Stuart and Sara: 6 months

Momma’s dearest Audrey Jane,

You turned 6 months old this week. We have started baby led weaning and you are learning to bite and chew food, although most of the food ends up in your lap and not in your belly. We started two nights before your “1/2 year birthday” with avocado. Since then your favorite foods to play with seem to be broccoli and strawberry. You have also experimented with pepper strips, carrots, sweet potato, blackberries, and banana. We’ve been through quite a list for your first week of solid foods! Mamma almost forgot the salad leaves and chunk of potato that kept you entertained when Momma and Aunt Rach had lunch at O’Charleys. You aren’t really “eating” much yet but food is keeping you entertained at most meals so that Momma and Daddy can eat without holding or bouncing you. Giving you food has been an emotional step for Momma. I love seeing you explore new things but want Momma’s milk to be your primary source of nourishment for your first year and want our breastfeeding relationship to continue beyond that milestone. Momma has become quite an advocate for breastfeeding and natural child birth in the last year. I try to not be overly pushy in my views because in the end everyone gets to make the choices that are best for them, but Momma only wants the best for you Audrey Jane and I truly believe that is what we are doing. I’ve planned for natural childbirth and breastfeeding since before we ever decided to have you. On other fronts I do a lot of reading and just go with my gut. Momma planned for you to sleep in your crib and to work more than I am but you know what baby girl I love life with you just the way it is. Your Momma loves to sleep but for you she will wake up as many times as you need and loves that you are so close to us at night.

Momma has overcome her fear of leaving you at the nursery at the Y and at Church but she still doesn’t like it and lots of days she chooses to just stay home with you. I really enjoy yoga and working out, I feel better and can be a better mom to you but that doesn't make it any easier to get out of bed and drop you off at the nursery. We’ve had a few days of spring like weather and you enjoyed long walks in the beco and the stroller. The last few days haven’t been warm enough to go outside and we both seem to miss our walks.

You aren’t quite sitting up on your own yet. Without support you tend to dive forward onto your belly (and occasionally bump your head). With the smallest amount of support you love sitting up and seeing the world. In the last few days you have mastered rolling from belly to back instead of screaming for us to help you. We’ve been careful for a while now but the pillow dam is now a vitally important part of your bedtime routine. When you wake up in the evenings for comfort and more milk I often find you on the other side of our king size bed. Baby Girl you are getting stronger and stronger when you are on your belly. I joke that you are going to crawl before you sit up unassisted and I really think you might. When you are on the ground you rear up in a position that closely resembles upward dog. You have also started to propel yourself backward but I don’t think you realize what you are doing yet.

Audrey you have become so curious. Little things like water coming out of the facet or the fridge fascinate you. It has become hard for you to nap or eat when people are around (even Daddy is sometimes a distraction) because you don’t want to miss anything. You also let Momma and Daddy know if we aren’t doing want you want. Your enjoy eating books when we read to you and you still like Violet. You always smile when we give you "moo cow" and you still love mommy's teething necklaces. You still play on your play mat but like the jumperoo better. Lots of your daytime naps are still in your swing. You are growing up so fast baby girl, sometimes I just wish we could stop time but as hard as it is Momma and daddy don’t want to hold you back. We want to help you learn, grow, and explore. Next month we are going to take a series of sign language classes at Mama’s Hip. We are also going to take you swimming at the Y. These first 6 months have passes in the blink of an eye baby girl.

Love,

Mommy, Momma, Mama, Mom and whatever else you may choose to call me!