Baby K: Month 11

HAPPY 11 MONTH OLD BIRTHDAY!!! 


Week 42: Part2 to Week 46
-You initially started out this month by taking one step then sitting down.  Now you are taking a few steps.  YOU ARE WALKING!!!! You get excited when you walk unassisted.  You even make a noise while doing this.  It's so sweet to watch you walk.
-You took a bath in the big boy bath tub for the first time today (12/5).  You loved it.  You were splish splashing, taking nose dives.  You were all over the place.  I can't wait until the summer when you can go swimming since you seem to love the water. 
-You've started waiving by flapping one arm.  It's too cute.  You also mumble something while you wave.  Can't quite figure out what yet. 
-You just love imitating.  If I tap on the table, you do the same.  Now you try to put your palm over your mouth and make a noise.  On that same note, whenever I pat your back you like to make noises and it sounds funny.  You also know how to blow a kiss and make noises while patting your mouth.
-I love hearing you sing-a-long to music while we are driving in the car.  Or try to sing-a-long with me when I sing.
-You love to dance and you've got some moves. 
-You like when I chase you.  You like when I play peek-a-boo with you.  You like chasing my toes when I wiggle them.  You like shoving your fingers into various orifices (your nose, my nose, dad's nose, ears, straw, etc).  You like pulling things out of the cabinets and drawers.
-We went to 2 Christmas parties this week.  You looked very handsome in your outfits.  One night you wore a suit and you looked so adorable.  Your grandpa (bum bum) commented that you looked like a game show host.  Too funny.  
-We also went to a Christmas concert at church.  You seemed to like it because you were pelvic thrusting to the songs.  It was so funny to watch you do that.  You just love to dance.
-We put up our usual small Christmas tree this week.  Your dad and I have been using that same tree since we've been married (4 years).  Next year we plan to get a bigger one because by that time you'll be able to enjoy it.
-You are very verbal.  You really try to repeat what we say.  It's really cool.  You also try to pretend to talk with us.  Your first word was dada then mama.  But your first "real word" was Eliza ("e-la-la" according to you).  You call her name now and whenever we say her name, you look around for her.
-Sleep is still good at night but naps are still challenging--only 2 that last 30-40 minutes each.
-You caught another little cold from daycare this week.  It's a mild one but it's still pretty tough (your congested and you don't have an appetite).
-Around week 45 you actually started waving bye-bye.  Like, a real wave.  Fingers curling and all.  Yippie!!! You amaze me.
-I got you a few inexpensive Christmas gifts this week.  Your dad also bought you a few gifts too.  Our plan is to have you try to open them this Christmas.  
-You are liking macaroni and cheese.  You also like banana yogurt.
-You still spit up some when you eat but it's infrequent (definitely not as bad as you did before).
-You are an expert at drinking out of the sippy cup but you still refuse to drink formula from it.  You'll drink water without any hesitation.
-You got another cold from one of the kiddos at your daycare--no fever but runny nose and cough.  I can tell it's uncomfortable for you but it doesn't seem to slow you down.
-You are one active little boy.  I'm amazed by how much you can do.  You are also very persistent.  Even if I try to distract you from doing an activity, you go right back to it. 
-You sprouted another tooth on 12/20 (the top right one).  The top left one came out a few days later.  We've been brushing you teeth as a part of your bedtime routine (without problems).
-I miss your toothless gummy smile but your smile now is just as precious.  I love that huge upper tooth.  When you smile it melts my heart.  And you love to smile!
-Christmas was great.  We spent it in Orlando with my family.  Everyone was very happy to see you.  You enjoyed being with everyone too but I think you were a little overwhelmed by all the chaos and noise.  You mainly clung to daddy and I.  You occasionally allowed others to hold you after you warmed up to them a little.  Once your dad and I were close by, you would smile and be so sweet but if we were away you'd fuss.
-This month you tried a few of the Jamaican dishes my family prepared for Christmas and some other foods too.  You got your first taste of callaloo, dumplin, boiled banana, goat head soup (just one taste), hard dough bread, curry goat.  
-Your sleep was awful (to say the least) on vacation.  A few nights you got up every 2-3 hours.  That's partly our fault because we were inconsistent with bedtime.  You also hated sleeping in the pack and play so you had to sleep with us a few nights (this is a first).  We all came home (back to NC) very tired.
-To wrap up our trip, we hung out with aunt Jeanna and her family in the mountains in Highlands, NC.  This was fun too.  You love your cousin Maddy so much and she loves you too.  Alli tried to give you her pacifiers because she's too old for them but she changed her mind and took them back.
-You got quite a lot of gifts this Christmas--mainly toys, books, clothes.  It was neat watching you trying to rip open your presents.  You were mainly interested in the wrapping paper than the gifts.
-You favorite thing to do now is push around your toy car.  Sometimes you'll get on it and wait for me to push you.  Other times you'll get behind it to push it.  You also like playing with you activity table.  You are more into interactive toys this month.  It's cool to watch you try to figure out how to manipulate a toy.
-You amaze me my sweet giggly, wiggly precious little mama's boy.  I feel so blessed to have you as my son.  You bring so much joy to our already blessed lives.


Mrs. K

2012 Memory Lane

I got the idea to do this survey from one of the blogs I follow, OK Dani.  I mainly blog about my kiddo lately, but I thought it would be nice to blog about something else for a change. 

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before? Gave birth to my beautiful baby boy.  Completed year 1 of 2 of my fellowship.  Function surprisingly well despite chronic sleep deprivation.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't make resolutions.  I have short and long term goals that I make throughout the year.  I actually purposefully avoiding making new year's resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? I had my first baby.  My uncle and his wife had a baby girl.  My aunt in Jamaica had a baby boy.  My male cousin in Jamaica had a baby girl.  A few of my co-workers and hubby's co-workers had babies.  A few of my blogging buds had babies.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Unfortunately, yes.  My maternal grandma died on Thanksgiving day (unexpected in Jamaica).  My husband's paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather died.  One of our friends (early 30s, had a baby this year) died a few months ago.  It's been a challenging year when it came to losing family and friends.

5. Did you visit anywhere exciting? We rented a cabin over the summer for a few days with our little baby.  My mother was with us so she kept the baby while we hiked and went white water rafting.  We also hung out in the mountains of Highlands, NC for a few days too (later in the year).  We visited family in Florida for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It's always great seeing family.

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? MORE SLEEP.  Balancing my life better.  More alone time with my husband. A real vacation (maybe with hubby alone--still trying to decide about that one).  Better diet.  An exercise routine.  I guess I want a lot, huh?

7. What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? February 4--the date my little boy was born.  He came 8 days early but I was so happy to see my healthy bundle of joy (and energy).

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Having my son!

9. What was your biggest mistake? Giving in to mommy guilt.  Not realizing earlier that many things in life (especially challenges) are seasonal.

 

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? No but I had a medical scare.  After my 6 week postpartum check up I was told I had cervical dysplasia (precancerous cells on pap smear).  A repeat was done a few months later which was completely normal.  Apparently, it's not completely uncommon for abnormal cells to show up on pap smear postpartum due to scar tissue from delivery.  When I first heard the news all I could think of was my baby being without his mommy (I know, I'm a bit dramatic).   Anyway, I'm very thankful it was nothing.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Besides the Baby Bjorn baby carrier that I toted my little one in for months, I would say the I-pad I bought for my grandma.  She can Facetime us, take pics, receive pics listen to her favorite radio stations and other music, play games, make videos.  She was very happy to receive it.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My baby boy and my baby daddy.  LOL.  My son is so awesome.  He's a joy.  He's sweet and smiley, cuddly and wiggly, giggly and a ball of energy.  I just love watching him achieve his milestones and explore his environment.  It amazes me that he behaves so well, especially in public.  I love that kid.  My husband has also been awesome.  I feel very blessed.  He's a great husband and a wonderful father.  I couldn't ask for more.

 

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? A few news events were appalling. No one in my personal life.

14. Where did most of your money go in 2011? TAXES and educational debt.  Kidding.  Well, not really.  We bought a lot of baby stuff too.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? MY BABY and being the best mom I could be.  I was so excited about expanding our family and meeting the new addition.  I must say that all the excitement was not in vain.  He was so worth waiting for.  He's just lovely.

16. What song will always remind you of 2012? I unfortunately don't have one.  I was thinking really hard but couldn't come up with anything.

17. Compared to this time last year, you are: More comfortable because I'm not big and pregnant.  No longer nauseated because I'm not pregnant.  Not experiencing indigestion because I'm not pregnant.  More sleep deprived despite not being pregnant (thanks to my rugrat).  Still disorganized (pregnancy brain has turned into mommy brain).

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Sleep.  Spend time with my extended family.  Exercise.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying about everything (man, being a new mom makes an already neurotic person really crazy).

20. How did you spend Christmas? With my extended family in Orlando.  It was great celebrating baby K's first Christmas.  I am so thankful for all that I've been blessed with.

21. Did you fall in love in 2012? YES, with my baby boy.  It was instant.  I'm still in love.  I love looking in those big brown eyes of his :)

22. What was your favorite TV program? I don't usually watch TV but this year after we put baby K to bed, we've been watching Law and Order SVU and NCIS (old and new).  We hardly let the little guy watch TV but the few times it's on, it's on Nick Jr.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Nope!

24. What was the best book you read? Sadly, I don't usually read for leisure.  In the past the answer would be some school related book.  This time it's Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth, MD.

 

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? XM radio.

26. What did you want and get? A healthy little boy.  I also got joy and peace.  A new SUV.

27. What did you want and not get? Nothing really, I'm pretty content.  It feels good to be content.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 30, I can't remember.  My baby was 2 months old.  I was sleep deprived.

29. What’s one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? I wouldn't change a thing, not even my losses and challenges.  Actually, that's not true.  It would have been better if I worried less.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012? The year started out with me being big and pregnant in my third trimester.  My go-to outfit were dresses (which looked like shirts on my pregnant body), tights and boots.  Immediately post pregnancy I was able to fit in my pre-pregnancy jeans but I wore bigger, baggier shirts.  The year ended with me wearing more dresses and skirts, colorful skinny pants, and more fitted shirts.

31. What kept you sane? Prayer and my faith.  My husband.  My family and their prayers.  Having a reliable loving caregiver for my child.  Having a flexible and understanding boss.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? None really.

33. What political issue stirred you the most? I'm not very political.  And if I was, I probably wouldn't comment about my opinion on this blog or any other public forum.

34. Who do you miss the most? My mother.  I wish she lived in the US but I know she loves living in Jamaica.

35. Who was the best new person you met? My son, obviously.  My life will never be the same, which is good.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012? I have to do what's best for my family (which sometimes mean disappointing nonfamily members, seeming rude, reminding others of how valuable my time is, being less OCD, being more chill)

37. What are your new years resolutions for 2013? I don't make new year's resolutions but I do make short and long term goals throughout the year.

Mrs. K

Baby K: Month 10

HAPPY 10TH MONTH BIRTHDAY

Week 38 Part 2 to week 41 Part 1:

-You are becoming more confident with you motor skills.  You continue to cruise but you now you do it with confidence and style.  You swing from one piece of furniture to the next without hesitating.  You also stand up and let go of whatever you were holding on to without thinking twice.  You sometimes go from that position to a controlled seated position.  It's so amazing to see you grow, get stronger and become more coordinated.  Although you are an expert crawler, you're favorite way to travel is still to be carried around in my arms.  But sometimes you do squirm and demand that I put you down so that you can explore.
-You startle so easily and when this occurs your whole body jerks.  Nowadays you've been a little more careful with strange (new) objects and people. You approach with caution but then relax pretty soon after you realize it's safe.
-Baths are still fun.  Lots of splish-splashing.  Lots of laughter.  Lots of fighting with me for the washcloth.  Lots of playing with the bath toys.  Lots of trying to climb out of the bath tub.  Lots of me trying to prevent you from tipping over the tub.
-Thanksgiving with Nonna and Bumbum was great.  You had fun hanging out with your cousins.  You were the youngest but you tried your best to keep up with everyone.  You got to meet your great grandpa (daddy's granddaddy).  He was impressed by how active and smart you are.  You were so fun to watch pushing his walker around the house.  You were very clingy to daddy and I.  You didn't want anyone to hold you or even feed you at first but you eventually warmed up.  Your cousins love you so much and you love them too (especially Maddie).  Your dad and I went to the FSU vs. Florida game while you hung out with Nonna.  You liked eating her turkey and rice, sweet potatoes, turnip greens, eggs, and more.  We drove to Florida and you tolerated the trip fairly well.  Oh, you loved playing with Luna although you were rough with her at times.  You also liked sharing your food with her and chasing her down
-You've been using one of the push toys while walking.  It's so funny to watch you walk with it.
-You're a wild little guy who loves to climb stairs.  If I turn my head for a second you quickly crawl to the stairs and hurry up them before I could catch you.  It's funny watching you rush because you obviously know that you're not supposed to go.  You can actually climb all 15? steps without any assistance.  Of course I'm there right behind you every time you attempt to climb.
-Babbling has been non stop.  You call me mama (sometimes nana).  You call daddy dada.  You call the dog, Eliza (da or lala).
-Nonna taught you how to wave.  You put your right hand up and hold it there.  It's so cute.  Sometimes you babble something with your hand in the air.
-You're not walking yet but you've taken one step then sat down (several times).
-You like to "sing" along to songs AND dance to music.  You kick your leg and rock back and forth.  It's by far the best moves I've ever seen.  You are so full of life.  You just bring us so much joy.
-Opening and closing closets is a hobby of yours.  You also like closing doors.  You're a lot like your dad in that respect.  I leave things open and he goes behind me and close everything.
-You like to feed yourself.  You're a pro at eating finger foods but you also eat the pureed stuff too.  I tried feeding you avocado again and you refuse to eat it.  I just don't understand why because they are so yummy.  You like tofu.  I cut it in small squares and sautee it in a little oil and garlic. 
-I think you'll be a leader one day.  You have such a STRONG personality.  This was quite evident at Thanksgiving.  You absolutely refused to let anyone feed you when your dad and I were around.  Even if you were very hungry you outright refused to eat.  You just cried and wiggled out of their arms.  Once your dad or I hold you, then you eat.  It was pretty amazing to watch.  I couldn't believe it.
-You like imitating.  You imitate facial expressions, gestures, sounds.  It's so cute.
-Peek-a-boo is a favorite of yours.  You like when I hide then pop up out of nowhere.  You also try to hide under teddy bears and blankies and sometimes toilet paper.  Speaking of toilet paper, you like unrolling toilet paper and eating it.
-Your smile and laugh is contagious.  Everyone says that you are the most smiley baby they have ever met.  Your smile stretches from ear to ear.  Your show your biggest smile with your 2 pearly whites when your dada walks in the room.
-When you get excited you kick your legs and squeal.
-You look like such an angel when you're sleeping.  Your long eyelashes wiggle and your little lips poke out.  You are still sleeping great at night.  After your bedtime feeding you just pass out.  You go to bed around 730 and wake up at 630.  You don't even make a peep all night.  Sometimes your dad and I want to go in your room and snuggle with you but we know that probably wouldn't be wise
-We just love watching you grow!  We just love you!

Mrs. K

Baby K: Month 9

Happy 9th month birthday.  Here's a recap of month 8th.

Week 35 Part 2:

- We went to a farm this weekend with Abby and Jamison.  We had a lot of fun.  You played in a room full of corn.  You kept trying to put the corn in your mouth.  You were successful once with getting one in your mouth and I had to go fishing for it.  Thankfully, I was able to get it.   We then moved on and walked a little maze made out of hay.  We also went on a hayride to a corn maze.  The corn maze was a lot bigger than the other maze.  You fell asleep while we were in the maze and on the hayride back.  We also got to see a few farm animals--mainly bunnies and cows.  We also picked out a pumpkin, which we brought home.  Overall it was a fun day.

-I love watching you.  You just get into everything.  Everything grabs your interest.  It's just amazing to see how much you've progressed.  It's unbelievable.

-This week you ate raisins.  You also ate your first popsicle.  It was cherry flavored and it turned your lips bright red.  The dogs enjoyed it too--they were licking up whatever fell out of your mouth and on to the ground.  Eliza was licking your fingers when you were done and you loved it.  You could not stop laughing.  You've also been chowing down on the little puff snacks.

-I love hearing your laughter.  It's like music to my hears.  It immediately turns a bad day into a good one.

Week 36
-You are so much fun.  I'm chasing you around the house these days and you think it's so funny.
-You are pretty confident in your crawling skills and you just go.  You have also mastered pulling yourself to a stand.  Now you are doing some cruising.  You are also pretty good at controlling sitting down (from a standing position)
-Uncle J came to visit this week (your dad's brother).  It was his first time seeing you and I think he really enjoyed you.  Initially you had a bit of stranger anxiety with him but you warmed up slowly and eventually did ok
-Bedtime is usually strict around here but we were more flexbile
-We went to a funeral this week and it was pretty sad.  You met the 5 month old baby of the mother who died.  Hopefully you guys will be friends some day.
-I love how you sink your head deep into your chest (until I can't see your neck) then start cracking up.
-You are Mr. Curious and crawl out of my sight sometimes to explore.  You also go into cabinets and take out items if the doors are open.

Week 37
-I feel so blessed.  I couldn't ask you to sleep any better.  I put you to bed around 730/8pm and you don't wake up or even fuss until after 6am.  It's been a good sleep week and I've been trying to take advantage of it but going to bed early.
-In addition to crawling and pulling yourself to a stand, you also let go and stay standing without support for a max of 10 seconds.  It's cool to see you standing there without support.  You are also cruising more.
-Although you still cling to me, you are getting much better with hanging out with daddy while I'm home.  If I'm not home you don't even remember me but if I'm there, you fuss so that you can be with me.
-This week we played peek-a-boo and you loved it.  It was cool to watch you search for the toy under a blanket after I hid it.  You got so excited when you found it each time.  You also try to stack rings on a toy after I show you how to do it.  You're a smart cookie.
-When I'm doing something in the kitchen you crawl over to me and pull up on my legs when you want my attention.  Sometimes you just want me to acknowledge you and other times you want to be picked up.
-You think blueberries and raisins are yummy.  I pick the raisins out of my cinnamon raisin bread and give them to you.
-Your hair is growing a lot and is still bone straight.  I guess it may not get curly.

Week 38
-You continue to be so much fun although I can see that you're pretty strong-willed.  When you have your mind set on something, there's no turning back.  You grunt and growl and screech to get your way.  It's amazing that only a few months ago you were a newborn and could not even hold your head up.
-Now you are crawling, pulling self to stand, letting go and standing for a long time. You're also cruising.
-I think you like your freedom but you also make sure mommy or daddy is close by.  You'll explore but crawl really fast back to us for some comfort and security.
-I love that not-so-toothless grin.  I thought that your toothless smile was the best but this takes the cake.  Those 2 teeth at the bottom of your mouth are soooo cute.
-You still like to open cabinets and check out what's inside.
-We bought you an activity table this week.  Initially you were afraid of it but you adjusted pretty quickly and now you love it.  It plays about 50 fun songs while teaching you Spanish and a few other cool activities (like counting, ABCs, colors, etc).
-You love it when we blow on your tummy, nibble on your toes, tickle your whole body.  You hate it when we wipe your noes.
-The highlight of this week is you licking the glass door from the inside while Eliza (our doggie) was licking it from the outside.  It was the cutest thing ever.

Week 39 Part 1 
-You love cruising, flashing your pearly whites and gummy gums, pulling up to stand while holding on to my leg, babbling (especially saying mama and dada), and eating good food.
-You are sleeping so good.  Your mommy and daddy really appreciates that.
-Your dad wanted me to mention that you picked up a roach and almost ate it.  I stopped you before it happened and scoured your hand.  Everything still goes in your mouth.  It's so funny because you cruise around the kitchen and get on your tippie toe trying to get the cabinet knobs in your mouth.
-You are super friendly (even to strangers after you've warmed up to them). 
-You went to your first birthday party this week.  You had a good time although you were the youngest.  It was a Thomas (the train) theme.  You rode on a train in the neighborhood the party was held.
-I've noticed that you've been dancing some.  It's so cute.  Whenever you hear music you dance if you're standing or rock back and forth.  You also tried to sing the song.  You are so funny.
-Talking about being funny, you've got a good sense of humor already.  You are goofey like your mommy and daddy.  You are so smiley and sweet.  I just love your personality (and everyone who encounters you love it too).

Mrs. K

Baby K: Month 8

Happy 8th month Birthday.  Here's what happened month 7.

Week 31 Part 2:
-Your development is just amazing.  Just 2 days ago you were crawling military style mainly and also getting on all 4's, pushing off then get on your belly.  Starting Wednesday of this week you've officially crawled (long distance on all 4's without belly touching ground).  I cannot believe how things progress so quickly.  On Thursday you continue to crawl all over, climb over mommy.  The highlight of this day was watching you crawl across the room to your bouncer, get on your knees, then pull yourself to a standing position.  Holy cow!  I was shocked and so proud of you.  I kept having you do it over and over and you were happy to oblige.
-Still a great sleeper at night.  Daytime naps are better.  You take two long naps during the daytime now.
-Eating has been good. This week your favorite foods are apples and still bananas.  You also like the butternut squash I made you.
-You fuss a little less if I'm not in your sight.  You still fuss a little when you watch me walk out of a room but then you settle quickly.  You also seem to not want to be picked up as much.  You still crawl over to me wanting to be picked up and enjoy being held.  But now you also wiggle out of my hand to go play with something on the floor.  It's nice that you want to explore your surroundings but then come back to check in with me
-Your home daycare provider loves you.  She's like a grandma to you which is neat since we don't live close to family.  You also continue to get along well with your peers at the daycare
-We took pix at JC Penny's this week.  You looked so cute in you pumpkin onesie and your little golfer looking outfit.
-Thank God you are getting over your cold.  It was hard for me to watch you looking so uncomfortable (with runny, stuffy nose).  Even though you were not feeling your best, you were still a champ.  You are just such a delight.

Week 32
-You still do not like avocado.  I've tried mixing it with other foods that you like but you just gag and then spit it out.  I guess I'll have to wait until you are much older to revisit it with you.
-We have toys in several rooms in the house (but contained, kind of) and you love them all.  It's cool to watch you explore the various toys and learn to manipulate them
-This week you were successful at using the pincer grasp a few times. 
-You are doing lots of babbling.  You love saying "dada."
-You are still so sweet and smiley.  You laugh at everything, especially when you dada plays peekaboo with you or blows on your tummy.
-You still like baths but they are getting difficult since you're such a wiggle bug.  You keep standing up in the tub or try to crawl out.  You get so distracted easily at times and then other times you are hyperfocused on a particular thing and it's difficult to distract you.
-I've been letting you go without a diaper as much as you can (so you can be "free" and relaxed).  Well 3 times this week you peed on the bathroom floor.  I may need to not let you go "free" for a little while.
-You are even more mobile this week.  You crawl pretty far distances on all 4's.  You are also constantly pulling up on some furniture so that you can stand.  I'm amazed by how strong you are.
-Diaper changes and getting you dressed are also difficult. You wiggle all over the place and I have to be creative to keep you fairly still.  You also do this while nursing too.
-You go wild and crazy when you are in your jumper.  You shake the whole thing when you're in it.  You also like your toy with the pop-up animals and the stacking rings.   You love to crawl over mommy and daddy.  You love to jump up and down in our arms.  You also love to watch the dogs and sometimes you reach out to touch them.

Week 33
- You are a wile chile like yo poppa.  Kidding but you are all over the place even more this week.  You've been a little wiggle bug that is very hard for me to contain.  I find myself chasing you trying to get your shirt over your head and your pants on.  When I'm drying you off after your nighttime bath, you crawl to the corner of the bed.  Diaper changes are a big adventure, for you.
-This week we tried strawberries.  The ones you tried aren't very sweet so you make the "lemon face" every time you get your first 1-2 spoonfuls.  So cute.  You are also enjoying the food combos (for example strawberry/mango)
-You are "real" crawling so much AND fast.  You also love pulling yourself to a stand.  You even go up to the wall and try to pull yourself up.  Surprisingly you're even successful doing that, although there's no place for you to grab hold of.
-Crawling is good overall, you are getting more independent.  You are also more interested in your toys and environment and less interested in being held.  You still crawl over to me at times for me to pick you up (which I do) but within minutes you are ready to go back to crawling.  This means that mommy can do more since her hands are free.  Challenge with crawling is that mommy has to have 10 eyes, including eyes on the sides and back of her head.  You are still unaware of dangerous situations so I have to watch you carefully.  Of course, you've had a few bumps and bruises already but nothing serious.
-This was another good daycare week.  You are taking a liking to Ms. Thelma and she sure does love you too.  No more fussing when I drop you off.  You still reach for me when I pick you up but not instantly.  You seem to be having a good time whenever I drop by.
-Sleep continues to be great except for one day this week when you decided to wake up at 11pm and cry then fall asleep standing in your crib, cry some more, and refuse to sit or lay down.  I don't know what what going on but I hope we don't have a repeat.
-You love to use mommy and daddy as obstacle courses to maneuver.  You giggle so hard when your dad tickles your tummy or even looks at you.  You two are so goofy together.  I love to watch you guys interacting.

Week 34
-This week we start half breast milk/half formula because mommy can't keep up with your intake.  It's also tough because sometimes you don't seem interested in nursing.  I'm hoping to continue giving breast milk for a year.  We'll see how that goes.
-You are getting more interested in the details of your environment.  This week you became interested in an ant and chased it down.  It's really neat because you didn't really care about this last week.  You've also been swatting at little marks that you see on the floor.
-We went to Jordan Lake again this week.  I got out early one day and picked you up early from daycare.  Daddy was still working so he couldn't join us.  We had a good time.  It was great watching you dig your toes in the sand and wiggle the sand through your fingers.  You also tried to eat the sand several times.  We also dipped your feet in the water.
-You are still babbling dada but I can't get you to say mama.  You say a few other syllables too.
-You are still crawling and pulling up on everything (the side of the bath tub, your little infant tub, the furniture, my legs, our standing mirror, the wall, the cabinets.
-You also like to explore what's in the cabinets and the drawers.
-Daycare this week went well.  You had a 3 hour nap one day this week.  You still occasionally fuss when I leave.  You seem pretty happy there and you are well taken care of.
-Bedtime sleep is still great, thank God.  Still go to bed between 630p to 730p and wakes up at 530 to 600.  I feel very blessed although it came at a cost.  We did sleep training with you.  It worked for us and I think it was best for you and us.  I like that you are having consolidated sleep at night.  I think it's good for learning, attention and memory among other things.  Also good sleep habits now means good sleep habits later.
-This week has been cold so it's been fun dressing you in  winter-type gear.
-You are still a fairly good eater.  This week you were introduced to honey dew melon, which you like.
-You are frequently using the pincer grasp.  We practice with the puffs cereal snacks.  Whenever you are successful putting it in your mouth I cheer and you really like that.  If I'm not paying attention and you put one in your mouth, you try to get my attention by babbling loudly...then I cheer.
-Your dad makes you laugh so hard.  He walks in the room and you start laughing.  You hear his voice and you start smiling and looking for him.  It's so sweet.  You have the biggest and best smile I've ever seen.  It brightens my day.
-You are a bit feisty but it's so wonderful to watch your personality develop.  It's also great to watch you express your likes and dislikes.  I also like seeing you slowly develop independence.
-You are still a little clingy at times but I don't mind because I don't get to spend as much time with you as I want because of work.  When I'm with you, I really value the time we have with each other.  I usually don't answer phone calls (especially during your bedtime routine).  I definitely don't talk on the phone for a long time when you are around.

Week 35 Part 1:
- I  love you my sweet little rugrat.   You make my heart melt just thinking about you.  I find myself daydream about you and your gummy smile while I'm at work.  Well, soon your gummy smile will be just a memory because you are starting to sprout your bottom teeth.  Your gums have been swollen for quite some time and you've been drooling for months.  Finally, one day before your 8th month birthday the right bottom tooth burst through the gum.  You weren't particularly fussy or anything.  You are even cuter with that tooth.  It's pretty sharp too.  Hopefully, you'll be nice while nursing.
- You're still crawling all over the place and pulling yourself to a stand.  You've also fallen a lot and even hit your head.  Being the type of person that I am, all these falls make me nervous.  Even though we supervise you and babyproof the house, I can't control everything.

Mrs. K

Our studious little guy

 I don't post many pictures of our little guy around here BUT these were taken at JC Penny's and I wanted to share.  I loved all the pix that were taken but these are some of my favorites.  He's almost 7 months in these.

It was so hard getting him to keep that hat on. 

Mrs. K

Baby K: Month 7

 Happy 7th Month Birthday.  Here's a recap from Month 6

 Week 27:  

-You are still such a good baby with a great temperament.  I'm not just saying that because I love you and you are mine.  You are just smiley, cuddly, giggly and so much more.  You do fuss a little when you want your way or more attention but that's not very often.  You are full of life and laughs.
-This week you've been wearing a lot of hats.  You look so cute in your hats.  You wore the cutest outfit to church that also had a hat (don't wear a hat in church when you get older, ok).  We have different style hats, but I think my favorite is your blue baseball cap.

-I think you know that you should be on your best behavior when you are in public.  Whenever we go shopping or elsewhere, you are so good.  You observe and sit quietly in your stroller or carrier without fussing.  
-This week you, your dad, and I spent some quality time in the hammock.  The hammock is usually where you two chill out on a regular basis but I got to share one of the hammocks with you guys.
-You are doing so much babbling.  I REALLY think you said "dada."  I think you like hearing your voice.  I do too.
-You went for your 6 month check up and you weighed 16 lbs.  You're still a little squirt but you're coming along ok
-You went swimming (kind of) for the first time with daddy this week.  Well initially you just got your feet wet but later I stripped you down into diaper only and you got you entire body wet, except your head.  You seemed to like it but you were a little confused.  I don't think you were used to it.  I bet next time, you'll be very excited.

Week 28

-This week was the first time you spent the night (actually a few days) away from home.  You did pretty well.  We stayed in a cabin the Smoky Mountains in NC (near Asheville).  It was a lot of fun.  Your dad and I and you teenage aunts and uncles went hiking, white water rafting.  We had a great time but you stayed in the cabin with my mom.  I did hike some with you in the Baby Bjorn.  I think you enjoyed being out in nature, hearing the peaceful water from the nearby creek, and just being outdoors in general.  I think you'll be like your dad and love the great outdoors.
-This week you were started on peaches that I made at home.  You like them.  It's so funny because you still make a face whenever we start you on a new food for the first time
-Now you are drinking 5-7 oz breast milk every 3 hours or nursing plus 3 small meals per day.
-You love eating in your high chair.  You are seated by the large kitchen window and you like to watch the dogs "horse play" in between bites.  
-You like the dogs a lot.  We regularly go outside to watch them goof around.  I like watching you turn your head from side to side and follow them with your eyes.  As soon as you see them you start smiling.  You are also very brave and stretch your hand out for them to lick it.
-Sleep is still fairly good.  You go to bed around 6-7p and wake up around 5-6a on average.  You do (sometimes) wake up during the night and fuss for a few minutes then go back to sleep.
-OK you are saying dada and a few other things that sound like real words. It's pretty cool.

Week 29
-This is the last week that you were taken care of exclusively in our home by family.  Next week you start at a home daycare.  I'm dreading it but I know this is what is best for our family at this time.  I think you'll like it.  There are only 2 other kids, the caretaker is sweet, and so are the other kids too.  I'm just having some anxiety about this transition
-This week you are spending more time on all fours and also lunging forward.  I think you'll start to crawl very soon.  You get up on you knees and hands and stay there for a while, then you take one step forward then collapse to your belly.  You're so adorable when you do that.
-You are still Mr. Smiley all the way.  You just brighten everyone's day.  Your dad calls you "ridiculously cute" and I must say I agree.
-You laughs just tickle me.  It's so contagious.  You love when I act goofy to make you laugh.  You also like when I play peek-a-boo with you.
-Earlier this week you were really clingy, mainly wanting me or your dad to hold you but this got better towards the end of the week.  If we put you down for a second you started fussing, even if we were right next to you.  With some distraction and chewy toys you got better.  I've been practicing putting you on the ground more so that you can be more physically active and also so you can start developing some independence. 
-You LOVE baths.  Well, you like pulling yourself to a standing position while in the bath tub as I try to prevent you from falling out.
-This week you had mangoes (homemade).  You liked it a lot.  Making you baby food at home is so easy.  I love doing it.  And I love watching you try all the new flavors.
-I'm still nursing you and giving you expressed breast milk.  Not that you are to know but I'm very excited that you are almost 7 months and I'm still giving you breast milk.  I feel very accomplished and I'm glad I'm doing what is best for you.
-Surprisingly I can tolerate you crying a little better.  I've noticed that this week.  It's still VERY hard and it still makes me anxious but it's not as bad.  I guess I'm starting to get that it's ok for you to cry and not harmful.  I guess I just want you to be happy all the time, but I know that's not realistic.  Your dad tells me all the time.  You'll find out--your dad is a wise man.  :).  No, he didn't pay me to say that.

Week 30
-The biggest milestone this week is starting daycare.  It was a huge deal for both of us but we managed.
-For starters you are at a home daycare with 2 other kiddos (girls).  You caretaker is sweet, kind and caring (which is exactly the type of person we were looking for to care for you).  There was another place that was bigger and more expensive but less personal.  We wanted you to have someone who would grow to love you (quickly) and treat you like family.
-Drop off on the first day was so tough.  It's definitely on the list for the most challenging things I've had to do.  You rode quietly on the 12 minute drive there.  You even dozed off the last 5 minutes.  When we got outside the house, you looked around curiously.  When we entered you did ok.  I handed you off and you started getting fussy.  I stayed with you for a little while as she held you.  You continued to fuss (like you knew what what happening).  I kissed you by and started crying as I walked out the door.  I cried several other times that day and also called to check on you about 3 times.  Your caretaker was very sweet and gently throughout the process.  There was only 1 day this week when you didn't cry but you eventually settle.  I haven't been letting you stay the full day.  I've been picking you up between 3 and 4.  It's so crazy how much I miss you while you are there.  But I feel like you are in good hands.
-This week you are no longer interested in hats.  Well, you don't like them on your head.  You are much more aware when they are there and you rip them right off.  I can still distract you where you forget they are there.
-You got your first real cold this week at daycare.  The two girls were sick and you got what they had--itchy runny nose and some congestion.  Thankfully you haven't had a fever or anything else.  This has made breast feeding more challenging.
-You are mainly eating peaches, mangoes, peas and carrots this week.
-You are still getting on all 4s but only take on step forward before collapsing on your belly.
-You are so active.  I bought you some age appropriate toys and you are so into them.  You wiggle out of my arms to play with them for a few minutes then you fuss to get back in my arms.
-Your dad's grandma passed away this week.  At the end of the week he went to Cincinnati to sing in her funeral.

Week 31 Part 1:
-You are home alone with mommy because daddy is on a medical mission trip in Nicaragua for the entire week. We've been having fun together but we greatly miss him.  You are so cute.  You look around the house trying to find him.  You lean over, looking around me trying to see if you can catch a glimpse of him (but he's not here).
-We've been sending your daddy daily videos of you and every night he begs me to send him more pix of you.  Before he left he said "I'm really gonna miss [Baby K]."  Not his wife but his son.  Just kidding.
-This week you tried pears and apples.  You like both a lot.  I really like making you baby food.  The apples tasted just like applesauce (or even better).
-You are doing so much socially, physically, emotionally.  It's just so amazing.  I just love watching you grow and explore the world.
-Motor: this week I've noticed more that you are picking up tiny objects by scooping with your hand.  You are also unsuccessfully :) trying the pincer grasp.  You try to assist me with feeding by holding on to the spoon.  I've resorted to giving you your own spoon so you can try to feed yourself while I feed you.  Needless to say meal times are messy BUT oh so fun.  You are crawling, although unconventionally.  You still do the military crawl but you also get on all 4s and take one move forward then give up and get on your belly (then repeat).  You have started this week crawling on all 4s but kind of lopsided.  It's the cutest thing ever.  You also do this thing where you try to sit up on your own from being on belly.  You're successful doing this a few times but other times you just topple over.  I laughed the first time you did this and since then you look at me and laugh every time you do it.
-Socially: you interact so much with me and others.  You have the funniest facial expressions.  I think you get that from me.  It's easy to tell your likes and dislikes nowadays.  You also grunt  whenever you want something to go your way.  The best thing is when you try to sing with me when I sing to you or when you hear music.  You also try to talk when you hear me talk sometimes.  It's so adorable.  I think you are developing some separation anxiety because you freak out sometimes when you can't see me however when I'm in the room with you, you go off exploring.
-Emotionally: you are still my sweet and cuddly baby.  You stroke my arm or touch my face when I nurse you.  You like to be held (which can be challenging at times).   You love to laugh out loud, especially when I blow on your belly.  You even start laughing in anticipation of me doing it.
-Week 2 of daycare went well.  Ms. T really likes you.  I think you like her too although you still cry when I leave.  She tells me you settle before I even get to the car (which is good, I guess).  
-You sleep great at night but you have started to boycott day time naps.  We have to work on that.

Overall you have enriched our lives in so many ways and we feel truly blessed to have you.

Mrs. K