I couldn't think of a clever title or pick just one new thing that is going on in the DePaola house, so the date sufficed.
I haven't blogged in over a month- whew, time flies by! My new goal- blog once/month. Because I probably won't write all of these things down the old fashioned way; I better at least type them!
New:
1. Mommy got a job! A professional job- one that I can justify all of those $$$ spent on graduate degree loans. God is amazing: I got hired BEFORE my degree is technically over- 4 more weeks (allllmost there). This had been a large stressor; operating on one income was quite a lesson in frugality; we can see an end in sight- which is good since we all see mounting bills in sight. Another wonderful thing about this job is that it has "regular" hours so I can be home at a reasonable time after work and not worry about on call, home visits, etc. **On a sad note: Gavin and I will no longer be able to join our play group on Wednesdays; thankfully there will be a monthly Saturday get together.
2. Gavin has 5, yes 5- teeth! YES he has nipped me several times- no full chomping down--ahhh, scary. Everything is still in tact- so we're good to go for now. It's amazing how many people I have saying- wow, you're still breastfeeding him?! He is 9 months people- not 3 years old! It's interesting to look back at the historical shifts in perspectives of breastfeeding- not too long ago many pediatricians were urging our grandparents to stop breastfeeding (if they did at all) by 3-4 months and use formula. The prevailing thought was that formula provided more of what baby needed, was cleaner, and/or you were "poor" if you couldn't provide formula for your baby. Research has come a LONG way (take a look at THIS position paper)
3. Gavin has learned how to push up to sitting position by himself (and thankfully knows how to get back down- although he has forgotten how once or twice in the middle of the night).
4. We lowered his crib because of: #3 AND TODAY- John found him STANDING in his crib and gnawing on the railing!! wow- what a time of LOTS of developmental gains- something is new weekly it seems. :)
5. He's had TWO haircuts. Good thing, too- the most recent cut was done by someone other than Tara and needless to say- Gavin will not be going back to this other person. The positive thing- this boys' hair grows so quickly he'll have his baby look back in no time! :)
6. finger foods: Feeding Gavin with a spoon can at times be very challenging because he increasingly wants to feed himself. A good thing; however, frustrating at times when you're in a hurry! Also lots of food in the eyeballs, ears, etc. when he feeds himself- haha.
7. Pointing: Gavin points at EVERYTHING- such a cute little chubby index finger!
8. Gavin has noticed he can see birds flying and planes in the air. It's so neat to "rediscover" these simple, yet amazing things through a baby's perspective.
9. Baby babbles- he's VERY adamant with some expressions which is SO hard not to laugh at. I continue to LOVE all of the sounds he can come up with (aside from whining in the middle of the night and early morning hours).
10. KISSES: Gavin has started to give kisses- wide, open mouth kisses; HILARIOUS. :)
Mommyhood is such a blessing and an amazing journey. What a gift to be able to view the world from a new little human's eyes. I can't get enough of loving on my little guy and pray every night that John and I will look to God's guidance in how to raise him best.
Off to bed :)
