8 months

Baby M was 8 months old on Sunday.  I say this every month but time is just flying by.

The last month seems to have gone so quick as he has achieved so much

He is able to stand for much longer holding onto furniture and tries to pull himself up to stand on us.  We have lowered his cot so that if he stands he doesn't topple out.  It's a good job as we found him sitting up in his cot one morning

His biggest achievement is that he is now crawling.  We are so proud as he has been trying so hard and getting so frustrated with himself.  We now have to have eyes in the back of our head and have done some baby proofing.

Crawling is bad news for the cat though, she seems to be target numero uno.  She's handling him so well though, she just bats him but never puts her claws out.

Baby M still likes to mainly be fed but he is sticking his hands in his food more and he put his water cup in his mouth all by himself.  We are continuing to give him his own spoon during meal times.  He loves his food! We are continuing to introduce finger foods as well as still feeding him jars.

We don't have any teeth yet but can see more white under his gums so hopefully they aren't far off.

He still loves to babble and now uses more sounds, his favourite at the moment is "V" sounds, he said Volvo to me the other day!

He's developing his personality too.  He's such a cheeky and smiley little boy.  He seems so content. He loves cuddles and kisses.  Tickling him gets a wonderful reaction, I love his laugh.  Baths are still a firm favourite with his splashing lots.  He is progressing really well with his swimming too, although we are now on a break for the holidays. 



This post has been added to Mummy Bloggers Weekly Wednesday linky.
Also added to Olivers Madhouse Magic Moments and Twin Mum & Dad's #binkylinky

Baby M's Developmental Check

We had Baby M's 7-9 month developmental check.  I wasn't really sure what to expect.

We haven't seen our health visitor since Baby M was 8 weeks old due to the fact she was off work.  Baby M kept looking at her with unsure eyes, can't really blame him.

Firstly she gave him some small blocks and watched him play with them. 

She then asked me a series of questions about how he moves, plays and eats. 

There is then a sheet she adds up the total 'scores' and she let us know how 'well' Baby M had done.

Seeing as the sheet was an 8 month questionnaire and he isn't 8 months old yet he did really well, I was very proud.  The only things he lost "marks" on was the fact that he won't feed himself a biscuit and he doesn't echo us back.

To be honest I'm not too worried about either, I think he enjoys being fed and whilst I have been continually trying him with finger foods I think it's something he will do in his own time and we just had to keep encouraging him.  As for the echoing, he babbles for Britain and we have constant nonsense conversations.  He also turns at his name and looks at me with puppy eyes when I say 'No' so I know there's nothing wrong with his hearing.

Baby M was also weighed and he's now 9kg - big growing boy!!

I know people say these tests aren't worth much and that you shouldn't worry about them but as a first time mum I found it really reassuring that Baby M is developing as he should.  Yes I know every child develops at their own pace but I worry that I'm not stimulating him enough or encouraging him do the right things.  It's good to know everything is well.

His next check will be at 2.5 years which seems ages away!!

We have a new favourite toy

We have a new favourite toy

It's the Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo

He loves it!!

I wasn't going to get one as one but he turned into a Tigger and was forever bouncing when you stand him up.  So much so that i was worried he would damage himself in his walker bouncing so much

I'm so glad we got one.

He laughs and giggles so much.  And boy can he bounce!! Sometimes I think he's going to take off.

He has some quiet time in it too playing with the toys.

The hardest part of putting it together was the seat part but other than that it was pretty easy to assemble.

We have a very happy little boy

Every changing friendships

I'm kind of used to friendships changing.

I'm not one of those people who is still best friends with their primary school best friend - and I'm not talking about 'Facebook Friends'.

We moved when I was in my last year of primary school and then when I left High School I was the only person who went to the city I studied in.  Five years ago Mr M & I left that city to move 200+ miles away to a completely new city.  I'm used to having to try and make new friends.

My longest friend is from university, she lives far to far away for my liking but we text nearly every day and phone when we can - she works nights and when I was working shifts would get in the way.  I can still tell her anything and everything and I know she's there for me, if not in body.  She doesn't have children - yet!

My other friend that I've known for nearly as long now has 3 gorgeous boys and again we don't see each other that often but meet whenever I go up to visit Mr M's family and she is free.  Through the joys of Facebook and text we are able to keep in touch and up to date with our growing families.  She has been a great help with mummy related issues.

I have however been feeling REALLY lonely lately!  I go to mummy and baby groups and am trying to talk to other mums but there are cliques and its hard to break in.  I'm determined though and haven't let that stop us going to the groups.

To some of my friends I seem to have fallen off the planet since I had Baby M.  What makes our friendship so different now I have a child??  It doesn't to me!! So I bring him along to coffee catch ups - he's so well behaved he doesn't cry when we are out so it's not like he's badly behaved/screaming/wailing.  I can still go on nights out as Mr M can babysit.  I have even more free time on my hands which means I can meet up WHENEVER.

I text and text trying to organise catch ups.  Generally I get fobbed off or we make plans then they cancel.  I know people have busy lives but we met up before!

Mr M keeps telling me to focus on those friends who do still want to meet up, who do take the time to reply to me and who genuinely seem interested in Baby M. I know he's probably right but I've always been a bit of an overthinker/worrier.

I had the "is it me?" thoughts.  I am someone they don't want to be around??

Maybe when I go back to work and I'm busy with that and spending time as a family I won't be so bothered.  But friendships are really important to me and I think we need them to stay slightly sane. 

I shall continue to persevere and maybe follow Mr M's advice of focusing on those friends who do make that effort.  With many things I have a 2 strike rule (as in 2 strikes & you're out) I feel that maybe too harsh for friendships though. 

I'm trying to organise cocktails/drinks for my birthday.  I'm hoping that people come and I'm not sitting there Billy-No-Mates.  I used to have fancy dress parties every year for my birthday from about 19-25 (they were AMAZING) but I'd always get upset by those people who'd say they were coming but never showed up, just be honest with me!!

I will keep going to the baby groups and trying to make new mummy friends.  


How have other mums managed their friendships since becoming parents?  Have your friendships changed?  How have you found making new mummy friends?

Hevea Kawan teether - review

Baby M is in full teething mode at the moment.  I really hope they come through soon!!

We were sent a Hevea Kawan Teether to test and reivew.

Hevea is so called after the Latin name for Rubber Tree.

All their products are made from natural rubber and from a sustainable source.  The products are also biodegradable.

Because their products are made from natural rubber they are soft and pliable.  This was the first thing I noticed when I took the teether out of the packaging. 

The teether is called Kawan, which means Friend in Malay, the company has strong ties with Malaysia.

Baby M noticed the softness of the teether when I gave it to him, at first he didn't want to put it in his mouth.  After some encouragement he seemed to enjoy chewing the head and I think the softness of the head appealed to him.  All teethers you buy seem to be solid.

The teether is a great shape and Baby M was able to hold the teether easily and in various positions.

The texture on the beak and eye area seemed to help relieve Baby M's pain when he was having bad days, although there were times when he wouldn't chew the teether and appeared in a lot of pain.  Nothing seemed to help at these times apart from Calpol.

The Kawan teether isn't in the shops yet, it's due to be released very soon.  Without being in the shops it was shortlisted for the Loved by Parents Ethical Babycare Product award.

I would recommend this teether, it's the first that I've found that isn't solid.  It's also made from natural products so you know there aren't any hidden harmful chemicals in there.  I also love the shape!



This post has been added to Family Fever and We're going on an Adventure's #TriedTested - go check out other great reviews


Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review however I was sent the product free of charge to test and review.  All views are my own

Swimming Progress

Baby M has come on leaps and bounds recently in his swimming.  We are so proud of him

When we first started the pool was cold and he would get very upset about having to go underwater and even half way through his class would become upset.  He was wearing a wetsuit too.

Since we moved to the new pool he has been improving slowly and building his confidence again.  Our instructor has been amazing and a great support to both us and Baby M. 

At our last class he seemed to improve so much.  He did 3 underwater swims with no crying.  Big grins from mummy and daddy.  He is holding onto the side himself.  His kicking is fantastic too, he's always kicking his little legs. 

The best thing though is now when we get into the pool he has a big grin on his face and starts splashing and laughing in the pool

We're so proud of our little water baby

7 months old

Baby M is 7 months old today

I say this every month but time is flying!!!

Baby M has come along so much in the past month.  He can now sit up all by himself - even at the baby groups other mums have commented on how sturdy he is when he's sitting.

We still aren't crawling yet but he is getting there.  His legs go and then he stops and puts his arms into the push up position.  When he realises he needs to do both then I think he will be off.  He can move in circles and backwards.  He also does cot gymnastics, he's never where we put him at night.  He's usually found up at the top of the cot on his front so he must wriggle himself up there some how.  He's in a sleeping bag too!

Although we are probably a long way off walking he loves being in his walker and goes backwards.  Over the past few days he's also started bouncing A LOT.  I think he's turning into Tigger.

We are now trying lumpier foods.  We've introduced water - Baby M isn't that keen but with the hot weather has been drinking it occasionally.  I've also been trying to give him biscotti - he'd rather mush it in his hands but will suck on it when I hold it for him.  Is this a lazy boy trick?

Baby M is much more aware of his surroundings and is still such a giggly smiley boy.  Whenever anyone meets him for the first time they comment on how happy he is.


I look forward to discovering what the next month has in store for us all 

I'm back

I've been using the time since my last blog to seriously think about my blogging future.

After reading other bloggers posts about their blogging futures I realised that I'm not alone and that as parents we do enjoy beating ourselves up!!

These posts plus chats with my blogging friends, mainly the lovely Gemma of Confessions of a nagging mother I realised that I don't have to be Super Mum and do it all.

I'm going to blog when I can and not beat myself up if I don't do a post every day.  I'm going to make sure the posts I do write have my full effort into them and not just write posts because I feel I should.

Ok I might not win awards and maybe I won't be one of the "top" bloggers out there but I am going to do my best.  My main focus is enjoying spending time with Baby M and being the best mum to him I can be.  Our time together and family time are my top priority, everything else comes secondary.

I've got lots of posts planned including our amazing trip to Italy, Baby M's swimming transformation and fun days out we've had. So please come back soon

Could this be farewell?

Over the past few weeks I've been thinking about my blogging future.

Reading everyone's posts about Britmums Live has made me think about things even more.

I enjoy blogging but sometimes I find it difficult to find the time to fit it in. Weekends are all about family time now Mr M is back to work. Evenings are about relaxing once Baby M goes to bed, which isn't at a set time yet.  Depending when he gets up & the day I'm exhausted & just want my bed.

During the day it isn't possible as Baby M won't go down in his cot for a nap my whole day is spent with him. We are also starting more baby groups & classes this week. These are not only for Baby M but also for me as I have been getting quite lonely during the day & want to make some mummy friends - my "pre baby" friends seem to be making themselves scarce.

I am also joining a running club & a zumba class this week. Another way to try and make friends but also lose my baby weight, I'm sure I'm getting fatter not thinner!!

I go back to work in 2 months. I enjoy my job & it can be so rewarding but it is also challenging and exhausting at times, I know I will just want to come home, have cuddles from Baby M & switch my brain off with some tv once he goes to bed. Family time is going to be even more important once I'm back to work.

So when do I blog?!

Maybe my priorities are wrong. When I do something I like to do my best & I'm just not sure I can give my blog my best. Seeing everyone's blogs that went to Britmums Live they all put so much time & effort to make them amazing. I don't want to blog if I can't do my best & make it the best it can be.

So for now this is farewell but it may not be goodbye

Mummy guilt of leaving baby behind

Tomorrow we go to Italy until Sunday - without Baby M

Mr M won the trip last year and the company have let us take us this year as I was quite near my due date last year and couldn't fly.

My mum is coming down to look after Baby M so he will still be at home and in surrounding he knows and he loves my mum.  I think she's really excited about Granny time with him

I do feel really guilty about leaving him though.

The break will be lovely and some quality time for me and Mr M together will be great.  As we don't have family where we live we haven't really been out just us in a LONG time.

I still feel guilty though

I know he will be fine and well looked after but I still feel terrible leaving him.


Has anyone else been away without Baby?  How did you cope?


 Obviously I won't be blogging when I'm in Italy so I will be back blogging next Tuesday, have a great weekend all!

6 months old - that's half a year!

I can't believe Baby M is 6 months old!! I know I say this every month but time is flying!!

Baby M is becoming more and more interested in his surroundings.  He is fascinated by his reflection and loves watching himself on the ipad when we Facetime family.  He grabs hold of the ipad and tries to "kiss" himself - so cute!!!

His hand/eye coordination is getting much better too.  With help he's been putting shapes in the right holes with his toy (we have a genius!)

He is able to sit up by himself for much longer.  There have been a few face plants but always onto something soft so he hasn't hurt himself yet.  He has to learn to put his hands out to stop himself - we can't wrap him in cotton wool.

He loves rolling and now when we go into him in the morning he is sleeping on his front.  I have to say it worries me about whether he can breathe but he has always preferred sleeping on his front when he can so I'm not surprised he gets himself into this position.

He is trying to crawl and gets mad with himself when he can't.  He lifts his head up really high but then when he moves his legs he lets his arms go out to the side.  Once he realises he needs to combine both together I think he will be off.  He's lifting his bum well off the ground and getting his legs underneath himself.

He likes being in his walker, I don't put him in it for too long as I know it's not great for development.  He stamps his feet on the ground like he's running but hasn't moved forward yet - he's gone backwards a few times though.

Standing is still his favourite thing to do, he loves standing on the carpet and grass, I think he likes the feeling under his feet.  He will pull himself up to stand on us.

We still have no teeth, I wish they would hurry up!! He seems in pain at times and chews on his fists/toys/us. 

We are well on our weaning journey.  He has 3 meals a day - or should I say tastes a day.  He is eating more and more each week.  He doesn't seem to like my cooking, preferring jars and pouches.  I feel like a bit of a failure as a mum when I give him a jar, there so much pressure on making your own.  I think it will be easier when he's on finger foods and can have things a bit more lumpy.  I keep trying him with water but he really isn't impressed.  Perseverance Mummy!!

We've just been talking to the inlaws about having them for Christmas - I can't believe he will be 1 by then!! Time slow down please!!!

We're back to waking in the night

Baby M has generally been a great baby during the night.  Yes he woke a lot when he was tiny but he would have is bottle and go back to sleep.

When he was about 4.5 months old he started sleeping through the night - going to bed at 7pm and waking about 5am.  I know 5am is early but 10 hours sleep is pretty good!

His napping during the day varies, some days he hardly naps and other days he has longer naps in the day.

2 weeks ago when we had the warm weather Baby M started waking up throughout the night, a few times each night.  He would only settled being shushed by one of us.  We were knackered so brought him into bed with us a few nights to get some sleep.  I know this is a bad idea but when you're exhausted you do anything just to get some sleep!

For the past week he has been waking about 1230-1ish and having a bottle then going back to sleep until 430-5.  He has a whole bottle every time.

He still goes to sleep about 7pm.

I know we should try and get him to stay awake later but even when he has stayed awake until 8pm he wakes at the same times.

Is he thirsty because its warmer?  Is he going through a growth spurt?  Will this last forever?

I have no idea but at the moment I don't know what else to try.  We've put blackout blinds up in his room but that doesn't seem to have made much difference.

Has anyone else gone through anything similar?  Any Advice??

Our weaning journey

The recommendation is that you try not to start weaning until your child is 6 months old.  We couldn't wait that long as Baby M just wasn't getting satisfied by his bottles.

I feel like I have no idea what I am doing.

Yes there are some great guides out there but I still feel a little lost

Breakfast is well established, Baby M loves his porridge.

Baby M still has a bottle at every "meal time" as I don't think he would be getting enough nutrients from food at the moment


We have been introducing different tastes & textures.  At both lunchtime and teatime. 

LOVES
Butternut Squash
Sweet Potato
Pear
Peaches

A LITTLE UNSURE OF
Carrot
Peas
Apple

DOESN'T APPEAR TO LIKE
Parsnip
Califlower
Broccoli

Baby M's response to a lot of food we've tried can best be described as a shudder.  It reminds me of when you try something bitter and your whole body shudders.

I tried him with a jar too - Sweet Chicken and Potato.  His reaction at first was a shudder but then his mouth kept opening for more.  This is a better reaction than with some of the vegetables I've made from scratch as he usually shudders then clamps his mouth shut.

My plan is to start mixing foods together.  I have Annabel Karmel's book - New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner so I am hoping some of these will be a hit.  I really want to try and make my own food rather than use jars.

How has weaning gone for others?  What struggles did you have?

Swimming Class - Intermediate 1 - week 3

This week I feel that we have made a breakthrough with swimming.  This week Baby M did and underwater swim and immediately recovered.  There was no crying through the lesson either.  Mummy and Daddy  were so proud!

This week we did a few new swims as well.  Usually we do kicking in the pool on our backs, this week with did back and front - Baby M enjoyed both. 

We were given a fish to throw around the pool and baby to swim after the fish.  Baby M loved this!! So much so that when he had to hand the fish back the bottom lip came out. 

We progressed Ring a Ring a Roses so that parent and baby went under at the same time.

Hopefully things will continue to progress, he's doing so well

Managing the hot weather

I love the sunshine!!! I'm sure in a past life I was one of those lizards that just sit on a rock all day and soak up the sun.

When we had the spell of warm weather I thought great, I can get out and enjoy the sunshine and go places with Baby M.

Baby M really didn't like getting too hot.  He ended up spending most of his time during the warm weather in either his vest or just his nappy. 

We piled on lots of factor 50+ suncream.

My mum bought him a World's Apart sun tent which was great for when we were in the garden.

When we went anywhere with the pushchair Baby M was wearing his sun hat and we ended up putting our Snoozeshade on.  This was a godsend!! It kept him cool and protected from the sun as it has factor 50+ SPF built into the fibres.  I would recommend everyone get one for the summer!!

Night time was a struggle.  We tried everything to try and settle Baby M but he didn't sleep great during the week.  We had the windows open, him sleeping in a vest, no vest and a 1 tog sleeping bag.  I think we will just sleep him in his nappy in future.  It was great we had the GroEgg so we knew how warm his room was.


I'm now torn, I want a lovely summer but I also don't want it too hot for Baby M.  Apparently babies can regulate their temperature from a year old so next summer should be better, although I will be back at work so won't be able to enjoy it with Baby M so much

Swimming classes - Intermediate 1 - weeks 1 and 2

We have now moved up to the Intermediate 1 class with Baby M and Water Babies

We've moved pools to a hydrotherapy pool.  Wow what a difference!!  As soon as we got into the pool Baby M was splashing - that's right splashing!! He's never done that before!

Week 1

In week 1 we learned a new way of swimming, rather than using the old method of having baby's chin resting on your hands they will now swim forward next to you with your hands under their armpits on the torso.  Baby M seemed to love this and was splashing his hands in the water.  We chased a spaceship around the pool too.  However he did a face plant into the water and got a little upset. 

We then did the first underwater swim, our lovely instructor held baby in front of us and we both went under water at the same time.  Baby M cried after this but was reassured, however remained grizzly.  We did the armchair swim which Baby M didn't like and also there was crying during his lying on his back swim.  I felt deflated.  I thought the new pool would be an improvement and he wouldn't get too upset.  We did the second underwater swim but he was too upset to do the third. 

Week 2

I went into week 2 a little worried we would have a repeat performance.  Lots of splashing when we got into the pool again.  We did our newly learned swim and again happy baby.  First underwater swim went really well, he had a cry when he surfaced but instantly reassured.  He held on for the first time each time we did it and loved the swimming on his back and kicking, he was laughing!  Great!!

We then tried a new song "ring a ring of roses", Baby M was fine until I went under the water, the bottom lip came out and then when he saw the other babies going under the water he started to cry.  We didn't do another underwater swim that lesson.  The armchair swim went well and every other part of the lesson he seemed to enjoy. 


He is making improvements and the new warmer pool is helping.  Hopefully his issues with underwater swims will resolve themselves - we've agreed to only do the last underwater swim for the next few classesso he can enjoy the rest of his class.

Family visits

Last week my brother was visiting for the whole week, it was brilliant to see him and spend some quality time with him and Baby M.

Prior to that Mr M's sister came to visit for a few days.  She hasn't seen Baby M so it was great she could visit for a few days.

We had our first experience of stranger anxiety.  Baby M became quite upset when given to his aunt to hold, which was quite upsetting for her and us as well as Baby M.  We encouraged lots of smiles, cuddles and she gave him his bottle and he changed, by the second day she was here there were smiles and giggles.

 By the time she was ready to leave they were best friends and I know Baby M will want to see his aunt again very soon.

Next we had the visit from my brother.  We didn't have any stranger anxiety this time, even though Baby M hasn't seen him physically since he was a month old we regularly Facetime so he sees his uncle every week.  The weather was brilliant throughout the week and we spent lots of time outside.  Baby M was given his bottle, fed his food and even had his nappy changed by his uncle.  All great things to build on their already strong bond. 

We live a distance from all our family members and that is something that is always at the back of our minds, we want Baby M to have a good relationship with all his family.

We have visits to Mr M's family, visits from my family and a family holiday to Ireland to look forward to - as well as many more visits we hope.

We look forward building many more happy memories with family, having lots of visits and giving Baby M lots of love

Sunny visit to Brockholes Nature Reserve

My brother & I love wildlife so whilst he was visiting we decided to take a trip to Brockholes Nature Reserve. The reserve is run by the Wildlife Trust

Brockholes can be found near Preston off Junction 31 of the M6.  I felt like we were going on a magical mystery tour to get to the entrance, the signs seem to be leading you in a circle once you leave the motorway then the entrance to the reserve could be easily missed.  Thankfully there were 2 of us to look out.

We had a look at the map on our arrival and decided on the route we would take.

We decided to walk from the car park and turn right, walking all the way round the reserve.

The views were great

We continued to follow the path round, through some lovely shrubs, trees and gates

We walked through a wooded area where there appeared to be a few bird watchers gathered, we couldn't tell what they were looking at though.

We then came to Nook Pool.  Here we saw a Heron and lots and lots of dragonflies.  We also saw what we thought was a Glebe but later we weren't actually sure that's what it was.

We continued round and saw more dragonflies and a Kestral hunting.  We stopped and watched this for a while.  We then walked round to the main water area, there are 2 hides, one is a family hide so you can sit and watch the birds.  We saw swans, Canadian geese, Greylag geese and coots.  We even saw a family with 3 baby coots - too cute!!

We finished our walk with a quick visit to the floating visitors village

They have a shop, conference centre (where you can get married if you so wish) and a restaurant.  We had a quick walk around then returned to the car and it was getting really hot and Baby M was getting a little grumpy.




The reserve is free to walk around, you just have to pay for parking.  A camera registers your car registration as you enter so as you leave you go to one of the parking machines, enter your registration then pay the required fee.  We were there for just under 2 hours and paid £2.70.  The machines accept cash or card which is great.

No dogs are allowed due to ground nesting birds.

We had a lovely time and will definitely be returning again in the near future with Mr M.  I think as Baby M gets older he will be able to take part in the different events that take part too.


I've added this post to Coombe Mill's #CountryKids, go check all the other great posts for ideas for days out

Gummee Glove - Review

Baby M is teething at the moment.  It is causing him quite a lot of discomfort.  I have tried teething gels, granules and calpol and whilst these do work he also wants to chew on things.

I have heard great things about Gummee Glove and thought I would see if it helped relive some of Baby M's discomfort

I love the bright yellow colour.  It comes with a bag which you place the glove in to wash in the machine.  I also keep the glove in this bag when it's not being used.

You can chose a blue or pink teething ring, I went for blue for obvious reasons.  There are 3 other teething areas in different colours - 2 on the side and one on the top.  The teething ring is held in place by a popper so you don't have to worry that it might come out of the glove.  The are 2 tags, one on either side that baby can play with his other hand and the print area is crinkly, which Baby M loves.

The glove is attached with a velcro fasten which means as baby grows the glove can still fit.  Baby M had the glove on for less than 5 minutes before it was in his mouth.  He likes holding onto the tag on the opposite side with his other hand and really enjoys crinkling the printed area.

Baby M definitely loves his Gummee glove and everytime he has it on he puts it straight into his mouth.  There has been one occasion where he has become a little fed up and tried to shake the glove off but he was in a really foul mood and nothing I was trying with him was working.

I would definitely recommend Gummee Glove - for £11.99 I think it is good value for money as you will get lots of use out of it.  As it's a glove baby doesn't need to concentrate on holding a teether and chewing they can just put the teething parts in their mouth and chew chew chew


Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, I purchased this product as I thought it might be useful.  My views are my own

 

5 months old - where has the time gone??

Baby M is 5 months old!!!

I can't believe how fast those 5 months have gone.  I still feel like I don't have a clue what I'm doing too!!

Baby M is developing more and more into a little person, his personality is coming out more and more.

We have started our weaning journey.  He loves porridge and has had his first taste of sweet potato, which he also loved!

He sits in his highchair with us at mealtimes and loves watching us eat

His hand/eye coordination seems to be improving and he can pass things between his hands.  He hasn't quite mastered rolling over yet, he can get so far then he gets stuck.  Once I help him he's so pleased with himself.  When he has tummy time he kind of flounders around as if he wants to crawl but doesn't know how to so it.

He still loves standing and can pull himself up from sitting by holding our hands.  He can also sit on his own for short spells

He is getting more interested in the cat, he has stroked her a few times and the smile on his face is huge!! He slightly pulled her fur once and I was worried she might lash out at him but she didn't flinch.  The cat is slightly wary of him still but will go up to him and sniff.  Hopefully their friendship with continue to develop

A friend gave us a walker, we have put him in it twice but his feet just miss the floor.  I'm a bit wary of putting him in it too often for too long as I have read that it can cause problems with hips and walking.

He is also sleeping longer, no longer waking at 5, now can sleep until 7 - those extra 2 hours are amazing & make such a difference to how shattered I feel!!

I really hope that his teeth come through soon.  They have been causing him so much discomfort and he has been such a grumpy and frustrated little boy at times.  I wish there was something I could do to make him feel better!!