Carter: 6 Months

Six months already! My baby has been around for half a year... it seems impossible! One one hand, time seems to have absolutely flown. On the other, I feel like this little boy has been in my life forever. Carter is so much fun right now, and although I find myself looking forward to the future for other fun stages, I also find myself wishing he'd stay this small and fun for a lot longer than he actually will.

(Fallin' asleep on Daddy during our walk)

The past month has been a good one. We survived our trip to Kentucky and had a lot of fun while we were there. We also overcame some of our fears as they pertain to dealing with Carter out in public, so he's been out and about a lot more since that trip. Last weekend we carted him up to Buffalo to visit with Uncle Dan and the Shear Family. He did wonderfully with Dan and Dan's dog (who just wanted to keep licking him...) but had a pretty rough time with the Shear family (Brian's grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.). He screamed pretty much the whole time we were there, but I think he was just very overstimulated and very tired -- a rough combination for the little guy. Once we headed out, he slept for the entire 3 hour ride home.

(I love my links!)

Likes:

• Food! I hate to eat in front of him at this point... he just stares at the food. Last night I ate a turkey sandwich in front of him and he tracked that thing like his little life depended on it. He even started drooling and smacking his lips. The kid wants grown up food so bad...
• Having socks thrown at him... random I know. One day while I was cleaning and trying to entertain him, I started throwing balled up socks (his, since they're little) at his belly and he just cracked up into hysterics. He loves it!
• Being thrown into the air. And I swore I'd never do this...
• Blowing raspberries. He wont do it on command but, once he starts, its quite the lengthy ordeal.
• His favorite toy -- he is clearly developing preferences and favorites at this point.
• Grabbing himself as soon as he's diaperless -- such a guy! Saves us money on bath toys, however :)

(hanging out with Grandma Cool)

Dislikes:

• The snot sucker (nasal aspirator bulb). He recently had a minor cold and some congestion. Not fun for anyone involved.
• *sigh* Tummy time. It's still just such a fight.
• Sweet potatoes... I used to think he liked them, but lately, the crying while eating has been a clue!

Mommy knowledge of the month:

• It's okay if he cries in public. No, it's not cute, and some people may be annoyed, but he's a baby, and that's what babies do.
• It's really okay to try new things with Carter, and there really is no manual for how to raise a baby... because it's not necessary. I'm not a huge fan of the trial-and-error, but in this case, it works for me!

(Photo shoots are funny!)