Happy 7-Month Birthday

Happy 7-month birthday, Braeden!! At this point it feels like you've always been part of our lives. I can't even remember what things were like without you here. What a joy you are to everyone you know. As I write this, he naps.

Still no teeth, but that doesn't stop him from devouring his meals. I've noticed this past week that he's not drinking quite as much formula as he used to, it being slowly replaced by all the yummy foods he's now eating three times a day. His 24-hour formula total is down by only 3-4 ounces, but he's gradually wanting less, and what he does drink he now wants from his cup moreso than his bottle. He really does love to eat, particularly his oatmeal in the morning.

Personally I love his evening meal the most. DH isn't home from work then, which is sad, but Brae proudly sits in his high chair, his dog roaming around or lying under the kitchen table in hopes of some food hitting the floor, which doesn't happen often, but she keeps hoping. I have the television on, which Brae can see while he eats, and he glances over periodically for a look. But mostly he's intent on gobbling down that food. If DH were here, it would be my idea of the perfect family meal. At least we've got weekends for that.

Braeden's been sitting totally on his own for about 3 weeks. While he's still not crawling, he's taken to rolling around the room to get from point A to point B and so far it's working for him. Man, he can cross our living room in seconds. I'm surprised he doesn't make himself dizzy..hehe. His new excitement is standing next to the couch, his hands on the seat for support. He stands there for 2-3 minutes, looking around, but hasn't taken the plunge of trying to cruise yet.

He's thoroughly enjoying playtime. DH got him 4 "high tech" toys, meaning they run on batteries, have flashing lights, make music or sounds, and while he enjoys them, he usually returns to the old stand-bys - his blocks, teething rings, teddy bear, his mirror with pictures on the back, his exersaucer. One of the "high tech" toys he enjoys the most is his "driving console". He beeps the horn, turns the steering wheel, shifts gears, and has even figured out how to use the "key" to turn it on and off.

This past week he started saying "mama", "dada", and "daw", which I think is his version of "dog". Obviously he doesn't know what the sounds mean yet, but he's using those three a lot. He's also just started singing, "lalalala". And he loves to scream when he gets excited, that and a lot of giggling.

We moved him up to a larger bath tub, and he really enjoys that. He has more room to kick his legs and splash. It's harder to rinse his hair, which will need another trim very soon, but he doesn't mind water on his face at all - he thinks it's funny. That hair of his is totally amazing. It's dark brown but with a lot of red and reddish blonde highlights. And it's growing so fast. I've already cut it twice, and DH and I will have to attempt cut #3 very soon. It won't be as easy now because he won't sit still for long, but hopefully between the two of us we'll manage to make him neater. He has a natural part on the left side, and the hair on the right is so long it's falling into his eyes, even though I comb it straight back after his baths. Once it's dry, down it comes.

His library of DVDs is expanding. He gets an educational one in the morning, and a fun one before his evening meal. They're mainly Baby Einstein ones, but he's got favorites that he enjoys. It's amazing how his personality has developed so far already.

Aunt Y. was supposed to come for a visit today, but she's come down with a very bad cold, so opted to stay away - good plan. That's the last thing we need, for us to get sick. Hopefully we'll be able to get together next weekend instead.

So Happy 7-month Birthday little Braeden. I hope you have a wonderful day.

6 Month Check Up

Braeden went for his 6-month check up on Wednesday (the 4th). He weighs 17 pounds and 7 ounces, is 27.5 inches long, head circumference is 17 inches. Physically and developmentally he's right on target, healthy as a horse. We move onto Stage 2 foods now, which I think he's more than ready for. Like Oliver's mommy, I'll be careful to only introduce one new food at a time. Braeden does love to eat. He's started cutting back his formula on his own, not drinking quite as much as he did before he started solid foods.

He did great until his pediatrician put him on the examining table. He started crying his head off, almost screaming, and she hadn't even touched him. Since he was so upset, she didn't do too much in the way of an exam. From that screaming, she knew his lung function is excellent..hehe. Even after she left the room, he continued to cry so hard that I was joining him. It was so hard to watch him like that, but he remembered being there last time I think, and didn't want any part of it.

He got some different vaccinations this time, but the same number as two months ago; an oral vaccine, and 4 shots (2 in each hip). He was already crying so much, I couldn't even tell when he got the shots. But once we got him loaded up in his car seat and he had his toys to hold onto, he calmed down and was fine. He had no reaction whatsoever this time around, whereas at 4 months he had a lot of pain and a slight fever. He's a bit quiet today, but he was so "chatty" yesterday I'm not surprised he needs a rest today.

Time for his mid-morning meal. He's taking a short nap, but I know he'll be wide awake once he sees that bottle of milk (formula, but we're calling it milk). He knows the sign language for milk now, opening and closing his fingers when he sees his bottle. That's the only one he's picked up yet.

Our neighborhood is having an Easter Egg Hunt and block party Saturday. Braeden's not old enough obviously for egg hunting, but the park is just up the street, so we'll take him up there for some socialization time. He'll have fun, and next year he'll be able to hunt for those eggs with the other children.

For those celebrating various holidays this weekend, I hope you have a great time.