7 months

Wow that month went fast

Updates on:

Sleeping:

If you see my posts on facebook you probably noticed me getting excited a few times this month about his sleep progression.  After letting him figure out how to get himself to sleep on his own, we all found out he is a tummy sleeper.  This made the unswaddling very easy because his arms can't wake him up when he's on his belly.
Even though he still won't give us two nights in a row of great sleep, he does give us every other night. Funny kid.
I usually give him about 5 minutes to get himself back to sleep and to listen if his cry is needy or not.  Usually its not and he goes right back to sleep.
One night (sorry for the redundancy facebook friends) he fell asleep at 9 after nursing, woke up briefly at 1:30 then quickly fell back asleep on his own, then didn't wake up again until 8:20!  I call that a successful night.  While I don't anticipate another night like that for awhile, I'm hoping nights like another more recent night become more consistent.  He went down at 9, woke up at 6:30 to nurse, then quickly went down for another 3 hours.  I am totally okay with that!

Our tummy sleeper

Naps are a different story.  He is starting to nap around the same time everyday which is nice, but I still have to bounce/rock him for 2 of the 3 naps.  The long nap in the middle of the day we nap together in my bed.  He goes right to sleep on that one.

Sweet baby napping with me

Eating:

Solids!  We haven't taken out any nursing session and he still rarely stretches the time in between nursing.  That is his #1 priority when it comes to food.  He has started lunging for my shirt when he wants to nurse.  This kid knows where his food is at.

We have tried:

Sweet potatoes: liked after a couple tries and still liked it when we went back
Peas: hated it.  I tried putting in garlic, salt, you name it he still gave a stank face... until I put in some bananas
Butternut squash:  Liked after 3 days
Carrots: Liked the second day
Green beans:  Tried it once, hated it.  Went on to other solids.  Tried it again, hated it.  Added salt, no, added a little apple sauce... yes!  (I hope he doesn't get used to only eating his green veggies with a little something to sweeten the deal)
Pears: loved day 1
Prunes: chowed down and cried when it was gone
Chicken/Turkey/Beef (ground up baby food):  full on gag.  I don't blame him, i've tasted everything he's eaten and I almost gagged too.
Greek yogurt:  liked it with bananas

I was able to make everything myself of the food he has eaten now except for the pears, prunes, meat, and yogurt.  Makes me feel pretty proud, and thrifty.

Loving the yogurt

He got wayyy backed up.  I think it was all the bananas.  So we stopped bananas and went to simple foods until his bowels regulated.  I had to go up there a couple times and help him with the hard stuff.  Poor guy, that was not fun for either of us.  Today he pooped and I've never been so excited to see his poop... normal!

Play:

No crawling yet, this boy likes to be on his legs.  He gets plenty of floor time.  He's really good at spinning around in circles and rolling around to get where he wants.  I feel like he might start an army crawl soon.  You can see he wants to get places.

David is so good at playing with him when I need to take care of things around the house.  The other day I caught this

Playing ball!

His johnny jumper is still his favorite toy.  He uses it and a way to get around the area most of the time. He is able to walk around in it.  We've had to move everything off the side of a little desk thing because he gets to good at pulling things off.  We now put his toys up there to see how far he can reach.

He's a tricky guy

Likes:

Blowing raspberries!  He has done this non stop almost all week.  Its fun to watch even if he does get spit everywhere.
Pulling my hair.  If there is hair within reach, he goes at it.  Especially when he's nursing.
Jumping.  His #1 activity.  If you stand him up, he will jump.  If you sit him on your knee he will try to jump.  If there is any possible way he can make the jumping motion and move, he will do it.
Putting everything in his mouth.  Good thing we have a decent vacuum.
Pulling up on things.  This boy is getting strong!

Saying "Mom" over and over and over.  He's probably not aware what exactly it means, but he does seem to say it when he needs something, so I'm going to say he knows sometimes.  He has said something that sounds like "Dad" a couple times so David feels pretty good about that.

I wish I had more pictures of all of his facial expressions.  He has some new very funny and very intense expressions that have popped up.

Mom:

With him sleeping better I'm starting to feel more of myself come back.  I still think I might need to see my OB and just talk things over.
I was able to go to the gym.  It was only once but it really resets things.  I love a good sweat.
I'm back to my pre-preg weight!  Its still not where I'm used to because I gained a little bit before I got pregnant, but its definitely something I'm proud of.  Thank you nursing and good eating (for the most part).  I was at Gap the other day and the clothes actually looked good on me again.  I was soooo happy!

Family:

We took some family pictures at Sears.  We can't afford much else (I prefer doing photos outside in natural lighting), but at least we got it done and we had a gift certificate that paid for it.  They did a black backdrop, which I also don't like but beggars can't be choosers.  Daniel was so good during it.  Then he conked out after, being cute is exhausting!
We put our Christmas tree up!  I was debating putting it up because we don't have any floor space but then I wised up and realized that Daniel needs a Christmas tree for his first Christmas!  So I moved some stuff to behind the couch and we put the tree up.  Luckily he doesn't see it as a toy (yet).
2 weeks until our California Christmas!!!!!  I don't know if I can get any more excited.


This last month this kid has exploded with personality and it is so fun to watch.  He is so caring but you know he loves to have fun and explore too.  He really is a good baby.  I used to only be able to say that about him during the day but now that his nights are getting better its easy for me to say it about him all the time.

He is starting to grow out of his 12 month clothing.  Dang kid.  He is 23 lbs now and probably close to 30 inches.  He is just right for us.

From us Fosters to your family, we wish you all a Happy Holidays!!!  Be safe and have so much fun!

6 months

Its already been 6 months??

Man, this kid, he is a hoot!

Here are yesterday's stats:
22lbs - 96%
29.5 in - 99%
This big boy just got into size 4 diapers.  Sheesh!

Here he is at his check up yesterday staring at his daddy

Here are his updates:

Sleeping:
The sleep training helped a little.  That kid is so stubborn that it was very difficult for both of us.  But progress was made.  He now only eats twice a night instead of 3.  His longest stretch was 7 hours.  That was delightful!  Its still not sleeping through the night.  At 6 months sleeping through the night is considered at least 8 hours.
We're still swaddling him but I'm starting to think we need to transition him out of that.  Last night he woke up 5 times.  He only ate 2 of those times.  Pretty sure the other 3 were him waking himself up trying to get out of the swaddle.  He still doesn't have much control of his arms when he's sleeping without the swaddle so I'm torn on what to do.

Naps are becoming more regular and a little longer which is nice.  He's definitely happier that way.

Sometimes I bring him in after his last early morning feeding and we will cuddle sleep together for another hour or so.

Eating:
We started him on solids the day he turned 6 months.  First we tried sweet potatoes.  He got the hang of that by the second day and really started to like them.  Then we tried green beans... hated them.  Next was peas... hated them.  So we're back to sweet potatoes but I made some butternut squash last night.
We don't have a high chair and the bumbo doesn't fit well with him so he's basically just sitting on the floor while we feed him.  It works for the most part.
We haven't taken any breastfeeding sessions out.  We're doing so well with that.  My initial goal with breastfeeding was a year but now I think I might just go until he weans himself.  We'll see how long that means.

Before and after with his first try

Play
Now that he sits so well on his own I can just sit him down and let him do his thing.  He'll play sitting up for awhile then he'll fall over to play with a toy that is nearby.  That begins the rolling.  He rolls everywhere and is getting into everything!  Anyone want to come help me baby proof?  We have so much to do!  He looks like he wants to crawl so bad.  He will be on his tummy trying to get a toy and will start rocking forward with his legs but he's still unable to go anywhere.

First Snow

Our makeshift Halloween costume

First time swinging

He loves his jumper!

Likes
Anything that makes noises
Finding his voice
His jumperoo
Measuring cups
Bath time
Making raspberries and other noises with his tongue
Having mom hold him (he's starting to get attached)

Mom
I'm starting to have more good days than bad days which is an improvement for me.
I need to take more mental health days.
Its been difficult for me this last month with David's injury, I felt like I never got any time to myself.
I got my hair done which I love!

Family
David got his cast off... yay!  He really has tried to help as much as possible with his limited mobility.  I do love having that handicapped parking pass though.
We finally got Daniel on Medicaid.  We were down to almost no money in October and I had to do a make a few phone calls to buy us some time to be able to have our bills clear.  Taking him off my COBRA will save us $300/mo.  Huge!  November is still very difficult, we're having to be very strategic with our credit cards depending on when the bills are due.  We just need to last until when the next semester starts in January and we get our next installment of the Pell Grant.
We made Christmas plans, we're going to Fallbrook for 2 weeks!  I am seriously so so excited.  I miss my family so much.  I feel so stranded out here, I just want to see my family!

And here are some fun pictures to end on

Sucking on mama's chin

Sunday morning nap next to daddy

Look at those rolls!

My sleeping boys

Huge

I swear he has the longest butt crack

We put the convertible car seat in, I think he is more comfortable... he falls asleep all the time!

5 months

Wow.  5 months

My baby is big!  His last check up a couple weeks ago had him measuring in at 20lbs 4.5oz (98%) and just under 29 inches (99%)

Here is how much he has changed

Look at those thighs!

Updates on:

Sleep
Hasn't changed from month 4.  He still wakes up every 3 hours to eat at night.  We started sleep training 2 nights ago to hopefully stretch that out to more like 6-8 hours on the first stretch.  What heaven that would be if it worked!
We still swaddle him.  He is so active when his arms are free that he wakes himself up.  Maybe when he starts sleeping longer we can experiment with putting him in a sleep sack instead of a swaddle.

Eating
We tried cereal for a few days but it didn't seem to change anything so we went back to just breast milk. He will stay on just breast milk until 6 months.
He is finally out of the nursing strike!
Thank goodness he is more efficient at nursing because I've gotten better at nursing him on the go.
I'm lucky that he doesn't really get distracted still
I love hearing him chug my milk when the let down comes

Play
He is getting better at rolling from tummy to back and back to tummy.  Luckily he hasn't figured out that he will be able to get somewhere with it.  He is scooting along really well too.  Here is a picture of how I found him a couple weeks ago.  He started on his play mat which is on the right side of the photo

He is almost sitting up all the way on his own
He loves to stand!

Likes
Tummy tickles
Diaper changes
Johnny Jumper
Putting everything in his mouth
Cookie Monster!! <--- he will calm down so quick with his videos

I love that video!  Its hilarious the concentration he has with the cookie monster vs the distraction and turning the phone away with the original song.

Mom
Most days I feel like I'm coming out of the newborn haze
Starting to slowly fit back into my pre-preg jeans.  Thank goodness because I really don't want to go out and buy a bunch of new jeans.  I do sometimes, but I can't.
I'm getting into the swing of things... most days.  Some days I still forget to brush my teeth or change my clothes and somehow its already 2pm.

Family
This happened.  He is getting surgery today.  Its a big bummer but we're starting to be more and more okay with it.
I'm overwhelmed with the amount of work its going to be without him being able to hold Daniel.  I will be asking for help, but it won't be the same with only having the three of us hanging out and working with each other.  I like being able to just breast feed on the couch with my shirt off while David does his homework.  Those times will be limited when outside help comes in.  I will be very thankful for the help though.

Hopefully the sleep training works and next month we can report that he is sleeping better.  We need it for our sanity!

Some fun pictures from the last month:

4 generations of Fosters

Oh you know, just hanging out

Trying cereal for the first time

Exhausted after trying cereal

Sitting up and playing the piano

Look at me, I'm standing!

4 months

I'm getting so big!  I don't know Daniel's stats are but if I had to guess I'd say he's about 18-19lbs and 28 inches.  He doesn't have a 4month appointment because is ped is doing some charitable work in Africa until the end of the month.

Here are some updates on

SLEEP
He still is a horrible sleeper.  Most nights weren't too bad though.  He would wake up 2-3 times at night, eat for about 10 minutes, then fall back asleep until the next time so I really wouldn't be awake for long.
The last week or so he has gotten even worse.  I've heard this might be the "4 month wakeful" period.  The last 3 nights he's woken up 5-6 times and won't fall back asleep as easily.
I feel like I've tried everything, 5 S's, putting him down somewhat awake, no swaddle, 1 arm swaddle, double swaddle.  No luck.
I'm not a big fan of rice cereal.  In my opinion, its just a filler and is unnecessary.  That's just my opinion so if you love it please don't get offended.  I'd rather get less sleep and give him more of my breastmilk.  I only bring this up because we won't be using it so if you're going to try to give us suggestions you know this one is a no-go.
Also he is not a very good napper, he won't sleep for more than 30 minutes or so if I'm not there next to him to pat his belly back to sleep or bounce him back to sleep.  So also I don't 'sleep while baby sleeps' because unless I fall asleep on my own it takes me about 20 minutes to fall asleep and a 10 minute nap isn't very productive.  Every time I hear this suggestion I just have to laugh quietly inside because it doesn't work.

PLAY
He's starting to get tired of his play gym.  Its sad because that would usually buy me about 20 minutes to get some work done.
The exersaucer is still not one of his favorites but sometimes he will enjoy it for about 10-15 minutes
The johnny jumper is his favorite.  We have to watch him closely in it though because he has run into the doorway a few times with his head.  When he doesn't have mishaps like that he can stay in there for 30+ minutes just wandering and looking around

We actually had to get him a new one because that one was from kid to kid and the band that it hangs from snapped while he was in it and he fell down.  Tough guy just looked up at us and didn't know what to do.  He was just fine.
Floor time: he loves playing on his back with his toys.  He is getting a lot more coordinated with his arms to where he can reach straight for the toy instead of having to swing his arm around and eventually reach the toy.  He is still a whiz kid at rolling onto his belly.  It takes him a little bit longer to start fussing once he gets there but we keep him on his belly for about 5 minutes at a time more or less depending on his disposition.  I really want him to be able to figure out how to roll onto his back again from his belly.  He hasn't done it since week 6.  Although I kind of don't want him to know back to belly and belly to back because that means he'll soon be rolling all over the place which means some baby proofing would be in order and I'm not ready for that.
He loves it when I take him out on the lawn and let him play outside.  Its so fun for him and it gets us both some fresh air.

EATING
He still has his nursing sessions where he fights me but those are becoming fewer.  Now we're dealing with boredom and distractions.  Luckily he eats so much faster now so he's done in about 10 minutes and he's good to go for about 3 hours.
Last night we were at the park with some friends who have a 6 mo old.  They gave her a piece of carrot stalk to suck/chew on and she made the most adorable disgusted face.  David and I were so curious what Daniel would do.  We asked them when they started giving her the stalks and they said 4 months so we figure we would try it out with Daniel.  He took it like a champ.  He didn't chew on it but it was his favorite thing to suck on for the rest of that night.  It was fun to watch him try to stick it in his mouth.  I think he'll be more than ready for solids in 2 months.

GROWING
I had to go through all this clothes the other day and retire everything 0-3 and 3-6m.  There was this one outfit I was so excited for him to wear when he got it but I forgot to filter it through and once I found it at the bottom of the drawer it was too late.  He was too long, broad, and chubby for it.  I was sad for a second but happy that he's growing so well.
I need to go through his socks now and figure out what still fits because his feet are so big too.
My arms get tired with him after carrying him around for a little while.  He's quite the solid boy, I love it!
David is having such a fun time with him now that he is stronger.  They're so cute together.  Daniel doesn't really laugh for me but once daddy gets home he's all giggles.  I think he knows that mom is business and dad is play.  I'm just not as exciting as daddy I guess.

MISC
He's figuring out how to blow raspberries
He has some very manly farts
He still has cradle cap but its not as much
He's almost grown out of his infant car seat
We had to retire the swing because he got too big
According to David he already has great form holding a basketball.  Right, like we can tell already.
He's just so cute!

And photos for fun:

We finally got one of him in his blessing outfit, not a day too soon before he couldn't fit in it

Fist bump

Look how big I am!

And happy

And tired

And talkative

No really, I love to talk

Photo blast!!

Promised a photo blast after the last post...

He loves being outside

Tummy time success, only take him outside on the lawn

Handsome boy and a pretty flower from Brazil in mom's hair

Johnny Jumper success!

D and cousin Nicole!

He fell asleep rolling over to his belly

Riding papa's motorcycle

Hi!  I'm cute!

This is so fun!