food and conversation

Before I forget...I want to document what Graham is saying and eating.  I had wanted to write this post a couple of weeks ago but I forgot.  So this is his 6 1/2 month update...

Early words:  He is saying tons of consonants all the time and babbling like a magpie.  He says his D's, B's, G's, Y's, L's and W's....usually with a super serious face as if he has something important to tell us.  We joke that he's going to just start asking us to move him around (since he's just starting to roll and not totally solid in the sitting up department).  "Mom and dad, will you sit me up over there?  I just fell flat on my face."

Early tastes:  We're introducing solids very slowly.  Graham just had his first taste of food after turning 6 months.  We haven't and don't plan to do cereal but just keep nursing as his main source of nutrients.  He has tasted butternut squash twice, sweet potatoes twice, avocado once, and banana a few times.  Food isn't so much a hit.  He usually eats like 3 bites before starting to literally spit it out projectile style.  The other night I gave him a fresh carrot stick to gum on during dinner.  Anything I give him usually ends up on the floor...but not this carrot.  This kept his attention for like 20 straight minutes!  It was so funny to watch him licking and sucking on that carrot.  Now we give it to him when we eat to keep him quiet, haha!

scootering

Playing with uncle B on his scooter.

*please notice the huge thighs....

one Sunday afternoon

It was so beautiful this afternoon.  Plus, my parent's grass looks great and Graham's outfit sort of matched.  I know...makes me sound crazy.  But isn't he cute?

hat tricks

the bucket swing

Graham loved the swings the other day at the park.

moving on up

Our little Graham is growing up.......

First time in the big kid high chair.

First time gumming a carrot.  He did this for like 20 straight minutes...apparently a big hit.

Pure joy.  First time in the big car seat!

pick up the crumbs

Graham is now officially rolling.  He's been going front to back for a month or so...and yesterday he has decided it's time for back to front.  So I can still expect for him to be close to where I put him down, but he's getting better and better at really moving around the room.  We're in trouble.  Barrel rolling today, scooting tomorrow.....the mobility is going to ruin us.  I say that, but it's so stinking fun to watch him learn new things!  He just keeps getting more and more fun to play with!

you're invited

to the Cotton Babies garage sale!  Here is an excerpt from the email I just received:

"If you are anywhere near St. Louis you will not want to miss this day! The Cloth Diaper Garage Sale is an event hosted by Cotton Babies for our local customers to come and sell their cloth diaper and natural baby products in a flea market or garage sale type environment. For shoppers, this is an amazing opportunity to try out different diapering systems or other natural parenting products without breaking the bank!  You should come expecting a great selection of used cloth diapers and other great baby products for sale at great prices!   

Seller tables will be set up and ready to go when Cotton Babies opens at 8am.  We'll provide bagels and coffee throughout the morning.

 This is a popular event!  We highly recommend that shoppers come early for the best selection.  Bring plenty of cash. You will be able to make normal store purchases with your credit card, but, just like a garage sale, the seller tables are cash-only."

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Oh, and I have a table!  I'll keep the suspense (plus I don't have my camera to upload the picture of what I am selling) until after the sale.

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I do plan to buy all of the next size of Bum Genius for Graham.  I just love a good sale!

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Feel free to come find me....google Cotton Babies for directions :)

a family Easter

Graham literally attacking his Easter basket....

little Matt

Reading with Nana (a chewable book is a great idea!)

Easter pals

Graham and Parker after church.  

They each contributed their own "joyful noises" to the service.

As they grow, they are getting a little more interesting in big church....

Little Emma Grace joined them....she was baptised Easter morning in the same gown her mommy was.

Sweet Parker in his adorable blazer.

My happy baby.  He just keeps getting cuter!

buddies

Will and Graham (still in pj's)

up so high

I love this picture of my boys!  Bummer it's a little blurry.....

6 month stats

Graham had his 6 months doctor appointment yesterday.  He did great, just chatted it up with the nurses and dr.  He was pretty darn cute if I do say so.  Have I said how much I love my doctor?  I want to be her friend and I will make her cookies.  She said he's doing great developmentally and was impressed with his emerging personality!  She also laughed at his addiction to jumping....

weight:  15 lbs. 7 ounces (16th percentile)

length:  26 inches (20th percentile)

head circumference:  16ish inches (didn't get that percentile, but it looks normal for his size, haha!)

He did get one shot.  I hate that little prick (the shot that is)!  We did get the good nurse this time.  She's always so sweet to him and he just loves her.  He was nursing during the shot but she must have sneaked it up on him because he didn't even flinch!

Oh, and also, she didn't think he's been teething like I thought (I didn't want to be "that mom" who thought her child was teething prematurely but apparently I was).  In explanation to his runny  nose and little fever, she thought he was battling a little something.  Bummer.  Teeth still to come.  Boooooo!

6 months

Little Graham is now 6 months old.  Happy half birthday!

Some new things he's doing:

Rolling front to back all the time (but stuck on back since he can't roll the other way, haha).  Sitting up fairly well (until overwhelming excitement throws him backwards).  He is laughing/giggling when tickled as well as when you surprise him (peek-a-boo is now fun for him!)  He is starting to understand cause/effect.  He is reaching for EVERYTHING and is pretty accurate too!  His favorite thing to reach for is my necklace, and he gets it every time.  This morning I watched him take out his paci and turn it around, then pass it to his other hand and continue to study it before putting it back into his mouth!  Jumping continues to be his most favorite activity.  Also as of the other day, he's officially teething.  

Lets take a moment to talk about teething.  No one really warned me how terrible it would be.  I mean, it's worse than any growth spurt.....the screaming fits are heart breaking.  I've learned that I really only need one arm since he wants to be carried all.the.time.  He's always been a carried baby, but this is a new level of need.  Matt and I are doing our best to be patient and understanding.  It's just so sad and hard when he can't tell us what is wrong....his hurt feelings face would make anyone cry!  Hopefully it won't last too much longer...though I know he'll eventually need more than one tooth.

We took some pictures outside this afternoon since the weather was nice.  It has been just beautiful up here the past couple of weeks...Graham and I have been taking many a walk with our friends.  He loves the ergo carrier now that he can look over the edges and see the trees and cars and such!

This was when he was tired of all the attention.  

Also, he HATES when the sun is in his face, that's why he's looking down in all the pictures, haha.

Also, we have his 6 month check-up on Tuesday, so I'll post his stats.  

dear band next door

We will not miss you and your drumming when you are kicked out by your room mates.

 

Farewell, 

The neighbors with a BABY, and ears.