Big Steps - Forward?

This week Henry took two big steps in his development - we started playing on the swings, and eating solid foods. So far, the swings are the bigger hit! He does rather hand there like a little rag doll - but things it's wonderful to swing - flying through the air! and generally laughs and giggles the whole time. Plus, I think it's a nice point of view for him - higher up and looking around! He is always very interested in what is going on around him - other kids, dogs, etc.

We also have been wading slowly into the big world of solid food. With very mixed success. We started because he seemed to be getting hungry - wanting to eat again soon after he had eaten, waking in the night at odd times - the signs appeared to be there for being ready. Plus, we have a new red high chair that he loves sitting in - and the spoons that he so enjoys playing with. So far, it's been a bit stressful for him. Of course, it is a big change from the "Mom Bar" that he has been used to. Last night he did pretty well with it - for the second night in a row I believe more food went in then on him. Tonight I may try to make his cereal a bit more solid - so far it's been soup on a spoon - so maybe some texture will help. He loves to watch Duke from his chair, and is thrilled for the new point of view on the world. I have found that if I don't try too hard (imagine that!) and be patient, he does eventually eat - but I can't push or try to make it happen too quickly. This seems like the lesson of motherhood in general - relax, let it happen, just sit and watch for it, don't try to make it happen too quickly. I keep trying to remind myself that this moment will only last for this moment, then it will be gone, replaced with something new to pay attention to.

For the past several weeks, Henry has been able to push himself backwards, but yesterday he started trying to figure out how to get his belly off the ground and crawl. He can push himself up, hold his belly in the air, and today during our Baby & Me pilates, put one knee down - it wont be long now until he is crawling! It does feel like it has happened so quickly. I only hope to get this stage documented before the next one starts. It seems like he has so many "moments" right now! Next week he is 6 months old! It has gone by so quickly.

I really feel like in the past couple weeks I have become more myself - my energy level feels more like what it was before - I have more interest in planning dinners - Terry still heroically cooks them - though I am trying hard to get things prepped for him - and I'm not picking anything to ambitious - most of the time! The chicken tangine we made on Sunday was really good! and tonight we are eating it's leftovers! I recommend preserved lemons! The really add a nice touch!

I hear Henry beginning to stir - his little sweet "coo" to signal that he is waking up. At the end of our pilates class today, Henry hung out with Nico, who is a week younger, but bigger. They had been eyeing each other the whole class, and ended up lying next to each other, pushing up and drooling at one another! It was seriously too cute!