that was built, and the furniture that was sanded and painted.  He was so loved by so many people before he was even born.

The positions Carter sleeps in.  When I go in to check on him after he’s fallen asleep, I crack up at where his hand is or the placement of his leg.  Every night it’s different and every night it’s adorable.  I always have to lean in and give him a kiss on his chubby cheek because looking down at him in his random sleeping position, love just seeps out of my body.

Spending all day with Carter.  I can already tell summer will not be long enough.  Every day Carter is doing something new and I’m so glad I’m not missing any of it.  He’s started using his tongue and blowing air out of his mouth to make noises.  He’s hilarious.

The thought of giving Carter a little brother or sister someday.  I know it’s kind of crazy, but I still have baby fever.  Maybe it’s because Carter is such a good baby.  Maybe it’s because I didn’t have many problems during pregnancy.  Maybe it’s because labor and delivery went just as I had dreamed it would, but the moment Carter was born I wanted to do it all over again.  And I have every day since then, except for maybe a couple nights those first weeks when I slept for 15 minute increments all night long because baby boy was eating every hour on the hour!

That I have such amazing in-laws.  I hear stories from friends and it really hits home how lucky I am.  Ty’s family is wonderful just like he is.  They are warm and loving and always helpful.  I especially love seeing how much they adore Carter.