And just like that — Levi is eight months! Every month has had its unique joys and challenges. When Levi is happy, there’s truly nothing better. This month’s challenge, however, has been keeping this kid entertained. He’s quite the discerning child all of a sudden, and as parents we’ve had to up the ante considerably. Levi is also able to stay awake longer between sleep periods which has its pros and cons. The pro is we get to do more fun things together, the con is we have to find fun things to do together. The fact it’s summer in Miami and extremely hot doesn’t help, neither does the fact there are significantly fewer scheduled mommy and baby classes.

What makes him happiest these days is eating, which I can surely relate to, but I can’t exactly feed him all day. Somedays 20 minutes can feel like an hour and I find myself simulatenously bored and worn out. So, yeah, it’s been a bit of a tough month. Overall, Levi’s still a happy baby, but he’s definitely growling and whining more. It’s surprising to me because he’s sleeping through the night (YAAAS!) and his afternoon nap is finally better.

I’m sure it’s all just normal developmental stuff, but of course I can’t help but wonder if it’s something else. I know he’s teething and uncomfortable, so there’s that…I’ve also been considering the possibility that maybe he’s become a bit spoiled by all our attention. We do leave him to play by himself a bit everyday, but I’m starting to think he needs to be left alone even longer in order to learn how to amuse himself without our help. He’s great at doing it when I leave him with the babysitter, but lately, the second I’m  back Levi becomes whiny and clingy.

David says I overthink everything (he’s totally right), and I have to just accept that Levi is a baby and babies cry and fuss. I know he’s right, yet I still spend too much time worrying and analyzing. Do any of you moms do this too? I want to just be present and enjoy every moment for what it is, but I definitely suffer from maternal anxiety a lot of the time. I’m working on it.

Now that Levi’s eight months, I’m going to introduce yogurt, kefir, cheese, pasta, bread, and spices into his diet. He can also eat a greater variety of fruits and vegetables. I have a feeling this little gourmet is going to savor every minute of it! I’m still breastfeeding, and while I originally thought I would definitely stop when he turns one, now I’m not so sure (the snuggles are the highlight of my day!). I’ll reevaluate my decision every month, and take it from there. Who knows, maybe he’ll wake up one morning and decide he no longer wants the boob.

In other news, I’m getting anxious (hello anxiety, my old friend), about our trip to Montreal next week. We bought Levi his own seat on the plane and are going to put his car seat in it, and I’m just praying he sleeps for most of the flight either in his seat or on me. He only sleeps in his crib now, so I don’t know how he’ll do with the new sleep environment. Just in case, I’ll have a loaded iPad ready to go. That being said, I have mixed feelings about introducing him to the screen. I’ve been speaking with other parents who said they allowed their kids limited screen time around his age and it was totally fine. I have no problem with him watching a bit of TV, and it honestly may become necessary given his hard-to-please attitude as of late and because mamma needs a break too, I just don’t want him to become addicted. I don’t want him to need the iPad and use it as a substitute for creative play. Anyone have any thoughts about this? When did you let your babies have screen time and how did it go?

We”ll be gone a total of two weeks and will be leaving Levi with my parents for two nights. Originally we had a five night trip booked, but because he won’t take breastmilk or formula from a bottle, I got too nervous and cut down the trip. If it weren’t for David’s good friend’s wedding, I don’t think I would be going away at all without Levi. When we originally booked the trip four months ago, I thought by eight months I would be done breastfeeding and Levi would be a lot “bigger”. But in reality he’s still such a baby and separation anxiety (on both our parts), is real. I’ll have to pump while I’m away (ugh), and the plan is for my parents to feed him formula with a spoon and extra solids. I know he’ll be okay for two days and I just hope I can relax and enjoy myself because David and I definitely need a little break. Keep you posted!

XOXO

Val