March 4, 2011

6 Month Milestones


Height: 25-1/2" (40th percentile)
Weight: 16 pounds, 15 ounces (65th percentile)

Sleeping Patterns: Let's just say this last month has been very restless. We hit a few bumps in the road with teething. At least, that's what I think was going on. For about 2 weeks straight we were up like clockwork at 2:00am and then again sometimes at 4:00am. It eventually takes a toll on mommy and baby. But, I am happy to report that with the arrival of tooth #1, our sound sleep has returned and we are back to our consistent schedule of going down between 8:30-9:00 and sleeps until right around 7:30 am. Her naps are still pretty consistent with her morning nap still being the long one, but it usually doesn't happen until almost mid-day now. It still averages about 3 hours. Her afternoon nap is only about an hour.

Places Traveled: Our schedule was completely booked last month, which resulted in a lot of going and doing. As far as traveling, we went to Lake Wales and to Sebring.

Accomplishments: Again, with a full schedule, we have tons to touch on this month.

Among Riley's first events, we can now add Beach Bum, Monster Jam Fanatic, Caddy and First Mate to the hat. I posted about Riley's first visit to the beach, but I did not get around to posting about the Monster Jam, her Golf Cart ride or her first boat ride. We took her to Monster Jam, which is the local Monster Truck event here, since Tyler is world's Biggest (Littlest) Grave Digger Fan. The weather was just plain freezing and it was an outdoor event, but we still bundled the kids up and attended the event with about 35 other friends. We had such a blast and Riley did SO well during the entire show. We also set out on our first boat ride with Riley 2 weeks ago while we were in Lake Wales. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather and again, Riley did SO well. She wasn't very fond of the life jacket at first, but once she figured out that she could chew on it, her opinion quickly changed. That same weekend we also took an early morning golf cart ride to see if we could catch any wild game action. We didn't see anything, but we had fun riding.

Riley got her first tooth during the last month, which I previously posted about. Tooth #2 is making it's way to the surface and we're expecting it any day now.

Riley is a pro at sitting these days and has already started leaning to the side on her hands as if she's getting ready to start practicing the maneuver for when she starts crawling.

Riley tells everyone about her Dadadadada all the time. I'm still waiting for the day she wants to boast about her Mamamamama. We think she also says "Hi". Every time you tell her "Hiiiiii" in a long, drawn out voice (I do it ALL the time!) she mimics you. Maybe I should have named her Gabby!

We're still battling this horrible cough and runny nose, but I would bet that it's almost 99% associated with teething. I am STILL a pro at cleaning the humidifier.

We take toys everywhere with us. Riley is very hands on and intrigued by everything. I'm constantly rotating her toys so that she gets something new [to her] from time to time. Like every other kid, her favorite toy is my phone.

Riley celebrated her first Valentine's Day during the past month. We attended a Valentine's Day brunch the Sunday before Valentine's Day, which was a lot of fun. We got together with about 15 other kids and their parents at a nearby park and just let them play, eat and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Riley also attended her first Super Bowl party!

Foods: This has been the biggest change over the last month. As you previously read, Riley has started on solids. It didn't take long for her to pick up on what a bowl and a spoon were for. We are now on a 3-meal-per-day schedule and she has had all of the red & green veggies, as well as all of the first fruits, and we most recently started on meats. Overall, she likes everything but peas. The first attempt with the turkey was a little challenging, but I can't say that I blame her for gagging on something that smells like AND has the consistency of dog food. Along with the 3 meals, she also still nurses when she's home with me, or gets bottles when she's with the sitter, which equal to about 4 liquid feedings per day.

Apparel:6 Month clothing and Size 1 shoes.








Happy, Healthy and Growing WAY TOO FAST! And so it goes...

March 2, 2011

A Star Was Born


Thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of Kim & Sue Jones, we now have 2 stars in this galaxy, literally. Just as they bought one for Tyler, they bought one for Riley as a welcome gift. One of the most unique and just plain awesome gifts a kid could ask for! Thank you two SO much!

The star, registered by the International Star Registry of Switzerland and recorded here in the US, is located in the Virgo Constellation of the Milky Way Galaxy. Star "Riley Paige" has it's own stellar coordinates, which is indicated on the Virgo Constellation chart as well as the Official Certificate that we received.

As new telescopes and instruments bring new discoveries, we now have another star to search for, and another personal stake in this universe. I can't wait to show this to Riley when she is old enough to comprehend it and research it more. Thanks again Kim and Sue! Fascinating! And so it goes...