Goodbye Rice Cereal, Hello Sweet Potatoes

So rice cereal was constipating...WAY constipating. An RN at Kaiser Pediatrics told us that they recommend rice cereal to breast fed only babies as a way of giving them extra iron. Since Elizabeth is already getting formula (we are still breastfeeding about 3 times a day) with iron, rice cereal isn't really necessary. Many people use rice cereal as a "filler" so babies can sleep at night, but that the nutritional value of rice cereal is slim (even oatmeal has a little fiber, but that's it). Babies aren't really ready to sleep from 7pm-7am until about 9 or 10 months, and since our little one is already a great night time sleeper, we quit the cereals and moved on to sweet potatoes. She loved them even more, and surprisingly, it was less messy. 

We sit down as a family each night and mommy and daddy eat dinner and alternate feeding Elizabeth. Family dinners are so much fun!

mmmmm.....food

Rice Cereal Time!

We started Elizabeth on Rice Cereal today, because, well, we felt it was time. She is eating all the time, and is so curious about us when we eat. She grabs our forks and spoons when we eat. When we gave it to her tonight, she actually grabbed the spoon and shoved it in her mouth herself (ok, she actually got her cheek first, but the spoon eventually made its way into her mouth). She loved it and managed to swallow most of it. 

High chairs and teeth

Whew! This Mother's Day marked Elizabeth's fifth month birthday. I can't believe how fast the time is going! On Mother's Day daddy made mommy a big breakfast (his pancakes are to die for) and gave mommy a beautiful white gold locket inscribed with Elizabeth's name and birthday on the back. I can't wait to put pictures in my locket, but it will be difficult to decide which picture to put in! I guess I will have to rotate.

Elizabeth loved sitting in her big girl chair. While not on solids just yet, we put her in this chair at a friend's house so mommy and daddy could eat dinner. She loved being at the big table and loved interacting with everyone. She is truly a social butterfly. Elizabeth has been much more interested in watching mom and dad eat food, so we are thinking of giving rice cereal a try here pretty soon.

Elizabeth has cut her first two teeth. Yesterday was pretty bad - as the poor girl couldn't sleep and ran a low grade fever. We thought it was just the one tooth, then noticed the second one coming all the way through. We are doing our best to relieve her pain - tablets, gels, frozen washcloths, rings, pacifiers, the works. Today she was better, and plays with her gums as much as she can. Our little girl is growing up!

It's all about the legs

Elizabeth moves moves moves. She is scooting, wiggling, and rolling across our living room. Her legs are ready for her to crawl, but her arms just sort of lay there, unwilling to comply. She's reaching for her toys, and mommy's hair, both of which usually end up in her mouth. Time for mommy to get a hair cut! Elizabeth is making more sounds, and practicing her high pitched squeaks. Lately, our house has been filled with hustle bustle since we are landscaping our front yard. Rich and Dad recently put in sod and spent several days building a deck. As the weather heats up, we are looking forward to buying Lil' E her first bathing suit and going swimming!

Happy Easter

Elizabeth had a busy and fun Easter visiting family and friends. She had brunch with her Grandpa, Gia, Aunt Airin, and Uncle Dan in Newcastle then dinner at home with her Grammy, Uncle Nick, and Taryn. She was introduced to bubbles for the first time and followed them wide eyed. She loves being held by family members and is most easy going in chaotic situations. She loves to socialize, but our little bunny was worn out by seven pm when she finally conked out giving mommy and daddy a chance to drink some wine and play games!!

Our Little Cutie

Here's the precious little girl asleep in her car seat. She is now grabbing at things and putting everything in her mouth. She also is holding her own bottle which makes mommy and daddy realize that she is growing up an becoming a little more independent each day. Elizabeth Grace is now sleeping in her own crib. I think mom and dad had a harder time with that one that miss Elizabeth. On most mornings she sleeps 8 hours, giving us plenty of much needed rest! She is continuing to practice her voice, cooing and ahhing all the time. Every day is more magical than the last one. Enjoy the pics.