Starting Solids

I must say that I am very proud of myself.  Walker is 4 1/2 months old, weighs over 19 lbs and is still exclusively breastfed.  Our little chunky monkey takes 6 oz at a time, but I am planning on bumping that up to 7 oz starting this week. So far, I have been able to keep my supply up to his needs, but that is starting to become a challenge.

I debated about when to start solids.  I had planned on waiting until he was 6 months, but he seems less satisfied with breast milk recently.  He also has been very interested in watching Mommy and Daddy eat- even mimicking us a we chew.  I also want Walker to be a healthy eater.  I want him to enjoy a variety of tastes and textures.  I want him to always eat what we eat and not be afraid to try new foods.   And ultimately, it came down to the fact that I had a pear that was too ripe for me to eat and I just hated to throw it away. :-)  

Giving him his first taste of "real" food was bittersweet.  It sure is fun watching him take in new experiences, but our baby is growing too fast!

Here is comes!

Open Wide!

Yum!

"What is this!?!"

"What am I supposed to do with it?"

"I am not sure I like it"

"Pears aren't so bad."

"Hooray for Pears!!!"

 We had pears again this morning and it went very well.  We had less on our face and more in our mouth.  Can't wait to try our next solid- avocado!

Playing Catch Up!

I can't believe it has been almost 2 months since I have posted! It is time to get caught up!

Walker had many "firsts" since my last post.

First Halloween:  

Walker was a cowboy for his first Halloween.  He wore a cowboy hat that his grandma got him in Texas, and Mommy made him his very own belt buckle.  He went "trick or treating" to his Nana's apartment- where he flirted with all the old ladies, to his Grandma's office and also to his Mommy's office.  He was a trooper and was in a great mood all day.

Walker's First Thanksgiving: 

We hosted Thanksgiving at our place this year.  It was just Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Nana and Walker.  We watched a little football and ate way too much food.  We also Skyped with some family in Minnesota.  Walker looked very handsome in his special bib.

Walker's First Day of School:  

I had to go back to work the Monday after Thanksgiving, so Walker had to start "school."  He is going to a very nice family owned, christian center very close to my work.  Luckily, Ryan is home two days a week, so Walker is only there Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.  He has three teachers throughout the day and they are all wonderful. It has been a very smooth transition so far- for both of us.

Three Months Old!

I can't believe Walker is three months old- for one more day!  He is getting so big and is so much fun.  He smiles and coos.  Walker was a busy three month old also.

  

First Christmas Tree:

We went to a tree farm this year for Walker's (and my) first live tree.  The weather was great and we had a fun time finding the perfect tree for our living room.

Walker Rolled Over!

Walker rolled from his tummy to his back all by himself for the first time on December 2nd.  Unfortunately, I did not get it on tape.

Walker's First Christmas Card:

It may have taken three sessions, but we finally got the perfect picture for our Christmas Card this year!  Here are some outtakes.

The Perfect Photo- taken by Ryan, edited by yours truly!

 Walker's First Tooth- make that TEETH!

I noticed Walker's first tooth on December 22nd and his second tooth on December 23rd.  Seriously... this kid is growing too fast!

You can almost see a tooth!

You can DEFINITELY see too little pearly whites in this one!

Walker's First Christmas:

Christmas was fairly quiet.  Walker was a little fussier than normal- I blame those darn teeth! His Grandma and Nana came over and we had a yummy breakfast, opened presents, Skyped with family in Minnesota, Walker opened more presents, had Dinner, Skyped with family in Illinois and then Grandma and Nana left to bunker down and prepare for the blizzard.

The past four months have flown by.  We are definitely looking forward to the new year and all the new firsts we will experience as our little family.  First words, first foods, first steps and more are just around the corner.  I have never been happier in my life.  As I sit here and type, my sweet baby is sleeping in my arms and my wonderful husband is getting ready to go out and shovel the driveway of our fantastic first house after the first snow storm of the winter- another first I might add!  God is good and I am blessed.