bottles
Dylan had his first taste of formula on his 7 monthiversary. I think I did pretty good trying as long as I could. I still pump once a day to supplement a bottle or two and he nurses for a few minutes in the middle of the night. But neither of those produces much for him so it's only a matter of time before that's all she wrote.
meal time
This can't be my child. She's turning her head at food. Gasp!! Actually, it's all things green and about an hour ago apples and rice cereal too. Nursing is play time now, eating with her butt straight in the air. Sheesh, so this is the self weaning I've heard so much about. I guess I should feel glad that she's giving me the signs she's ready to move on rather than the other way around.
I was excited to have Samantha's 9 month appointment today to confirm that she's still gaining weight like they want her to. But surprise! they never put our appointment into the computer. @#*@*&^$#& Luckily they got us in next Monday and it's not a vaccination appointment so even though I'm perturbed, no harm. I also scheduled her 12 month appointment while on the phone. I hung up and did a double take. Twelve month appointment?!? Not already. Not yet. Too fast. I know it's still three months away, but history will repeat itself: time will move forward in the blink of an eye.
miss independent
It's like a light switched on in Sam's brain yesterday. It said "Today we are 9 months old and can do it ourselves." She would rather have a bottle to hold and control rather than nurse. She would rather feed herself than be spoon fed. Which is interesting because no she can't use the spoon yet. She'd rather just take the apple puree off the spoon and use her fingers. We did eggs this morning and she loved them. Two reasons. One because, you guessed it, she could feed herself from her high chair tray. Two I think because I used too much butter in the pan so they were super buttery. Such a big personality for a little lady. I love it.
remember when
First I thought the following was freaky. As I've thought more I suppose there was always a chance of this happening but didn't think it would, so now I think it's just plain ole' cool. Kristin had the same nurse (Kim) and the same dr (Wright) deliver Grace that delivered Samantha, and Grace was sunny side up. Just like Samantha. How fun will that story be to tell the girls some day? And if they don't appreciate it I suppose it will always be something that Kristin and I will think is fun.
I spent a lot of time reminiscing yesterday about Samantha's birthday as we would get updates or lack there of while Kristin was in labor. I got teary looking at the pictures of Samantha right after she was born, all cone head being cleaned and weighed. I cried when Paul sent a text saying Kristin was pushing because I got it as I was nursing Samantha and I looked at her and remembered how I felt when I was ready to start pushing, the pure excitement and anxiety that I'd be able to do it and she'd be healthy. I didn't want to mention it yesterday because yesterday wasn't about me. I can't believe just (almost) 8 short months ago Adam and I were in Kristin and Paul's shoes welcoming our daughter and instantly our whole world got better. I'm amazed every day that she is ours. And in disbelief how fast time is going. Yesterday we were playing and Samantha toppled over and started crying. Instead of sitting there crying she started crawling towards me as I stretched out for her and she curled up in my lap and cried for a minute. She's so big already and she's not even a year old! Such is life, but man is life moving fast.
What a day!
We had a great day! Of course we were off to a questionable start because Samantha woke up later than planned. But we managed to get her fed, bathed, walk Brody, get gas, and be on our way only 40 minutes late. Eek. You'd think we'd miss it, lol. We got there in great time and because she decided not to nap on the way there I didn't have to feed her before we walked to the river. We found a spot around dearborn and wacker right before 10:45 and Michelle, Josh, and Michelle's friend Laura met up with us. We thought we were golden. HA. About 40 minutes later we were still standing there and the river was still it's regular green. Finally I decided we'd had enough of just standing in the cold so after a few minutes of wandering around looking for other friends, we decided that the three of us were going to see if we could catch the parade. First we walked up the river a little further and tada, neon green river awaited us. To our surprise Samantha had fallen asleep in the stroller! Butch and I walked a bit and thought we found a great spot for the parade. It was about 20 minutes before we realized we were not even close to the parade. That's what yout get for following the crowd. It was getting late so we decided to get some lunch and then go home. Samantha only woke up after the second El went by on the way to lunch. She hung out with is in Cosi while we ate. Overall we had a wonderful time in the city even though nothing went like it was supposed to. That's life. The day made me more excited for the spring and summer than I already am. Samantha was great with the unexpected and I'd say that I did pretty well with it too. For the first time I breastfed in the public (I know, I know, only 6 months later)during lunch at Cosi and with no changing table in sight did with changing her diaper on a small area next to a sink. I'm so proud of how well she did.
We were only home for an hour before it was off to Chrissy's for Gungi and Grandpa's 50 Anniversary party!!! Another fun party, Samantha was a little crabby at this time. But wouldn't you know that by the time we got home she was all smiles. She's a stinker like that.
This is from her 1/2 birthday a few days ago on March 11
Carrots = success
Samantha loved the carrots! She was the least messy she's been : ) I was a little worried too about it. I may have burned the pan while steaming the carrots. I thought the carrots would be funky after that but they smelled fine. And I tasted the mix before feeding them to her. I would have eaten them with a little bit of butter, yum...but I froze it all up for her. As long as she doesn't develop any allergic reaction by Fridayit's on to the next veggie. Adam asked me today when she gets weaned from the boob. I need to do a little more research but I thought they need bm/formula for 12 months. Maybe? Either way my original goal was to breastfeed for six months. Since that is quickly approaching, my new goal is 9 months. Baby steps.
One of my besties is an aunt! Katie's nephews were born February 24, yet still remain nameless. Beautiful identical twin boys! I can't imagine the ride her sister is in for, I find myself wiped out after a day with just one baby. Seeing the pictures of the boys gave me pangs of baby fever. But only for a minute or two. Or maybe a day.
EDIT: The boys have names!! Luke and Ryan. Also, I found some weird looking spots on Samantha's legs so I held off giving her carrots again today. I don't think she's allergic but just to be safe. AND, she was just up on her hands and knees rocking back and forth!!!!!!!!!!! From what the moms and aunts tell me that's how crawling starts!!!!