Eight Months with Baby Grant

You know, there’s something incredibly fascinating about watching a tiny human grow. Every single day brings a new discovery, a new skill, and a new reason to fall even more deeply in love. And sometimes, in the beautiful chaos of it all, you make little mistakes – like mis-titling your baby updates!

baby-update-7-months-exploration

I just realized I’ve been naming these baby post titles all wrong! For example, this current update should truly be titled “7-Month Update,” not 8! Why? Because I’m here to share all the incredible milestones and heartwarming developments that have unfolded during our little one’s seventh month of life. It’s easy to get the timeline a bit skewed when you’re running on pure adrenaline and, let’s be honest, a chronic lack of sleep. So, consider this an honest confession from a tired but overjoyed parent! Oh well, I’m chalking it up to sleep deprivation when I started these series, but the journey has been nothing short of amazing.

Anyway, get ready, because there have been so many changes, you guys! I can barely keep up with the little guy! Baby G is officially fast and furious – a true force of nature in our home, and every day is an adventure.

baby-update-7-months-crawling

Seven Months of Unstoppable Exploration: Baby G’s Latest Milestones

The seventh month has been a whirlwind of development, showcasing Baby G’s burgeoning independence and insatiable curiosity. It’s a stage filled with both wonder and the constant need for vigilance, as our little adventurer tackles new physical feats with impressive determination.

Defying Gravity: The Fearless Explorer

First and foremost, our little one has absolutely no fear of heights whatsoever! This is both thrilling and terrifying for us as parents. He has no problem crawling right up to the very edge of the couch, the bed, or any elevated surface, and then just keeps going, often headfirst! It’s as if he’s testing the limits of his own body and the world around him, with an audacious confidence that makes our hearts skip a beat. This new fearless streak means we’re always on high alert, ready to swoop in and ensure his safety, while also encouraging his incredible drive to explore.

Crawling Dominance and Endless Curiosity

He’s now crawling everywhere and investigating everything! Our once calm living room has transformed into a dynamic obstacle course, meticulously explored by our tiny, determined resident. Luckily, we thought we had finished baby-proofing the house, but then again, with a baby this resourceful, you quickly realize it’s a never-ending process. We constantly find new “treasures” he shouldn’t have access to, like the mysterious labyrinth of wires behind the TV stand – which, of course, is now his absolute favorite hangout spot. Looks like we have another #weekendproject on our hands to secure every nook and cranny!

Reaching for New Heights: Pulling Up

And now, if crawling wasn’t enough, he’s also trying to pull up on things! This is a huge milestone, signaling the next step towards standing and walking. I lowered his crib a little while ago, thinking we had plenty of time, but now I need to lower it again because he’s already trying to climb out of it – and he’s surprisingly good at it. It’s incredible how quickly they master these physical challenges. Similarly, when I’m working in the kitchen, little munchkin likes to climb up my legs. Just picture him trying to balance himself, while holding onto my pants for dear life, a determined grin on his face. It’s both incredibly sweet and a hilarious challenge to navigate while trying to cook dinner!

Navigating the World of Solids: Baby G’s Culinary Adventures

As far as eating goes, he’s getting much better. The journey with food has certainly been an interesting one. He recently went through a short period when he didn’t want to nurse or take a bottle, which was quite concerning. Apparently, it’s a common phase called a “nursing strike.” It was really stressful; I even had to call his doctor at one point because he just wouldn’t eat. Thankfully, it’s all better now. He still doesn’t nurse much, but he happily takes a bottle. So, we’re pretty much exclusively pumping now, a testament to our commitment to providing breastmilk. I’m trying to keep him on breastmilk for at least a full year, but that might not happen. Sigh, parenthood is full of these little adjustments and compromises.

However, he absolutely loves solid food! Not so much in the mornings, it seems, but throughout the rest of the day, it’s a hit. We’re still mostly in the pureed food stage, cautiously introducing textures with an occasional pancake, some finely ground beef, or slow-cooked shredded chicken. As first-time parents, it’s so hard to see your baby choking and gagging on solid food, even a little bit, so we’re definitely playing it safe and taking things slow. But it’s insanely cute to see him chew with his gums, looking so proud of himself! Oh, and he LOVES potatoes, just like mama – a true chip off the old block!

Still no teeth yet, but I know they’re coming soon. He’s quite a drool-monster these days, which is another tell-tale sign that those pearly whites are on their way. We’re stocking up on bibs and teething toys in anticipation!

Establishing Routine: Our Solid Schedule

Oh, and we’ve finally established a pretty solid schedule now! It’s not perfect every single day, as it fluctuates about an hour either way depending on his mood and activity levels, but having this kind of structure is super helpful for all of us. It brings a sense of predictability to our days, which is a lifesaver for parental sanity. And the best part? His naps are longer, which means more precious moments for us to catch up on chores or, more importantly, rest ourselves.

Here’s a glimpse into Baby G’s typical daily routine:
4 AM – Nurse: A quick dream feed to tide him over.
8 AM – Wake up: Ready to greet the day with a smile and boundless energy.
9 AM – Bottle / Breakfast Cereal / Fruit: A hearty start to his morning.
10 – 11:30 AM – Morning Nap: A crucial recharge for his busy day ahead.
11:30 AM – Bottle: Refueling after his nap.
12:30 PM – Lunch – Fruits and Veggie / Cereal: Exploring new tastes and textures.
3 – 4:30 PM – Afternoon Nap: Another essential rest period.
4:30 PM – Bottle: A pick-me-up to conquer the late afternoon.
6 PM – Dinner – Chicken or Beef Soup with Vegetable Puree: A nutritious and comforting end to his solid food intake for the day.
8 PM – Bottle and Bedtime: Winding down for a long night’s sleep, hopefully!
11 PM – Nurse: A final top-off before he (and we) settle in for the longest stretch of sleep.

baby-update-7-months-products

Essential Gear for Parents: Our Top 5 Baby Product Obsessions

Through all these exciting changes, we’ve also discovered a few game-changing baby products that have truly made our lives easier, safer, and more enjoyable. These aren’t just purchases; they’re investments in our peace of mind and Baby G’s comfort. Here are the 5 baby products we’re absolutely crazy about:

BOB Revolution SE Stroller: The Ultimate All-Terrain Companion

The BOB Revolution SE Stroller has been a revelation! Back in July, I finally invested in a high-quality stroller, and after extensive research, this was the clear winner. My criteria were strict: I wanted something incredibly durable for our rough country roads, supremely comfortable for Baby G during long walks or runs, and somewhat compact for easy transport. This stroller delivers on all points and then some. I literally read thousands of reviews before making this commitment, and it has exceeded every expectation. It’s super smooth on even the most uneven terrain, easily turns in tight spaces, and folds and unfolds with remarkable ease. For active parents or anyone living in an area with diverse landscapes, I couldn’t recommend it more highly. It’s truly built to last and provides unparalleled comfort for your little one.

Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair: The Versatile Mealtime Solution

Finding the perfect high chair felt like a quest, but the Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair is everything we wished for and more! I was specifically looking for a high-chair that didn’t take up too much space, was comfortable and safe for Baby G, and most importantly, something that we could use for a very long time. Well, lo and behold, I got just that and then some! This ingenious piece of baby gear is going to be a staple in our home for five-plus years, easily. It truly grows with your child through every stage, transforming from a full-size high chair to an infant feeding booster, a toddler booster, and even allows you to seat two children at once! I can already envision my little Grant as a big brother sitting on the booster seat, with his future little sister (I hope!!!) cozy in the high chair. (Wait, what? No, no, no, I’m JUST imagining things! Not right now, not yet!) Anyway, seriously, this is the high chair everyone needs to get! If you need more convincing, just read the glowing Amazon reviews; they speak for themselves.

Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons: Peace of Mind at Mealtime

Since we’re on the topic of eating, these Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons are ridiculously convenient and provide such valuable peace of mind. The concept is brilliantly simple: if the spoon’s tip turns white, it means the food is too hot for the baby. No more guessing or testing food temperature with your own mouth! It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in ensuring Baby G’s safety during mealtimes, allowing us to focus on the joy of feeding rather than worrying about burns. Simple, effective, and utterly essential for new parents.

Regaroo Waterproof Cotton Bib Set and SmartFami Waterproof Baby Bibs: Stylish Comfort and Protection

I am absolutely in love with these Regaroo Waterproof Cotton Bib Set and SmartFami Waterproof Baby Bibs for Drooling and Teething! They are so soft, incredibly comfortable, and surprisingly stylish. Bibs are an absolute necessity for a drool-monster and a messy eater like Baby G. I initially bought another set of waterproof bibs, but after just a couple of uses, Grant started developing a red rash around his neck and chest after feedings. It turned out the fruit juice or other liquids were irritating his delicate skin against the non-absorbent material. These cotton bibs, however, are a game-changer. They effectively absorb extra moisture, keeping his skin dry and preventing any irritation. They’re easy to clean and hold up beautifully after repeated washes, making them a practical and skin-friendly choice for any baby.

Regalo Baby Gate & 192-Inch Super Wide Gate and Play Yard: Superior Safety Solutions

The Regalo Baby Gate is hands down the best gate we’ve encountered, featuring the easiest latch and lock system imaginable! I’ve seen countless different gates at friends’ and family’s houses, and I’ve always had a hard time opening those darn things, often needing two hands and a fair amount of wrestling. But this Regalo one is a no-brainer – it operates so smoothly. I will say that if you do engage the extra safety lock, it can be a bit challenging to open with one hand, but I typically only use its regular lock, which is incredibly easy and quick to operate. Beyond the standard gate, we also invested in their 192-Inch Super Wide Gate and Play Yard. This expansive gate has been invaluable for blocking access to larger areas that are simply not baby-proofable, like our storage corner with a bunch of stuff (and by that, I literally mean buckets of flour, rice, sugar, a dehydrator, photo props, you know, stuff!). It’s so easy to install, incredibly adjustable to fit various spaces, and provides a safe, contained play area for Baby G, giving us peace of mind when we can’t have our eyes on him every second. It’s a truly versatile safety solution for any home with a curious, mobile baby.

If you want to see more of my little munchkin’s daily adventures and developmental leaps, be sure to follow me on Snapchat. You can find me there with the username: shineshka. I love sharing snippets of his personality and all the cute things he does!

Thanks so much for reading and joining us on this incredible parenting journey. Every month is a new chapter filled with discovery, challenge, and endless love!