Thursday, July 2, 2015

Nora Kay Love ~ 7 Months

How is this possible?  I have a 7 month old.  7 months.  She absolutely lights up our life, and I can't hardly imagine how boring our life was without her.  Ok, that's not totally true...but she adds so much joy to our already blessed life! 
 
Weight/Height:  I have no clue on height, but thanks to a pesky case of diaper rash we had a weigh in on July 5 and she weighed 16 lb 8 oz.  Still our precious chunky baby with rolls for days on her thighs!  When I compare her photos from last month, you can tell she certainly enjoys her food...her cheeks are getting chubbier by the day! 

Clothes:  We're still in size 2 diapers and 6-9 or 6-12 month clothes.  She's filling the 6-9 month onesies out pretty well so we might have to pick up a few bigger ones for the rest of the summer.  Just as Elyse did, she pretty much lives in onesies or something simple when we're just going to be at home.  We have tons of dresses in her closet that don't hardly get touched just because it's summertime and we want to be comfy & relaxed all the time! 

Food:  A week or so ago we transitioned to 4 feedings a day and 2 long naps.  The other nursing schedule wasn't really working anymore since she's eating table food at each meal...and this one is working much better.  She nurses at 7, 11, 3, & 7 and has a full meal at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  She now has TWO teeth, and that's assisting a lot with her eating process.  We are still absolutely LOVING baby led weaning and I recommend it to everyone!  She eats tons of veggies...green beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and cucumbers are her favorite.  Even more fruit...cantaloupe, watermelon, apples, bananas, and strawberries are big pleasers, but now that peaches are in season I'm sure those will zoom to the top of the list as well.  She also loves her bread, toast, chicken, pasta, hamburger, and french fries.  She's also had plenty of tastes of ice cream, cookies, and popsicles.  She's the second kid.  She LOVES to eat.  Who am I to resist this sweet face?!?

Sleep:  We cut out the swaddle at the beginning of her 6th month and while that was pretty rough in the beginning, she's doing great now.  I think that has a lot to do with the fact that she's totally a belly sleeper and sleeps so soundly when she's on her belly.  She is sleeping better  through the night but not consistently the whole night.  Typically we give her the pacifier one time and she's quickly back to sleep...until 6:30-7.  I can handle that.  She's now taking 2 2ish hour naps...one from 9-11 and another from 1-3.  The time after dinner until bedtime can be a little rough since she's been up for so long...but typically a walk around the neighborhood or just a change in scenery helps her through that stage. 

Activity:  She's a grabber.  With go-go gadget arms.  She's grabbing and reaching for everything.  She's still enjoying sitting up unassisted with a stack of toys in front of her and she's starting to reach for books...but mainly just to put them in her mouth!  Diaper changes are becoming more of a challenge as she quickly rolls over to see what she's missing.  We've also put her in a walker a few times and she's got the backward motion down pat...just not the forward motion.  She reaches so far out in front of her that sometimes she ends up flat on her face...but I just let her figure that out, as I figure that's her first steps toward crawling.  Elyse better watch out once we have a crawler on our hands! 

Personality:  She's just crazy happy most of the time...as long as she's had plenty to eat, and plenty of sleep.  Of course she's starting to show a little attitude when she doesn't necessarily get what she wants, when she wants it!  Compared to her older sister, she doesn't like to be left alone to play for long periods of time.  She just wants to be involved in whatever else might be going on. She's not stingy with her smiles like her sister thought...throwing smiles to almost anyone who gives her one!  Oh the joy she brings to everyone she meets!

Elyse & Nora: These two are still "best sisters" as Elyse likes to call them.  Elyse is great at sharing with Nora, or if she doesn't want to share the exact item she'll go get Nora an alternative toy which works for now.  Let's hope that works for awhile!  Our nickname for Nora is Squirt and Elyse calls her that as well...and it's absolutely precious.  Nora follows Elyse's every move, and I just pray they'll be the best of friends, even after any inevitable sister-fights. 
Photo Credit:  Elyse
My chunky Nora,
 
You are seriously the best baby.  I love the smiles & grins you toss my way when I go to get you in the mornings, and I just love our little conversations after you nurse.  While we try to respect your need for a schedule, you are also incredibly flexible when it comes to doing activities with your crazy sister & our busy lives. You giggle and laugh and provide so much additional joy to our already blessed lives.  I just love to watch you interact with your sister and you are so patient with her as she tries so hard to impress you.  I know it won't be long until the roles are reversed and I just pray that she'll be just as patient with you.  I'm so thankful that you made me a momma for a second time, and I'm pretty honored that I get to be a girl momma.  It's possibly the most amazing thing in the world.  I love you little Squirt, you're my favorite little sister ever! 
 
Momma

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