Yucky

He hates green beans. Can't say I blame him, although the peas smell even worse and he gobbles those up. Disgusting. Not the baby, the peas!

Smiling (sort of) because it's over

My pumpkin

Ah, the pumpkin patch! The fall tradition of most families with small children (and big kids that just love Fall, right Stacy?). So we took Carter to check out the pumpkins with Nana and Poppy. He was definitely interested in the big pumpkins. See him standing all by himself with a big one?

Since he was not hungry or tired he was in a great mood and we even had fun afterwards out for a nice lunch. The weather was quite comfortable...very low humidity and a good breeze. Isn't our little pumpkin cute!

Boys

Is this a boy thing or what?! Carter is already pulling everything down around himself. This play gym was knocked over with his legs and pulled the rest of the way down with his hands. He had so much fun in his little "fort," as Trey called it. He also tries to pull his crib bumper down over him. Guess he still likes the feeling of being enclosed in a small space.

Food, glorious food!

Carter had started solids in the last few weeks. We now know for sure that he is our child since he LOVES to eat! Anything that he has tried, he has gobbled it up...we can't feed him fast enough. Not sure if it's the food he loves, or just having the spoon in his mouth.

The first bites of rice cereal were met with skepticism, as you can see from the photo. But I did learn that he does not want his food runny...and really, who does? So the consistency is important to him. Actually, I am exactly the same!

Carter's menu currently includes rice cereal, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and peas (stinky!). Next up are squash and either applesauce or pears. The poops are getting very interesting, folks.

What foods did your little ones start out with? Was there anything they did or did not especially like? Can't wait to see where little Carter's adventurous appetite takes us!

Sleep School

School is in session at our house...sleep school that is. I had the idea that mommy would be the teacher and baby would be the student. It's a rookie mistake, right?


I tried for a week and a half to get Carter to sleep 10 hours at night without waking and take 2 naps during the day, lasting 1.5-2 hours each. We were both pretty miserable and exhausted during those days and nights! Plus he came down with a cold, which just made everything harder for the little guy to deal with. And lots more crying for me to deal with. It got to the point where I would feel sick to my stomach as naptime approached. Not good!


So yesterday, I just gave up. Really, I said a prayer (OK, many prayers) and gave it over to God. And wouldn't you know things have been so relaxed around our house. Carter even slept for about 11.5 hours last night without making a sound!! (I slept for almost 7 hours without waking up myself.) Now he is an hour into his first nap of the day without waking. Can you tell I am one relieved mama? I am good student and I have learned my lesson.



Here is a happy baby after a full night's sleep...

Our litle fish

Whether it's bathtime or we're in the pool, Carter loves the water! Trey took him under for the first time this weekend. I was too scared to help, so I thought I would take a little video to commemorate the moment no matter how it turned out. Watch out Michael Phelps...here comes Carter Barnes!

PS Thank you to everyone who gave me day care tips...keep 'em coming.

Big Week

This has been a big, busy week for little Carter.

Sunday - swimming and dinner at the Jackson's with the Germanas and Jill

Monday - Carter is 5 months old today! (He would not sit still for a good photo, so you get the 2 above from that day.) Met Dale's sister and dinner at Grammy and Poppa's. We stayed too late.

Tuesday - visiting some freinds in the Rec Center at 1st Pres (church) and checking out the nursery situation for Mommy's Bible Study

Wednesday - Spent a cranky day at home, Mommy went to join the Y in the evening!

Thursday - Carter's very first day in a daycare-type place. He has never been with a sitter other than family or with other kids. Mommy was nervous, but Carter did great! The ladies in the nursery loved him...said he was very sweet and so cute sucking his thumb.

Friday- We'll meet Kirsten, Matthew, Carole, and Paige for coffee and a walk on Park Ave. Then see Shea for a little bit afterwards.

Whoa, I really packed this week with lots of activity!

Wanted to comment about the nursery at the Church and get some feedback from my mommy friends...

What do I really need to take for Carter? I took 2 of his favorite toys, but when I went to pick him up, another kid was carrying one of them around and they had to find the 2nd toy. Now I feel like I need to boil them before giving them back to my baby! He doesn't really need his own toys there, right? Also, I was a little concerned that I saw one child hitting another (not Carter) and nobody seemed to notice or do anything about it even though the one getting hit was crying. Should I say something or ask about it? There were 2 care-givers in the room with 2 babies and 2 toddlers - all 16 mos or younger.

Please post a comment or send me an email about your childcare experiences, what I need to pack in Carter's bag, and what to do when I see something I'm concerned about. Thanks - R