Solids!

The latest recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics is to introduce baby to solids at 6 months old and we gladly obliged.  I mean, honestly, traveling with Frankie up to this point, whether it's running errands or for day-long visits, has been a piece of cake since, as long as Mommy goes along, he's covered in terms of eating!  I first learned of Baby Led Weaning in my Breastfeeding Support Group and after reading more about it and talking to other moms who followed the approach, we decided to give it a try with Frankie.  This approach to introducing solids is based on the thought that self-feeding is the best way for baby to develop.  It means no purees - simply feed baby essentially what you eat! 

Frankie got his first taste of solids on his 6 month birthday.  He tried steamed broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes and loved them all!  In the past three weeks he's also tasted avocado, apple, roasted sweet potato drizzled with olive oil, pasta, cucumber, and cantaloupe.  He seems to be enjoying real food and although most of it appears to end up in his bib or on his face, his poops are telling us that some of the food has been making its way into his belly!



"What on earth IS this?"

He seems to love Granny Smith apples.  Every time I'm eating one, he snatches it!

Trying broccoli

"I can't believe I ate that"



Mmmmm...Avocado

Oh it's messy!

6 Months

Dear Frankie,


How on earth are you already 6 months old?  It is amazing how much you have grown and changed in just these first few months of your life.  It seems like yesterday you were an itty bitty 6 lbs and had the teeny tiniest cry and could barely hold your little blue eyes open to check out this great big world.  Not only is it amazing how much you have changed, but it's incredible how something, someone so small is able to change me in such a positive way.  One of my best friends once tried explaining to me the pride a parent feels over their child's smallest accomplishment and I've come to learn that special pride is something only a parent can truly understand...the first time you smiled, rolled over, laughed...in those special moments, time stood still and it seemed like all lights shined down on you while Mommy & Daddy looked on in amazement.  When I look at you, I feel complete.  Nothing brightens my day more than going into your room in the morning and seeing your precious, smiling face staring back at me.  I love your smell and the softness of your skin.  Your fuzzy little head and your coos.  I love how you pant with excitement as I get ready to nurse you.  As you turn 6 months old, I already feel the bittersweetness of you growing up...and I know this is only the beginning.  I love you with all my heart, little man.  Happy Half Birthday!

Love Always,
Mommy

6 Month Stats:
Height: 26.5 inches (52%)
Weight: 18.4 pounds (64%)
Head: 17.25 inches (51%)

More interestsed in the paper than the paparazzi

King Frank

How could I almost forget to write about one of Frankie's most notable adventures in March???  Early in March, Frankie, Aunt Laura, and Mommy took a trip to NY for our big stay at Oheka Castle!  Frankie was truly King for the Day! :) 

As children, Laura, Angela, and I would go visit the castle when we stayed with Grammy and Grandpa.  Back then it was run down after being abondoned but in the early stages of the largest resoration in American history.  We would play in the gate tower, run around the golf course, and peek in the windows.  It was amazing to stay in the refurbished castle that we'd once looked upon with awe through our tiny child eyes. 

The tower we would climb up

The entrance gate

Oheka Castle overlooking Cold Spring Harbor

Grandpa

Grammy

Laura 'serving' Grandpa in the Charlie Chaplin bar

The King and I at breakfast

Recap of March Fun

Last November, before I realized it would not be easy to train for a race with a newborn, I decided to register for the DC Rock n Roll Half Marathon and run with Laura, Jon and Uncle Mike.  I did manage to get some training in between November and race day, March 17;  however, let's just say I was still very unprepared.  Even though I was able to run with Frankie in the BOB, it was quite challenging to find the time (or energy) to get out on the trail. 

Back in February - Getting ready to go on a run with Mommy



I managed to finish the race but with a time around 2:08, it wasn't my best, but I still had a great time and was extremely happy to see my cheering squad at the finish line! I would bet that this race isn't the last for Frankie!

March was also a big soccer month for Daddy with several tournaments, and with the nice weather, Frankie attended his first game on March 25 to cheer his Daddy's team on in the finals!

The weather on the previous Saturday, 3/24, wasn't as nice, so with Daddy at soccer, I decided to take Frankie to Reading: A Family Affair, a free event by the NOVA Literacy Council.  Yes, I realize he is too young to really appreciate these types of outings, but he did receive a free book, and he really enjoyed watching the "See a Book" event, where a story was acted out on stage.  He was entranced by the dancing, bright colors, and bells.  We only stayed for about 30 minutes so it was a perfect, quick outing for the little man!

You've Come a Long Way, Baby

I wasn't sure we'd ever see the day when Frankie enjoyed drinking from a bottle. One day last week, I came home and Maria had him propped up on the couch feeding himself the bottle! He would take it out for breaks periodically but pop it right back in himself and go back to eating.

Since Frankie is doing so well with the bottle, I gave him one of his sippy cups on Saturday, 3/31, with a bit of water in it.  Sure enough, he knew just what to do!  With this sippy cup, you need to tip it up so far to get anything out though, so he's more just playing, which is fine because I don't want him filling up on water.  When we introduce solids (in one week!), I may try to find another type of sippy cup that doesn't require being held up so much to get anything out. 

"This cup is THE coolest!!"

Toes!

What can I play with???

These look quite tasty and fun!



For the record, Frankie has also discovered another 'toy' during diaper changes, which I've been trying to discourage by giving him his toes to grab instead! The diversion is especially crucial during #2 changes!

My First Cleats

Frankie sported his first cleats while we were out enjoying the nice weather on March 23rd.  And yes, I got in trouble from Daddy for pairing them with jeans...You are only supposed to wear cleats with soccer clothes.  Whoops - next time, Frankie, next time...