Mister Boy: 8 Months Old!

This handsome little one is 8 months old today!  Once again, wow!  Really, 8 months already??  We are getting closer and closer to the one year mark and it's scary!  Each month does get better and better.

Maverick is still crawling up a storm, getting faster everyday.  He pulls up to stand on everything and recently starting cruising a bit.  He has yet to stand on his own, but he tries here and there.  Still no teeth for this guy, but drool is dripping like crazy right now so who knows.  He smiles and laughs all day and his big personality is really shining these days!  We can't get enough of him!  He also started giving kisses and loves to hold out his arms to cuddle-so freakin' wonderful!  He has entered the separation anxiety phase, so we are being very patient and loving.  He is also becoming a little weary of strangers.  His favorite thing to do currently is ride bikes with papa!

I return to work in 2 short days and my heart is already aching thinking about being away from him for 6 hours!  I will miss our mid-day park adventures and long walks to the ocean.  Sigh!  Before we know it, this little one will be walking-oh, my!  Wish I could freeze time because everyone was so right when they said it goes by oh so fast!  

Mister Boy: 7 Months

Welcome 7 months!  Mister Boy is truly becoming more and more delightful, hilarious and showing us even more personality every day.  Oh, and the trouble and mischief he is in!  Oh my!  This last month has been very productive and now Maverick is crawling full force!  I am completely in denial about it and can not believe it happened so fast.  He can also get into the sitting position from crawling like a pro, rolls every which way faster than lightening and is now pulling himself up on everything!  I told him to slow down, but this boy is determined to move!  So now he is obsessed with practicing standing all the time.  And I had to get a few baby gates, especially since we have a laundry room in the back where Toby keeps his bicycles (scary!).

Mav is babbling more too.  He does this whisper thing, where it's like he is talking to himself.  It is the cutest!  He's been eating solids for the last month and loving it.  He has tried all sorts of yummy stuff and recently had organic pinto beans.  I am mashing things up more and more instead of so many purees.  He is also a fan of yogurt.  We are still breast feeding several times a day and it is still the main way Mav goes to sleep at night.  We are still co-sleeping as well.  We did put our bed on the ground because I was all sorts of nerves as he started getting more mobile.  Maverick is quickly becoming such a fun and happy baby!  He loves to laugh and smile and I love how bright his eyes get when I kiss him or the excited panting noises he makes when dada comes home from work!

Here are a few of his favorite things: Miya dog's paws and tail, watching birds at the park, crawling in the grass and picking up leaves, banana, naked time, Miya's dog bowl, walks, bath time, playtime with dada, power cords (uh-oh!), peek-a-boo and bicycle rides.

We continue to fall in love with this bean more and more each minute!  And, yeah I am super exhausted from chasing around a very mobile babe!  But, each month does get better and better!  Cheers to 7 month olds!

Motherhood: Favorite Baby Clothes

Oh baby clothes, you are so cute and tiny!  And, sometimes you are difficult to get on a squirmy rolling chunky baby!  Over the last 7 months, I have figured out how to put clothing on a wiggly baby in lightening speed and which types of clothes are easiest (things with buttons and not snaps? NO WAY!).  My favorite type of onesies or baby body suits are basics that are durable, have some stretch, are soft and preferably snap all the way up as to avoid being put on over my babes head.  I have also come to really love a few particular brands.  If you look in your local thrift shop, you may find some of these great organic options at a deep discount!

Baby Wears by lovefoxvintage on Polyvore

Speesees Organic-great basics, lots of kimono wrap style options, soft organic cotton, funky graphics that both a girl or boy can rock and they make my favorite bib!  

Splendid-two words: so soft.  I really love Splendid's classic baby options!  Lots of stylish details like little pockets and gender neutral stripes.  Their jumpers are great workhorse pieces that really last through daily use.  I wish I could afford more of their stuff, but I have been very lucky and have scored a few pieces for Maverick at the thrift shop!  

Positively Organic-I own the striped blanket and blue rabbits nightgown above and love them!  We use the blanket everyday and I really dig the vibrant colors they incorporate into their designs.  They have so many whimsical prints and so far their stuff is super durable. These were two of my fav baby shower gifts!  

What are some of your favorite baby clothing brands?  I especially love to find organic pieces at a bargain!   

Mister Boy: 6 Months Old

Yes indeed, this guy is 6 months old today.  I can't believe it!  Half a year, just like that.  Craaaaazy!  Here are a few things to ponder:

A few more stats...
Personality-Maverick's personality is really starting to shine through!  What we have learned so far is that he is super smart, intense, silly and curious.  He gets frustrated when he is unable to do something and he flashes his beautiful smile to strangers every chance he gets.
Physical Milestones-Mav has mastered sitting up and rolling every which way.  Now he is trying desperately to crawl, already rocking on his hands and knees and lunging forward.  He's also working on getting into the sitting position from his stomach, which is some hard stuff!  He is "talking" like crazy and using "ga" and "da" sounds.  His latest favorite is screeching and screaming.
Eating-we are still breastfeeding!  Yay us!  He recently started solids and has eaten banana and avocado so far.  He loves banana.  We are taking the whole food thing slowly, just letting him explore textures and flavors right now.  Breast milk is his main source of nutrition, but he digs food.  We are working on getting him used to the sippy cup (he was only given a bottle once).
Teeth-None yet, but he's teething and seems to be working on something.
Sleeping-Maverick is a tough one to nap!  He takes a morning nap around 9:30am and usually an afternoon nap around 2pm.  Some days he naps for up to 2 hours, but mostly I am lucky if it's an hour.  He also snoozes here and there if he is in his Ergo carrier or car seat.  He sleeps with us at night and still wakes a few times to nurse a little.  I know that someday he will sleep through the night (or at least 6 hours straight), someday, right?!!

Mav's sailor onesie-vintage/thrifted

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Maverick enjoys diaper changes, watching everything Miya does, his daily walks, peek-a-boo and playing with his hands and feet.  He is finally getting better in the car seat too (thank baby jesus!).
Basically, we are falling more and more in love with him each and every day!  I am so excited to see him grow each month.  He has changed our lives forever and I never knew my heart could feel this much love.
       Beanie, we love you!

♥

Look who turned 1 month today!!  This little jelly bean is growing by the minute and guess what!?  He showed us his first true smile on Valentine's Day!!  It is the most beautiful sight my eyes have ever seen.  The Hub and I spend every one of his waking moments to get him to smile some more-we are obsessed.  After making it through the first month, things are slowly getting into a routine (all though still exhausting) and I am slowly gaining confidence as a new mama.  I must admit, trusting myself and being confident has been the hardest thing for me these last couple of weeks.  I know all new mom's go through this and only time will make it easier.  I am working on taking one day at a time, not comparing my babe to other babies and appreciating his individual personality.  I am excited to see what the next month brings!

Littlest Love of All

My days lately...little feet (this was taken soon after Mav was born, hence the vernix between all the creases in his feet-so cute!) and a mellow moment with a semi-smile?  Not sure if it's a grin or just gas.  I can't wait until he really smiles and laughs!  

Slowly, I have been getting in a groove with this little one.  I realize that not only must you surrender yourself during labor, but also as a new parent.  You must let go and let your little one be the guide; it is truly challenging, but I am getting it.  Being alone with Maverick after the Hub went back to work has been one of the most difficult transformations.  But being a mama isn't something that just happens-it takes lots of practice!  I feel so connected to all the new moms out there who feel a little disconnected, isolated, and un-showered once family leave and you are on your own.  

Breastfeeding is slowly getting better as well.  Whew!!!  It is a feed fest over here-this little guy loves to eat (he's just making sure my milk supply is to his liking) & I just keep reminding myself that the first month will be like this and it's ok.  These slow moments don't last forever, so I intend on cherishing them and remaining positive as the days go by.  Talking about all this really helps!  Oh, and this mama needs a haircut!  When the nursing mellows out a bit, I intend on treating myself to a haircut-something easy & shorter!