11 Months Old

11 Months Old

I wish I had an adjective to describe parenthood.  It's the craziest, wildest, and best adventure.  Harrison has changed my life completely.  I am so proud to be his mom and am so excited to see him grow into the wild, kind man he's already starting to become.  Oh, sweet Harrison- I hope you one day realize the unsurpassable amount of joy you've given us in such a short time and we can't wait to watch you grow.  Thank you for being you.  

Likes:
Playing the drums
Eating any and everything
Ripping up tissue paper and paper towels
Peek-a-boo
Bathtime 
Puppies
Sitting in the shopping cart
Throwing his paci out of his crib during nap time 
Dancing
Climbing on furniture
Musical instruments
His new big boy chair
Being fed water out of a straw like a baby bird 

Dislikes:
Sleeping in his pack n' play on vacation.  Or maybe that's just my dislike because he likes to party at 3:00 when he sees us in the same room... either way...

Schedule:
Nothing new.  He is very adaptable to whatever is going on and is a very flexible baby! 

Features:
He is 29.75 inches long!  I refuse to weigh him because I am not stepping on the scale after the holidays.  Check back in a month.  We are still waiting on more teeth, but his two bottom ones are very prominent now.  His hair is getting thicker, and I love love love when he has crazy, messy bedhead.  

Milestones:
-Gives kisses (swoon) -- sometimes when you ask for them, sometimes for no reason at all 
-Hugs and kisses his stuffed animals 
-Stands on his own
-Walks with assistance 
-Says "dada"
-Understands "no" and what's going on around him
-Uses facial expressions to show emotions 

Firsts:
-Christmas
-Cookie
-Golf cart ride 

Challenges:
This month has been pretty challenge free and I'm so very thankful for that.  

Thoughts:

I know I've said this a million times, but I just can't believe how quickly time has gone.  Less than a year ago, he was this wrinkly, six pound infant who only knew how to sleep, eat, and poop, and now he's full of energy, personality, and just the most perfect little boy.  It happened so quickly and although I know I soaked in each moment, it feels like the time just slipped through my hands.  

10 Months Old

10 Months Old 

What in the what?!  10 months old.  It's pretty unbelievable how fast time goes.  I feel like it was just yesterday that I peed on a stick, saw two lines, and did a happy dance while simultaneously freaking out.  And now I have a spunky, wild, curious, very sweet little boy.  He's changing even more every day now as he transitions from a baby to a toddler (WHY?!) and I can't believe how lucky I am to have this kid as my child.  I know, I know- every parent thinks their child is "special" - but, the qualities that I already see in him make me feel like the luckiest mom in the world.  He's always positive, happy, smiling, laughing, and and an all around fantastic handful.

Likes:
Pickles
Carbs 
Banging on everything
Dancing
Scout- his stuffed animal puppy 
Baths
The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme song

Dislikes:
#hangry

Schedule:
No big changes here.  He has a few bottles a day, lots of solids (he will suck down those pouches in a minute flat), and loves to eat what we're eating.  He sleeps through the night and we love him for that. 

Features:
He's 29 inches long- I think, it's not easy to measure a wiggle worm- and weighs 20 lbs 3 oz.  He has two bottom teeth and we think the top ones will poke through any day now.  

Milestones:
-Standing on his own for longer periods of time
-Clapping
-Dancing

Firsts:
-Overnight trip with grandparents 
-Thanksgiving- he tried everything!
-Seminole victory over the Gators :) 

Challenges:
We were out of town a lot this month and Harrison really struggled with sleeping in his pack n' play.  I'm not sure if it was a new environment or teething, but we had a lot of late night (early morning?) snuggle sessions.  And by snuggle sessions, I mean he used us as drums while we begged him to fall asleep. 

Thoughts:

Watching him grow is so bittersweet.  As I pack away tiny clothes and watch him get into everything, I can't believe how much he has grown in just 10 short months.  Part of me aches knowing that his time of being a baby is quickly coming to a close, but the other part of me is so elated to watch him grow and enter toddlerhood.  Oh, the feelings! 

9 Months Old

9 Months Newish

This month has been hard for me.  I'm really struggling with being at work and missing him growing and changing by the minute.  He's such a smart, funny, curious, and clever little boy and I wish I was there to experience it more than a few hours a day and on the weekends.  I feel so lucky to have him as my son and just wish we could spend every moment together while he doesn't find me embarrassing, although I look forward to that.  He's changed so much in the past couple of months and I'm so proud of the tiny human he is becoming. 

Likes:
Puffs & Crunchies-  This kid loves to eat.

Banging on tables

Pulling up and pulling things off of tables (commence baby proofing)

Walker- he does laps around the house 
Smiling and flirting with everyone 

Dislikes:
When we take things away

When we walk out of the room

Schedule:
Harrison has three-four 8 oz bottles a day, with solids in between.  He is eating "real" solids sometimes and likes to eat off of our plate.  He's down to an average of one nap, sometimes two, sometimes zero.  He sleeps through the night (unless he's teething) so we can't really complain.  

Features:
Finally some new features!  He has one bottom tooth and the other one is making its' way through.  He's still a blue eyed blonde and is more handsome than ever!  I have no idea what he weighs right now (I'm holding out for the doctor's appointment so I don't have to get on the scale), so I'll get back to you on that one.  

Milestones:
-Pulling Up

-Cruising

-Teeth

-Clapping

-Waving

-Standing on his own for short periods of time

Firsts:
-Trip to Disney World

-Halloween (he was a monkey, duh)

Challenges:

Keeping up with this little man!  He's into EVERYTHING. 

Thoughts:

I would give anything to be a stay at home mom.  I know people are split on the issue; some say they would be bored, some say they need the structure of the work day.  And I get both sides, because I've been on both of them.  As a teacher, I have long holidays and normal work days, and after experiencing both I know that I would be happy at home with this little guy.  Unfortunately, it's not in our cards right now, but who knows what the future holds.  So, for those of you lucky enough to be at home, enjoy it, even the frustrating moments, and rock that SAHM life.  And for those that prefer to work, or have to, you go mama!  Either way- we're all in this together and maybe I'll join you for the park play dates in a few years :) 

8 Months Old

8 Months Newish

My whole heart.  I don't know what I ever did without him.  He makes every day worth waking up to and it's impossible to be in a bad mood with him around.  I am really starting to see his personality shine, and although I know he's going to be a handful, I can also see how adventurous, curious, kind, bubbly, and outgoing he is turning out to be.  I am so proud to be his mama.

Likes:
Walker- He chases our dog around the house and has turned into a speed demon.
Crawling- He loves his newfound mobility - he gets so proud when he reaches his destination-- he'll look at you and smile and laugh. 
Solid food- We started giving him puffs in the last week or so and he is obsessed!  He would eat them all day if we let him.
Bathtime- He loves splashing in the water and playing with his bath toys.
Anticipation Games-  So many giggles!
Banging things to make noise, lots and lots of noise. 


Dislikes:
Getting dressed
Diaper changes 

Schedule:
He eats four 8 oz bottles a day with solid snacks in between.  He takes a morning and an afternoon nap lasting between 30 minutes to two hours long.  He goes to bed between 7-7:30 and sleeps through the night (hallelujah).  

Features:
28" long, 19 lbs 14oz, blue eyes, blonde hair.  He's so squishy and perfect.  He has the biggest gummy smile that will melt your heart.

Milestones:
-Crawling
-Pulling up to his knees 
-Pincher grasp
- Holding two toys in both hands
-Waving (not at the right time, but it's so cute to watch him practice)
-Gives open mouth kisses 

Firsts:
-Real solid food (bread)
-Babysitter (woohoo!)

Challenges:
Baby proofing!  Room by room we are figuring out that our previous decor style is not suitable for mobile babies.  Bye bye coffee table and dining room - Hello soft ottoman and play room! 

Thoughts:
Time really does fly.  I have a few friends that recently had babies and I can't believe that just 8 months ago Harrison was that tiny.  I remember the sleepless nights and the questions and concerns like it was yesterday, but now my baby is crawling and I get 8 hours of sleep and it happened in the blink of an eye.  I'm cherishing every moment because I know all too soon he'll be a toddler and then a teenager and I want all the snuggles and giggles I can get before then. 

Seven Months Old

Seven Months New

This kid is amazing.  I don't know how we got so lucky.  He is the happiest, goofiest, sweetest baby and every day I am so grateful to hold him in my arms.  I know you've heard me say it a million times, but motherhood is the best thing to ever happen and I feel like life is exactly the way it should be.

Likes:
Stuffed Animals- Harrison loves to snuggle and throw around stuffed animals - especially his blue puppy.
Rocking back and forth on his knees- he's almost crawling!
Smiling & Laughing 

Dislikes:
Doing the same activity for too long
Being hungry (just like mama)

Schedule:
We have the same schedule as last month- so no big changes here :)
7ish- 8 oz bottle, hang out in bed and play/mom and dad drink coffee
9ish- Fruit snack time! 
10ish-Morning nap
12ish- 8 oz bottle, more playtime
2ish- Time for a veggie snack
3ish- Afternoon nap- Mom comes home!
4ish- 8 oz bottle
6ish-Bathtime
7ish- 8 oz bottle
7:15ish- Bedtime 


Features:
27.75 inches long and 19 lbs 3 oz- this boy is growing!  He has lots of blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes.  He's the cutest baby ever :)

Milestones:
-Rocks back and forth on his knees
-Scoots (usually backwards)
-Puts his paci in his mouth
-Holds his own bottle
-Puts his foot in his mouth
-Working on making consonant noises
-Stands with support
-Is mobile in his walker
-Goes from tummy to sitting

Firsts:
-Mixed fruits & veggies
-Museum visit (MOCA)

Challenges:
None come to mind- he's seriously so great :)

Thoughts:
Being back at work is a challenge for me, but knowing he is at home with Mike makes things easier.  When I come home and see him smile at me it makes it all worth it.  I love him so much and am so lucky he's mine :)

Six Months Old

Six Months New

Half a year.  I seriously can't believe it.  This has been the quickest six months of my life.  Everyone warned me that time speeds up when you have children and they were not kidding.  I've learned and loved more in these last months than I ever have and I am so incredibly grateful to be a mother to this little boy.  He is absolutely perfect and I wouldn't have life any other way.

We have had quite the busy month.  Harrison learned how to sit up on his own and I opened a business.  Life is just so wonderful right now and even though there are some tough days I've never been happier.  Happy half birthday little man!  Here's to another amazing six months (and many, many more).

Likes:
Eating- H is really digging solid foods now.  He's eager to eat and knows exactly what's coming when I strap him in his highchair.  He bangs on the table when he wants more and opens up wide for each bite.
Yoga- Once a week we attend a Mommy and Me yoga class.  He giggles and squeals for the whole class, and then takes a very nice nap.  
Eating his toys- Especially the crinkly ones.
Attention- He has learned how to turn on the charm.  He turns into a little ham when people are paying attention to him, and draws the attention right back when they stop.  
Water- He's been playing a lot in the water this summer -splash park, bath, pool- and he loves it!
Singing- If you sing, he will stop crying.  It's awesome.  His main jam is The Itsy Bitsy Spider, but he's open to most genres.  
Hair- He's more than happy to pull your hair and he is slightly obsessed with Dad's beard.


Dislikes:
He's sleeping for about 12 hours with no diaper changes or feedings!  But, we do have to swoop in when his paci falls out at night before he has a meltdown (this is anywhere from 1-5 times a night). 

Being bored

Schedule:
We are still on a pretty good schedule:
7ish- 8 oz bottle, hang out in bed and play/mom and dad drink coffee
9ish- Snack time!  We have a fruit in the morning- his favorite right now is applesauce
10ish-Morning nap
12ish- 8 oz bottle, more playtime
2ish- Time for a veggie snack
3ish- Afternoon nap
4ish- 8 oz bottle
6ish-Bathtime/Wait for Dad to come home
7ish- 8 oz bottle
7:15ish- Bedtime 


Features:
H is 17 lbs 10 oz and 27.25 inches long!  His blonde hair is really coming in and he just keeps getting more handsome.  He's starting to look like a little boy now, which is crazy.  

Milestones:
-Sits unsupported
-Kisses with his mouth open
-Rolls to get places
-Makes new noises (different sounds, blows raspberries, pants)
-Holds his own bottle for short periods of time 

Firsts:
-Fruit
-Dip in the pool
-Sitting in a shopping cart

Challenges:
Self soothing.  We are struggling with this at night.  I've heard a few different suggestions so we will be trying those out soon (nap time with no paci or put multiple pacis in his crib).  Hopefully something works because I am dying for a full night's rest.  

Thoughts:
Playing stay at home mommy has been so fun.  I love taking him places and experiencing the new things he is learning and doing.  I know my time at home is coming to an end as fall approaches, so I plan on spending the next three weeks packing in as many play-dates, zoo visits, and snuggle sessions as possible.  

Five Months Old

Five Months New

I feel like my life is finally back to "normal."  I sleep (enough) at night, I'm able to have 2+ cups of coffee a day, and Harrison is in a predictable routine.  I don't feel like a complete mad woman when I step out of the house and it is fabulous!  For a while, I was worried that I would never feel like me again, but I'm back and better than ever.  Motherhood has given me a confidence boost and is turning me into a stronger woman.  Cheers to that!

Likes:
Learning- I absolutely LOVE watching his brain work.  When he wants to figure something out he becomes super serious and practices until he gets his new skill down.  I can see his wheels spinning and it's so amazing to see him figure out new things every day.  I can really see how hard he works to learn something new and I hope it's a trait that he holds on to for the rest of his life.
Jumper-  He is still obsessed with his jumper.  I can set him in it while I'm working on something and he is perfectly content.  He becomes extremely vocal in it as he bounces his way to each learning station.
Giggle time with Dad- When Mike comes home it's on.  Mike can make this kid laugh like no other.  Harrison has a big kid laugh now and it seriously cracks me up.  This kid is hysterical.


Dislikes:
Outfit changes- It's happening.  Everyone warned me that he would stop enjoying having his clothes changed and it's here.  Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
Strangers- Separation anxiety has started to kick in.  His best display of this was at the nail salon.  My mom and I had the brilliant idea to get our nails done together at the same time.  He was asleep when we arrived and we assumed we were in the clear, but he quickly squashed that dream.  When he awoke, he was a little whiny.  I was doing my best to rock him in his stroller with my foot while my nails were being burned by a UV light, but he was determined to make a scene.  One of the nice nail ladies offered to hold him after watching my struggle, and well, things just got worse.  I have never seen him meltdown like before and it was traumatizing.  There were tears, screams, flailing- it was just plain awful.  Lesson learned.
Avocado- This is the only solid food that he spit out.  Hopefully he'll come around.

Schedule:
Harrison has set a schedule for himself, which makes life pretty easy.  He goes to bed around 7:30 and sleeps until 4:00-5:00.  Then, he just needs his paci and falls back to sleep until 6-6:30.  At that time, I bring him in our room and nurse him.  Sometimes he falls back asleep until 8:00, and sometimes he's wide awake.  He then gets a 6 oz bottle around 8:30, plays for a while, then takes a nap at 10:30ish.  The length of his nap is anywhere from 45 minutes to three hours (those three hours ones are a win).  He eats again at noon (7 oz), takes an afternoon nap, eats a snack (solid food), downs another 6 oz bottle at 4, and then we wait for Dad to get home.  Once my saving grace has walked in the door our nighttime routine begins.  H is a super easy and wonderful baby, but there is nothing better than getting help at the end of the day.  We take a bath at 6:00, then giggle time with Dad, 8 oz bottle at 7:00, and finally bedtime after a super exciting goodnight drama- Llama Llama Nighty Night.

Features:
He is still a blue eyed blondie.  He is growing like a weed and he just gets cuter each day.  He is about to outgrow his 3-6 month clothing, so I'll need to invest in some more storage containers so I can cry while I pack those away.  He is wearing size 2 diapers during the day and size 3 at night.  I haven't checked his weight because that would require me getting on the scale, but my best guess would be that he is at least 16 pounds.

Milestones:
-Range of vocals
-Discovered feet
-Sitting unsupported for (very) short periods of time
-Eating solid food
-Recognizes his name
-Stands with support
-Deep belly laughs
-Knows the word "puppy" in reference to our dog
-Scoots (all over his crib and play mat)

Firsts:
-Father's Day
-Solid Food (cereal, then green beans)
-Mommy & Me Yoga Class
-Storytime at the library

Challenges:
Please don't hate me, but I can't think of anything to write here.  Sure, we have the occasional struggles.  He is fussy at a restaraunt, he woke up more than usual, he peed in my hair during bath time (true story), but all in all he is easy.  I am truly lucky to have him as a son.

Thoughts:
It just keeps getting better.  I think back to the newborn stage and am in awe of how we did it.  He's SO easy now, and he just keeps getting easier.  The struggle was real, and if you're in the infant stage, hang on.  There's a light at the end of the tunnel.