The Indy 500 Challenge: Everett

Everett’s 7^th month started like gangbusters with his first… FOOD! Whew! He was waiting patiently while we finished traveling and while I tried to increase my milk supply that was fluctuating more than desired due to travel, dietary inconsistencies, anxiety, and, well, grief. When we turned six months old, we knew it was time. I needed a little more time to get used to the idea of not being the sole provider of Everett’s nutrition, so he was a week into his 7^th month when he had his first tastes of food. (I’ve written a little more about that here, and don’t particularly wish to relive it. We’ll skip to the fun parts!)

First foods - everyone gets a turn!

Just try to tell me this kid wasn't happy to be eating!

The cereal caused some major tummy troubles, so we moved off cereal and directly onto veggies. I really LOVE my BEABA, and Sunday afternoon baby-food making is a highlight each weekend. In his 7^th month, Everett tried and loved: peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, acorn squash, and mixed grain cereal.

It's a little ridiculous how much I enjoy making Everett's food.

Sweet sister!

Cracks me up when they both open their mouth for every bite. =)

Nursing Everett continues to be my favorite job. I love how sweet and soft those moments are. He cracks me up when he’s nursing because his body seems to have dual personalities. His eyes close, his cheeks get flushed, his breathing gets heavy, and his little hands stay still and wrapped around mine…. but his legs flop around occasionally and his feet dance NON-STOP the entire time. Sometimes, though I try so hard not to disrupt the peace, I can’t stop myself from laughing and the waking him enough for him to open one eye and look to see what all the commotion is about.

Afternoon snuggles with Mommy

I also love his “okay I’m almost finished” signals. He starts to wake a bit, and his hands start wandering. While his eyes are still shut, he starts to pat himself on the side. Then he starts to pat me, and eventually his hands move to my face where he pats my cheek and feels around for my nose and mouth. When he finds my mouth his hands stops, and he waits for me to kiss his palm. With that, he smiles just enough to unlatch, turns his head, and opens his huge brown eyes to look and me and start babbling.

Beginning of the Month: still propped up

End of the Month: sitting like a champ!

Everett really is an incredibly happy and content baby, but occasionally he gets a bit sleepy/cranky in the evenings (usually due to NO NAP during the day.. geez!) and he especially enjoys listening to Chris play the guitar or playing with Caroline until it's late enough for him to have a bath and go to sleep.

I'm sleeeepy, and my Mommy won't pick me up because she wants to take pictures of me before I get my first teeth!

Wagon Wheel is a personal favorite!

Beautiful Caro

PorkChop enjoying music in the evening (with a great view of AlPal's masterpiece)

I think he's relieved to have outgrown the babydoll stroller!

This month our little PorkChop figured out how books work, and now he's obsessed! He loves to chew them, throw them, and turn the pages. He also likes to sit in our lap while we read aloud. Doesn't have to be a children's book, as long as we're reading aloud and turning pages. =)

Everett learns about Amelia Earhart.

My blessing babies

Everett continues to LOVE his time at daycare, which helps with my Mommy-heart problems. He continues to love Miss Jacquie like nobody’s business, but he’s also building relationship with the other babies. Now that they’re sitting, they can see and play with each other so much more! And they’re all happier! It’s remarkable how much difference that milestone made in the noise level of their room.

Smiles for Miss Jacquie at drop-off.

Now when I drop him off and pick him up, they’re all sitting in a little circle facing each other. There’s usually a basket of small wooden toys and they love to lean forward, take toys out, and drop them or pass them around. They smile and laugh at each other, and occasionally grab for each other’s hands and toes. We continue to feel God’s blessings over his daycare situation – God shows me each and every day that He knows my heart, He knows my worries, and He knows my needs. He also knows Everett’s heart, worries, and needs, and he is covering each and every one of them every single day.