Our baby is seven months! There are moments when I can’t believe how quickly time has passed, but then there are times I feel I’ve earned every single day. Being a mom is hard work, and anyone who tells you otherwise is either lying, doesn’t remember, or is doing a lot of outsourcing. Don’t get me wrong, Levi is the sweetest little boy, but he’s also now at an age where he’s able to express both his likes and dislikes, and believe me — when he doesn’t like something — he lets us know.

His current likes include: stroller rides, playing in his activity center, putting everything in his mouth, “walking” with daddy, his lovey, and eating.  His dislikes include: his afternoon nap, drinking milk from a bottle, diaper changes, tummy time, and avocado.

One of the biggest changes since my last update is that Levi is eating solids and really loving it! I’m not quite sure why, but I was a bit intimidated by the whole thing. That said,  with the help of my Ninja food processor and this super helpful online eating guide — feeding him has been a wonderful , albeit very messy experience for the both of us. I’m proud to say he’s a real gourmet just like his mama!

When you’re first starting out, pediatricians recommend introducing one new food at a time over a period of 3-4 days to test for allergies, but once a food passes the test then you’re free to mix ingredients. Levi has already tried and enjoyed pureed carrots, sweet potato, squash, zucchini, banana, pear, peas, plum, chicken and turkey. The only thing he doesn’t  like so much is avocado. He’s eating about eight ounces a day, spread out over two meals. If you’re about to start your baby on solids, I highly recommend these genius suction plates,  and these adorable bib/smocks.

Seven months in and Levi is finally sleeping through the night. He goes to bed super early, around 5:30 p.m.., and wakes up around 6:30 a.m. The early bedtimes have been a godsend because by 5 p.m. Levi and I are both pooped, and David and I have the entire evening to relax and spend some quality time together. As he gets older and can stay awake for longer, we’ll move his bedtime a little later.

One of the best things I did is introducing a lovey at six months. Before naps and bedtime I place the little blanket next to him and it really helps to comfort him, and even keeps him occupied in the morning so we can get some extra Z’s.

Problem is now I’m the one who can’t sleep through the night because my body and brain are so used to waking up. I think I hear him even when I don’t, and sometimes I can’t fall back asleep after waking up. I’ve been finding that a bath before bed with lavender oil helps, as does reading, going to bed early, and using a white noise machine. Just re-read that and it seems like my son and I have a similar bedtime routine!

When it comes to naps, Levi consistently has a good morning nap, however, his afternoon nap is still sometimes less than one hour. Every time I think he’s finally on a consistent nap schedule — he proves me wrong and has a 40 minute midday nap. If anyone else is still struggling with naps, please know I feel your frustration and it’s not easy.

I’m still breastfeeding and loving it because it’s easy, convenient, and the snuggles are the absolute best. Only problem is Levi refuses to take a bottle and we have a wedding out of town in July. It’s in six weeks and we’re going to keep on trying. Worst case he has to be spoon fed formula and will have to be given more solids to make up for the lost calories. The whole idea doesn’t sit well with me, but I do ultimately think he’ll be fine for two-three days. If I’ve learned anything since becoming a mom is that babies are more resilient than we give them credit for. Levi is definitely tougher than me.

There is so much more I want to share with you guys, but I’m going to have to spread it out over a couple of posts. My parents were in town recently so I didn’t have much time to blog. Plus, you know, I have a baby who doesn’t always nap which makes finding time to get much done a liiiiittle tricky. Overall, I’m pleased to report we’re doing well and motherhood is just as wonderful and tiring as I had envisioned. Do I worry too much about everything? Yup, I certainly do, but I’m working on it. This time in our family’s life is so full of changes, and I’m trying really hard to live in the moment and take it one day at a time.

XOXO

Val