A Month Full of First-Time Experiences for Grant

July was an absolutely unforgettable month for our little explorer, packed with a wonderful array of brand-new experiences that stretched his world beyond our home. Each “first” was a precious moment, marking another step in his incredible journey of discovery and helping to shape his understanding of the world around him. These novel encounters are not just fun; they’re crucial for his sensory and emotional development.

• Meeting Grandparents & Auntie: Grant had the joy of meeting his grandpa from Mongolia for the very first time, along with one of his beloved aunties. These moments of connecting with extended family are so special, fostering bonds that will last a lifetime. It was heartwarming to watch him interact with new faces, absorbing all the love and attention, and showing off his charming personality.
• Culinary Adventures: His palate expanded significantly this month! Grant embarked on an exciting culinary journey, trying apricots, plums, sweet potato, beef, peas, and even a tiny, carefully monitored taste of ice cream. Introducing solids has been an adventure in itself, full of new textures and flavors to explore. It’s fascinating to see his reactions to each new food, some met with enthusiastic delight and open-mouthed anticipation, others with a more discerning eyebrow raise and a gentle push away. Every meal is a lesson in patience and observation.
• First Hotel Stay: We ventured out for his very first overnight stay in a hotel. This was a new environment with different sounds, sights, and even smells, and he handled it like a true little seasoned traveler. Adapting to new surroundings is a big step for babies, teaching them flexibility and resilience, and it’s a testament to his growing confidence and adaptability.
• Experiencing Nature’s Fury: While not exactly “fun,” Grant also experienced his first devastating hail storm. It was certainly an eye-opening moment, witnessing nature’s raw power from the safety of indoors. The loud thumps and crashes against the roof were quite startling, but thankfully, he was safe and sound, though a little surprised and wide-eyed by the commotion. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictable world we live in.

Despite the unexpected drama of the hail storm, July was undoubtedly a fun, foundational, and enriching month for our growing boy. These initial encounters with the wider world are crucial for his sensory and emotional development, building his confidence and broadening his horizons with every new experience.

Our Longest Road Trip with Baby Grant: Tips for Traveling with Infants

Just last weekend, we embarked on our most ambitious road trip yet with Grant, heading to Fargo – a journey of approximately 330 miles one way. As any parent knows, traveling with an infant can be an unpredictable adventure, demanding meticulous planning and a flexible mindset. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how well Grant adapted to the new environments once we arrived. He truly loved all the new sights and sounds Fargo had to offer, from different faces and interactions to fresh scenery and new play spaces.

However, spending an extended period in his car seat proved to be the biggest challenge. While he’s generally good in the car for shorter durations, 330 miles is a long stretch for a 7-month-old who is increasingly eager to move, explore, and practice his new skills. There were definitely moments of restlessness, fussiness, and a clear desire to “break free” and roll around or crawl. To manage this, we made sure to schedule frequent stops – roughly every two hours – for feeding, diaper changes, and, most importantly, plenty of opportunities for him to stretch his little limbs and release some energy outside of the car seat. These breaks are absolutely essential for maintaining a baby’s comfort and sanity (and ours!) on long journeys, allowing them to reset and be more content for the next leg of the trip. Despite the inevitable car seat protests, the overall trip was a success, and it’s wonderful to create these early travel memories as a family, teaching Grant about different places and the joy of discovery.

For other parents planning similar long-distance trips, we’ve learned a few invaluable lessons: pack an abundance of familiar toys, ensure you have easy access to snacks and water (for both baby and parents), dress the baby in comfortable layers, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed lullaby or a new distraction toy. Flexibility is key; sometimes the schedule has to be thrown out the window in favor of a happy baby.

Developmental Highlights: Grant’s 7-Month Milestones

Speaking of rolling and moving, let’s dive into some of the most exciting developmental highlights from this past month. Seven months is such a dynamic period, filled with rapid physical and cognitive growth as babies transition from stationary infants to budding explorers. Watching Grant achieve these milestones is truly a joy, a daily reminder of the incredible potential within him.

1. Mastering the Art of Crawling: Almost There!

• Crawling in Progress: Our little guy is working incredibly hard on his crawling skills, and he’s so close to truly taking off! He’s perfected the art of tucking in his knees and getting up onto his arms, demonstrating impressive upper body strength and balance. He clearly understands that pushing his legs propels him forward, often resulting in a cute, albeit wobbly, scoot or an “army crawl” where he drags his body using his arms.
• Coordination Challenge: The main hurdle now is coordinating both his arms and legs to work together simultaneously for a smooth, traditional hands-and-knees crawl. It’s a complex neurological skill that requires a great deal of brain-muscle communication and practice. We often see him reaching from one end of his play mat to another, determined to grab his favorite toys, even if it means a combination of rolling, scooting, and crawling-like movements. It’s super fun and inspiring to watch his determination!
• Baby Proofing is Paramount: Quite frankly, as exciting as this progress is, I’m also a little terrified! With Grant on the verge of full mobility, baby proofing the house has become my absolute top priority. This involves securing cabinets with child locks, covering all electrical outlets, gating stairs to prevent falls, moving anything fragile, sharp, or hazardous (like cleaning supplies or small choking hazards) out of reach, and anchoring heavy furniture to walls. It’s a huge undertaking, but absolutely essential for his safety as he begins to explore every nook and cranny.
• Encouraging Crawling: To help him along, we spend ample time on the floor with him, creating a safe, stimulating environment. We place his favorite toys just out of his immediate reach to motivate movement, and we get down on our hands and knees to demonstrate crawling ourselves. Every wobble and lurch forward is a step closer to full crawling independence, and we celebrate every tiny victory.

2. Navigating the World of Solid Foods: A Learning Curve

• Ups and Downs with Solids: When it comes to eating solids, we’ve certainly been experiencing our fair share of ups and downs. Earlier in the month, Grant was incredibly enthusiastic about trying new things, eager to sample every fruit, vegetable, and protein we offered. Lately, however, it’s been more of a struggle. He might only eat a couple of teaspoons at a time, regardless of whether it’s pureed fruits, mashed veggies, or a savory beef soup.
• Patience is Key: This fluctuating appetite and varying interest in solids are completely normal for babies as they learn to self-regulate their intake and explore different textures and tastes. We continue to offer a variety of nutritious foods at meal times, understanding that sometimes the goal is exposure and experience rather than a full plate’s consumption. It’s a learning process for both of us, and patience is truly key, avoiding any pressure that might create negative associations with food.
• Hydration Hero: Interestingly, one thing he absolutely adores is drinking water! Don’t ask me why, but he loves drinking water from a small open cup, just like a grown-up. It’s a cute habit, and a great way to encourage healthy hydration. I closely measure the amount he drinks, as it’s generally recommended that babies aged 6-12 months consume no more than 4 ounces of water a day. This is primarily to avoid filling up on water instead of nutrient-rich breast milk or formula, which are still their primary sources of nutrition at this age.
• Tips for Introducing Solids: We’ve found success in offering small portions, trying foods multiple times (it can take 10+ tries for a baby to accept a new flavor and texture!), and making meal times a relaxed, fun, and pressure-free experience. We also involve him in family mealtimes, allowing him to observe and mimic.

3. Sitting Pretty (and Transitioning Smoothly): Newfound Independence

• Unassisted Sitting: Another fantastic milestone is Grant’s ability to sit unassisted pretty well now. This newfound stability has opened up a whole new world of play and interaction for him. He can sit upright for extended periods, reach for toys with both hands, and observe his surroundings from a completely different, more engaged perspective. This strengthens his core muscles and enhances his perception of his environment.
• Graceful Transitions: What’s even more amazing is how smoothly he transitions from a sitting position to a crawling stance all on his own. This shows incredible development in his core strength, balance, and coordination. It’s a wonderful sign of his growing motor skills and independence, indicating that his body and brain are working harmoniously. Being able to move himself in and out of positions gives him greater control over his environment and makes playtime much more dynamic and engaging.

4. The Telltale Signs of Teething: Anticipating Pearly Whites

• Drooling & Chewing: Oh, and another significant milestone is just around the corner – his first tooth! I’ve noticed my little munchkin is drooling more than ever, a clear sign that something is brewing beneath his gums. His fingers (and sometimes his whole fist!) are constantly in his mouth, seeking comfort and relief from the pressure. His various teething toys have become his absolute best friends at the moment, providing much-needed counter-pressure and distraction.
• Happy Teether (for now!): As of now, he has no apparent discomfort beyond the increased chewing and drooling; he remains a happy baby with a toy in his mouth, exploring the world through his gums. We know this peaceful phase might not last once the teeth actually start to erupt, but we’re cherishing this relatively calm period!
• Anticipating Pearly Whites: We can’t wait to see his little pearly whites peek through soon. The arrival of the first tooth is a momentous occasion, symbolizing another step in his development and bringing us closer to sharing more varied solid food adventures. We’re proactively prepared with various teething remedies, from chilled teething rings and gentle gum massages to having child-friendly pain relief options on hand for when the real discomfort inevitably begins.

Celebrating Teething Milestones with TYLENOL®: The #ITsATooth Campaign

This month, I am incredibly proud to partner with TYLENOL® on their inspiring #ITsATooth campaign to celebrate my baby’s upcoming new milestone. Teething, while a natural and exciting part of development, can sometimes bring significant discomfort and sleepless nights for both babies and parents. Tylenol is dedicated to not only helping parents navigate this challenging phase but also to giving back to the community.

Together with Grant and his beloved friend, Sofie de Giraffe (who is currently his most cherished teething companion!), I’m inviting all parents and guardians to visit ItsATooth.com and create a cute, personalized e-card for your own teething baby. It’s a wonderful, simple, and memorable way to commemorate this special stage in your child’s life, capturing their adorable gummy smiles before the pearly whites emerge.

You can see our adorable e-card on Facebook, featuring Grant and Sofie in a delightful snapshot. But here’s the absolute best part: by creating an e-card through the #ITsATooth campaign, you’ll also be contributing to a truly heartwarming cause – helping to restore a beautiful smile for a child in need. It’s a simple act that makes a profound difference in a child’s life, offering hope and health. Who wouldn’t want to receive or create a cute card for such a wonderful and impactful purpose, right?

We’d absolutely love to see your creative e-cards and celebrate your baby’s milestones alongside you! Once you’ve made your e-card, feel free to e-mail it to me, or share it directly on my Facebook wall. Let’s spread some joy, capture these precious moments, and support this fantastic initiative together!