28 Nov Delaney Diaries: 8 month check in
Well LaneyBug, I’m getting later and later with each post as the months pass by. That just goes to show that life is moving on, getting busier and busier – as life does. We are settling into our wonderful new life with you and you have quickly become the center of our world!!
It’s still amazing to me how each month, no no, each WEEK brings on new developments and new surprises. I was looking back at pictures from your first few days (pictures that I actually had never even seen before!) and it is honestly hard to even remember your looking like that. The most precious and valuable advice that we receive from just about everybody is that time really does pass by so quickly. I have made being present with you a priority. The laundry and dishes can wait, but these moments with you do not. We MUST cherish each and every moment, because like everyone says, before I know it we will be sending you off to college.
Being your mom has changed my outlook on numerous things. Most of all you have helped my slow down, count my blessings and center my thoughts on gratitude. You’ve helped me realize there is no need to sweat the small stuff and one little cheesy grin from you is like taking a deep breath.
You’re officially on the move and it’s absolutely hilarious. You follow us around the house and every now and then you get this little burst of energy when you put your head down and turn it into turbo gear. We’re officially on our first wave of baby proofing and you’ve quickly developed a fascination with the stairs and the edge of the bed. No one is safe.
You’ve definitely entered the stage where you demand a bit more attention. Playtime is much more engaging and when we walk out of the room, you are more aware – and not happy about it. You’ve developed one heck of a strong grip and have made it your mission to force me into getting my first official “mom cut”. I bit the bullet this month and chopped about 9 inches off my hair. Now if I could just keep your from attacking my face and chest. We’re working on being “gennnntle”.
There’s nothing more satisfying than making you smile or hearing your belly laugh. Your dad and I will do anything over and over just to hear that sound. I guess this is just the first of a mom’s “I will do anything to make your child happy” sort of things.
Sleeping:
As for sleeping, your habits have stayed pretty constant. Bed time is around 7-7:30 and like clockwork, you stick your thumb in your mouth, put your head on our chest and let us know you’re ready. Still waking up to feed around 5:30am and then back down until about 8am. You take a good two hour mid morning nap and then another around 2:30pm. I feel so grateful that you are such a good sleeper and that you have made it pretty darn easy for us. I know it won’t always be like this, but again…gratitude.
I love the way you sleep now. You literally just fall forward from a seated position and pass out. We also lowered your crib this month, since you are mobile and starting to pull yourself up, but since you still sleep in a Halo SleepSack, it’s hard for you to stand up and move too much.
Feeding:
Oh the foods! So much fun! We have truly enjoyed the Baby Led Weaning approach so much. Within the past month, you have made some major motor developments. I have noticed your pincer grasp develop and you prefer your food in little pieces now versus big chunks. Less and less food is ending up on the floor and you’re pretty proficient with getting food into your mouth, gumming it and then swallowing. Yes, there have been a few times where you’ve coughed up a piece of food or had a harder time handling something, but in the end you work your way through it and I am confident you’re learning new tools each day to better equip you.
It’s amazing to see how you pick through the food we place in front of you to get to what you want. It is safe to say you are your father’s daughter, because you absolutely love PROTEIN. Salmon is definitely your favorite, but you don’t discriminate. Pork, chicken, beef, eggs – whatever. You eat your veggies – preferring them roasted – especially carrots, sweet potatoes and squash. You love your avocado and strangely enough will put away some sauerkraut. You’re actually not a huge fan of fruit right now or anything pureed, you scoff at applesauce or mashed sweet potatoes, but love banana pancakes with lots of nut butter!
You’re still nursing regularly and it’s amazing to me how our bodies adjust to babies needs. Our schedule is definitely not always perfect and with work, sometimes things get confusing, but I’ve been able to keep my milk supply up and seem to keep you satisfied and happy.
How am I doing?
Physically, I am still over here healing – slowly but surely. Learning lots about my body and each day cultivating a greater appreciate for how amazing our bodies truly are. I am still working to close my abdominal split and slowly working to increase my muscle mass. Breastfeeding has really sucked the muscle right out of me and I feel like with fluctuating hormones I am having to eat more than ever to keep it on. I have been seeing a Functional Medicine Doc, chiropractor and GI specialist to help with some digestive issues, as well as some other “structural” things that are contributing to symptoms I have been experiencing.
As I have gone through the post baby body experience it has helped me realize how important the postpartum period is. I am constantly reminding myself to be patient, because just like you have changed so much within the past 8 months, so has my body. The experience has helped me better assist my clients in reminding them that the months and YEARS after baby are so imperative for healing. The body goes through so many changes, from holding onto weight to dropping it quickly. From losing hair at a rapid rate to fun little pimples that make their appearance from time to time. Hormones are all over the place and it’s so important to remember to let the body run it’s course, because given the chance, it will heal itself the way it is intended. So many women restrict themselves or get back to intense exercise too quickly in an effort to lose weight and end up suffering because of it. Be kind. Be Patient. Take care of your body. And trust that your body will return to where it is intended to be. I promise. And trust me, I have to remind myself of this one everyday.
Also, I feel it’s imperative to mention how amazing your Dada has been throughout the whole process. There isn’t a day that goes by that he doesn’t tell me that I’m doing a great job. Being a mom isn’t easy and the past few years have been full of a lot of self doubt. From having trouble getting pregnant, to making sure I was doing the best I could during pregnancy and now feeding and raising you – being a mom is tough stuff – and I can only assume it’s going to get a whole hell of a lot harder. Having your dad by my side every step of the way – reminding me that I am, in fact, doing all the right stuff – has been the biggest blessing. He grounds me. He always finds the good in every situation and he is ALWAYS there to put a smile on our faces. 
Otherwise, your dad and I couldn’t be happier. As I am sure most all parents can relate, we are totally and utterly infatuated with you. You continue to amaze us everyday with every new development you make, but I think what amazes us the most is how much our hearts have grown. Everyone tells you that having a kid is a special love and girrrrlll, were they right. It’s an indescribably feeling and it’s so great that sometimes it hurts. I am so grateful for you, for all the joy you bring and for all that you have taught me. As always, thank you.
Love, your biggest fan, Your Momma
Likes:
OUTSIDE. You love love love it!
Protein. All of it.
Sweet potatoes
Avocado
Eggs
Coming down the stairs after a nap – you let you the BIGGEST grin
Being tickled under her chin
Crawling alllllll over
Playing in kitchen while I cook
Dislikes:
Getting your face wiped
When we leave the room
Eight Month Favorites:
Feeding:
Ikea Antilop High Chair
Avanchy Bamboo Plate
Bumkins Waterproof Splat Mat
Disposable Placemats
Sleeping:
Crane Humidifier
Halo SleepSack
Little Remedies : Gentle Vapors – This has really helped with stuffy noses as we make our way into fall/winter!
Toys:
VTech Sit to Stand Walker
Leap Frog Learn and Groove Music Table
Our phone, the remote, whatever isn’t really a toy