Oh Hello There, It's a Busy Summer

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile! I've been investing all my "spare" writing time into our VBS drama at church.

For the past few weeks I've been collaborating with 4 others to create a storyline that aligns with our theme and lessons this year and then, when Barker is napping, I've been writing the script!

Working and collaborating is awesome, I'd forgotten how good that sense of accomplishment feels.
Yesterday was our first cast read through and now I'll be directing the actors! Luckily I can bring Barker with me to rehearsals if needed. It'll continue to be really busy for us until VBS is over on August 10th, but it'll be fun! Luckily Barker is getting better at that whole sleeping thing...

We're also crazy busy with visitors and trips this summer! Brett's older brother's family of 3 visited two weeks ago, Sierra is visiting now, we're leaving for a week long fishing trip in WI on Friday, a week after that my cousin Lauren's family is visiting, then that will overlap with Brett's mom and Aunt visiting...oh then the week after that is VBS...

2nd week of August = time to rest. haha

Although I'm actually trying to arrange swimming lessons for Barker in August/September.

Keeping busy? Why yes, yes we are. But it's a good thing. =)

Introducing Solids

Barker has been eating solids for over a month now! I exclusively breast-fed for 6 months so sometimes when I look up what he should be eating when, I feel a little behind. But, he'll be eating all sorts of things eventually and my own research and pediatrition agreed that exclusively breast feeding for the first 6 months is best for baby in the long run. I also think by the time we started solids he was very ready and I'm thankful that (so far) I've never had trouble getting him to eat. It's probably one of his favorite things. =)

I'm trying to add foods to his diet that are good for him (all fruits and veggies and single grain foods right now) but also items Brett and I eat as well. My goal is to eventually have him eat a babified version of what we eat for dinner. Tonight we'll get to kind of do that for the first time when we have baked sweet potatoes!

In the meantime, my friend shared this handy chart that I have since printed and hung on the fridge to check off as we go. I find it very helpful and simple to read so I thought I'd post it here and share! Enjoy and bon appetit!

(We're introducing something new every 5-7 days as recommended)

Two more teeth!

Yesterday I looked over at Barker and saw there was a little blood on a toy he was chewing. I then looked in his mouth to see if he had cut his lip or something, but instead I found...two new teeth that had just broken through! His lateral incisors are coming in! Not the typical order of teeth. He'll have tiger/vampire teeth! =P Love him. I tried to get a picture but naturally this is the best I got...

Haha. He's pretty good at hiding all four of his teeth. ;)

7 Months!

I'm behind in posting this but...

Barker is 7 months old now!! He didn't grow much on paper this past month (only an ounce in weight and less than an inch in length) but he has been growing in other ways. He has quite a bit more hair considering how little he had before. It is super soft and blonde (or a very light brown) and I just know it'll be curly... =) He also eats 3 meals of solids daily now and he is starting to hold more than one toy at a time. He's also suuuuper close to crawling! Just building up those muscles. A little more every day.

I love our little squirmer!

Moo-Shu Chicken

I tried out a new recipe this week and I think it turned out pretty well. The hardest part was finding the ingredients at the grocery store. I never did find those scallions...

So here's how it turned out:

Moo-Shu Chicken! (<--Click for recipe)

Barker loves his Mommy

I know Barker loves me because when I held him in my arms as he fell asleep tonight, he smiled and giggled every time I kissed him. His eyes were closed and he had a perfect little grin. I love this kid so much. =) =)

Also, after going pacifier free for about a month now, he has discovered he can chew/suck on his thumbs and it is way too cute.