best friends

A couple weeks ago we went up to Fresno to celebrate Ruby's dedication with our good friends the Brooks. Child dedication is so special and important and we were honored to be there and show our love and support for their family.

Sadly, I did not get any pics of the event, but I did get a few of the baby girls in action.

This is the only shot I have of Kate and Sandy in their adorable dresses.

Sometimes, you just need to change into comfy clothes and roll around on the floor.

And sometimes you need to wrestle.

And sometimes (especially when its your party) you decide you would rather not play. And instead look for someone to rescue you.

And sometimes your parents decide to stuff you all in a chair and take a precious, perfect photo.

And then sometimes this happens.

And then this.

 And then your parents accept reality and call it done.

feeding my baby

This week Kate turned six months old. I am still trying to internally process that, which is why I haven't updated this little blog with her weekly pics. (excuses, excuses)

This week also marked an important milestone: the introduction of real food! Yes, I am one of those who waited the full six months to start real food. More than anything else because the thought of feeding my daughter actual food stressed me out.
What should I start with?
How often?
How much?
What about allergies?
Poop issues?

you want to feed me WHAT?

Up until this point, feeding Kate has been quite easy. (not counting those agonizing first couple weeks when I cried every time she latched on. the pain. oh, the pain) Although I lament that she wont take a bottle and still pretty much eats every 2-3 hours, I really have nothing to complain about and I am very thankful. I produce a lot of milk. I am home and dont have to mess with a pump. She gets hungry, I feed her. Easy. And lets be honest, I have not tried hard enough with the bottle. I should have started it earlier and been more consistent. But I was afraid. So I didnt. And I have come to terms with this is just the way it is. Until I stop nursing, my baby is, quite literally, attached to me throughout the day.

There will be many more years of freedom and longer than two hours to myself. There wont be many more years of nursing my babies. (a reminder to myself when I am drowning in a pool of breastmilk and self-pity)

{side note: I have more opinions and criticism thrown at me for this than anything else. No, my baby will not take a bottle. Yes, I have tried different kinds, methods, times of day. Yes, I realize I could have more time to myself/husband if she did. Maybe she still will. Maybe she wont. Maybe next baby.}

So for some reason the thought of starting food was not exciting to me. We have had a good thing going, and I wasnt ready to throw something else into the mix. But after talking more with friends and researching a little more, I began to finally come around. And I will admit, making the food was fun! I love being in the kitchen and cooking for my family, so this is just a new addition. The Beaba makes it easy and fun and I like knowing she is already eating food made by me.

Not sure how long I will do just purees. She already wants to use her fingers. But for now, sweet potatoes are all the rage over here.

Yeah, she may have only ingested like a teaspoon of food, but I consider it a success!
Next up: avocados and pears.