Seven MONTHS.

I am going to call this update lucky number seven. 

Because, how the heck did we get so lucky? Charlie is an amazing baby. And when I say ‘baby,’ I feel like she is growing quickly out of that baby-ish phase and becoming her own little person.

Sounds weird to say at seven months, but I blink and I swear she is either grown an inch or becoming even more mobile. Either way this past month has been my favorite yet. So many changes – both good and bad.

BUT! At the end of the day, Bret and I constantly say to each other, how did we get so lucky? She is so fun, animated, and just out right addicting! 

Okay, let’s jump right in! 

Changes with Charlie…….

This month was a huge leap in development for Charlie. Not only is she rolling around, but now she recognizes her name when called and has even started to wave. Bret and I will wave and say, “Hi, Charlie.” She giggles and watches our hands move back and forth. Then she raises her sweet little arm and gently moves it back and forth. We say, “Good job, Charlie.” She immediately smiles because she is so proud of herself as well as her parents.

Eating food has been a sporty event. We started baby led weaning last month and she’s been pretty good with wanting to try food. I’ve been giving her different ingredients to try like chicken, hummus, avocado, tomato sauce, cucumber, sweet potatoes, salsa, and cottage cheese. Right now she loves cottage cheese and tomato sauce. I’m still not the most consistent with her eating schedule except for lunch. Sometimes she gets really frustrated with chicken strips for example because she is still learning how to chew. I will say those NumNum spoons are a huge help in teaching her to feed herself! The other big news I finally ordered a real high chair which is supposed to arrive today. I’m hoping that will help me be more consistent with food training! 

We can’t chat about food without talking about teeth! Charlie officially has two front teeth and they are the cutest thing ever. I have a feeling a few more teeth will pop up because she has been “spitting teeth” as Bret’s grandmother would say.  

Sleep! Besides food this is a hot topic in our household. Charlie is a great sleeper and sleeps from 7pm to 6am pretty much every night. We had been using the Merlin Magic SleepSuit over the past few months, but last week she rolled over in it during a nap and I was like goodbye suit. Now, she’s in a sleep sack and actually does way better. The other hurdle we jumped over this month was dropping from three naps to two. Dear God. Stretching her wake window reminded me of traveling over seas. Trying to say awake until 8pm the night you land in a foreign country so you can reset your clock is the worst. We’ve been stretching it out now for over a week and I think she is getting more settled with being awake longer. I other hand am still getting used to it. Like, WTF do I do with her all day?! LOL. 

To keep her distracted we purchased the Jolly Jumper. If you are a parent or know of a soon-to-be parent get the jolly jumper. It will keep the babe entertained, give them some exercise, and allow the parents to be hands free. Best $60 you will ever spend! 

Are You Still Nursing?

Nope! After I saw those teeth come in I was like bye Felicia. But seriously, Charlie started to become disinterested in nursing probably a little after six months. Now, she is completely formula fed about 4 to 5 bottles a day and then is offered regular food twice a day. It’s a weird feeling to not be nursing, but honestly it’s so freeing!!! 

What’s Her Schedule Look Like? 

6:30am to 7:00am – Wake and Bottle Feeding
7:00am to 9:30am – Independent play, activity center, plays with Juniper, bounces in her Jolly Jumper, helps me make breakfast, play outside
9:30am to 10:30am – Nap one
10:30am – Bottle Feeding
10:30am to 11:30am – Independent play, activity center, etc. 
11:30am to 11:45am – Lunch time
11:45am to 1:15pm – more play, go for a walk, bounces in her jumper, reading stories
1:30pm to 3:30pm – Nap two
3:30pm – Bottle Feeding
3:30pm to 5:45pm – more play, go for another walk, etc. 
5:45pm to 6:00pm – Dinner time
6:00pm to 6:15pm – Bath 
6:20pm to 6:45pm – Change into pjs, Bottle Feeding
7:00pm – Goodnight!  

How Was Your First Mother’s Day?

The best. I’m so glad I had pictures taken a few weeks prior to document this time with her. Made me so happy. We also got out of the house to eat brunch by the river and did a quick hike at one of the state parks. The weather was perfect. I also forgot how well Charlie does on the go. Can’t wait to get back to traveling! 

Best part of this month?

Seeing Charlie’s curious personality come to life. While my parents were here this past weekend, my mom told me she noticed how Charlie was very into details. For example, she wasn’t into the whole rattle, but more how the rattle was put together. Definitely like her dad in that nature!