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!
 |
| Is the basket smaller? |
 |
| trying to get her to smile for Moo Cow |
 |
| sitting in the chair with Momma |
 |
| What is this? |
 |
| This is pretty good...but maybe a little sour |
 |
| Not so sure about this, maybe I'll just suck my fingers |
