7 Months

Dear Nolan,

I can't believe I'm sitting here typing your 7 month letter. WHERE HAS TIME GONE!? For some reason, 7 months seems so much bigger than 6 months. You're on the path to a year now, and that's just crazy. You weigh in at 17 pounds 6 ounces this month! You are such a fun little guy. You laugh this adorable laugh when your dad "buzzes" at you or something catches your attention. You love playing peek-a-boo, and especially when the other person "tricks" you by popping up in a different location each time. You are still a cuddle bug with your Momma but you love to be independent and play on the ground as well. You can now ROLL BOTH WAYS! You've even rolled over twice in a row a couple of times now. Pretty soon I think you'll be all over the place. You like to give Momma kisses and giggle when I scrunch up my nose because I'm covered in drool. You are truly the light of my life and I love every single moment of my time with you.

This month you started swim class! It meets two days a week for four weeks at the local gym. There are about 13 other babies in the class, ranging from 6 months to about 2 years. You and your buddy Kreuz are the youngest. You love playing in the water but you do not love being cold. The water is about 84* but I guess that's too cold for you still. Your lips turn blue before class is over and your chin quivers the whole time. You like "floating" on your back and "swimming" on your stomach. You aren't such a big fan of going under water or sitting in the shallow part. You really don't like when class is over and it's time to get dressed... I think it's the whole being cold thing.

You are starting to enjoy food a little bit more. You will eat as much fruit as I will give you. Vegetables are another story. You'll take about 5 bites but then you clench your jaw closed and refuse anymore. But that's better than nothing so that's what we're doing for now! We've had some issues with constipation this month anyways, so we're cutting back on solids a little and seeing if it helps. You are also getting about an ounce of pear juice mixed with an ounce of water each day to help and you LOVE it. You're pretty much a sippy cup pro now. :)

Sleep is still so-so. You are still waking up at night to nurse, but I think it's just out of habit. The more I talk to other parents who have the same parenting methods as us, the more I see that this behavior is normal and OKAY. So, it's not bothering anyone and we'll keep doing what we're doing. You are growing perfectly, you are happy and healthy and thriving, and that is what matters! One of these days though, you're going to have to take a nap somewhere other than my arms. ;)

We had a rough month, illness wise. It started out with another cold. Then you caught pink eye. Then it went away after 5 days worth of drops, just to come back 3 days later. We went back to the pediatrician and found out it was accompanied by a double ear infection so we got your first antibiotic, which you ended up developing a rash from and landing us in the ER. NO FUN! You're on the mend now though, and then I'm determined to keep you healthy for awhile. Seeing you sick is the worst feeling ever. To top it all off, you are teething as well. It's been a whiny month around here.

We had a few nice weather days this month so we were able to pull out the stroller and go for some walks. You love being outdoors and seeing everything. I'm sure you're going to love it even more once it warms up and we can get out each day!

I'm still amazed each day at your development. You do things with such purpose. For instance, your toy bin was sitting next to you and you started digging for something. I looked and thought to myself "he wants his rings"... well, sure enough, you kept digging until you got to them and pulled them out and played with them! That's just one example. You play the "drop-it" game daily. You now think if anyone is eating you need to be as well. You know how to get what you want (me!) and scream until you get it... then once you do, it's like an off switch and you are happy and laughing again. You are starting to pull yourself up onto things, like pillows and toy bins so I know it's just a matter of time before you are everywhere. I can't believe that not that long ago, you were an itty bitty newborn!

My sweet Noley-Guacamole, I love you more than I have the words to say. Kisses!!

Love always,
Ma-Ma (which I am trying very hard to get you to say!)