6 month stats...

He is 15 lbs, 9.5 oz and is 25 inches long. We're chugging along! :) Rice cereal starts next week!!! He's been chomping, mimicking our chewing. He's very interested in what we are eating. Yay! Some pictures...

6 months :)

My little baby is getting big...*sigh* but we are so blessed with such a happy baby boy. His mode of transportation is rolling everywhere. Scary. I figured he'd be crawling before I'd have to worry about him getting into everything. That's what I get...

Chewing on his towel.

Rolling over on the changing table. :S

Squirming around on daddy's lap.

Oh yes, he got caught...and he knew it.

Future drum player perhaps???

So we've been trying out these Gdiaper cloth diapers. You can use disposable inserts (which are biodegradable and can be composted/flushed/or thrown away) or cloth inserts. We have been using the disposable inserts just to try them out. Ryan is not too fond of them but he's willing to use them. We are alternating between disposable diapers and the Gdiapers. We have been trying out the cloth inserts and I really like them. Although, apparently there is a technique that I have yet to catch on to. He only pees through his diaper when I put them on. Ryan is a pro. More practice for me! Anyways, we will be alternating between the three and just trying to use less of the disposable diapers.

5 months and some pics

Second pool attempt went MUCH smoother. It probably helped that the pool was slightly warmer. :)




So he's five months now...my, how time flies. He's growing so fast and changing everyday. He's rolling over and sitting up for 30 seconds at a time. He moves like a caterpillar and he sleeps on his stomach. He talks and talks. He usually lays in bed for a couple of hours in the morning talking to himself before we come get him. 99.8% of the time he's happy! Loves to entertain himself but also loves it when we play with him. Loves bathtime and being naked. :)

4 month appt...

Even though he is technically 4.5 months old, regardless, the stats from his appointment are as follows: big noggin, 24.5 inches long, and 13lbs 2oz. He is thriving! Go Charley! We were given the option of putting him on solids but we are going to wait a little bit longer, at least until he is 6 months old. :)

Charley's first dip, as in pool, haha!

So it was KIND OF warm so we decided to introduce Charley to the pool. Being as it that he LOVES his baths and splashing in the water, we thought he would enjoy his first dip in the pool. He didn't...and I'm guessing that is because the water was like 50 degrees. Oops. Maybe when it's warmer? Heehee...

Charley in his cool sunglasses.

Charley was checking out Jessica laying out across the way.

Right before the torturous dip.

Not too sure...

After screaming his head off, fell asleep on Daddy's chest.

This is a random picture from a couple of nights ago. We finally caught his mad face. Haha, way too cute. (slight resemblance to the Stay Puft Marshmallow man from Ghostbusters...)

Happenings

First off, the trip to California. When I had started to think about flying on a plane with a three month old, all I could think about is how everyone always complains about babies on the plane because apparently they cry a lot. Let me tell you, I was more apprehensive about breastfeeding in public than I was about actually having Charley on the plane. I wasn't worried about him crying or screaming or pitching a fit. Charley is pretty much chill unless he's hungry or overly tired which, as long as you get him down for his nap when you see his sleepy signs, you're totally fine. We bought one of those covers that you throw over yourself so I could accomplish this nursing around large groups of people. I really didn't have much of choice but to get used to this. The first time was kind of awkward because I always had pillows and blankets I could use when I was at home. Away from the comforts of my home, I had to figure out how I was going to hold him and somehow be comfortable at the same time. That was challenging. Regardless, we had a great trip. Charley did excellent with the time change and the shock of meeting a hundred new people. We didn't get much sleep and his naps were short, few, and far between but he did really well. He got back on schedule rather quickly as well. Below are a few pictures of the trip. I wish I had gotten more pictures of him with family. :(

Another topic, Ryan and I had been talking about going to formula due to the fact I'm still getting 2-4 clogged ducts a week, 80% of which are easily remedied while the other 20% leave me ill, sore, and 1 or 2 days out from work. It has become increasingly frustrating as I have and am doing everything I can do to avoid them EXCEPT taking lecithin everyday (blah!) which I have taken up now because I am at my wit's end. I'm in the vicious circle where I have a clogged duct, I get frustrated but the only way I can get rid of it is by nursing and in my frustration want to quit breastfeeding. As soon as I'm unclogged, I'm hunky-dorey and decide...nah, I'm good...I'll just continue breastfeeding. And thus begins the cycle. I was and still am set on at least continuing until Charley's six months old...a year would be great but we shall see. 

Charley is getting bigger and developing as every infant should. When he's on his belly, he thrashes around like a fish out of water. He moves like an inch worm. He's a lot more sturdy when he sits in his bumba chair. He laughs and talks A LOT more and is ticklish everywhere. He's teething like no other. He prefers chewing on his fingers and blankets than teething toys. Loves loves loves his baths. I usually end up soaked after a good bathing.

Mr. Mom & stuff!

So I am writing this blog because Shauna keeps bugging me to do so.

Being Mr. Mom... it was hard for me at first, not because it's actually hard to raise a child, but because it's not exactly what I had planned for my wife and family.  When Shauna asked me to quit Lowe's it was really hard and I fought it for weeks before I said yes.  She really needed help with Charley at night because while I was working she needed to get ready for work and also take care of Charley.  It was tough on her and she just had no time.  Due to the fact that I don't have a degree and my beautiful and intelligent wife does, she has a real job and I don't.  That will change hopefully by the next kid or shortly thereafter!  For those who don't know, I am buckling down and finishing a degree.  

Now that I've thrown my one and ONLY complaint about being Mr. Mom out there, it's time to talk about the joys and wonders of having a child.  Getting up early is a little rough, since for most of you who know me, I'm not a morning person.  The thing that makes it worth it is seeing him smile at me with my one eye open since all the lights are way to bright.  I want to say it's tough being at home and raising a child but I have sooooo much fun being with him and watching him that I really can't say anything bad.  I can see how some people would go nuts or not be able to handle it but I think some people just don't have the right head screwed on their shoulders.

My bragging time.  Charley Ryan has impressed me and amazed me since the day he was born.  When I was in the nursery with him and saw the size of his ahem, you know?!!!!  After I had gone back again and there were some other newborns I couldn't help but compare.  Of course, my sons was the biggest (Like 3, maybe 4 times bigger!)  I have no doubt my son will exceed me in that area, GEEESH!  Anyhoo, let's seeeeeeee, he was rolling over by 2 months.  He really doesn't like tummy time for very long.  He has been grabbing things since about 2 months also.  Apparently, according to some chart Shauna found on the internet, he is about a little over a month ahead of where he should be!

Well, I could really keep talking on and on about how great my son is but I won't rub it in that much.  I will try to put up more blogs of my daily adventures as Mr. Mom, but don't hold your breath.  Till next time.

By the way, if you want to see pics of Charley and stuff, send me or contact me somehow with your email and I can send you the pics we have on our Facebook pages.  If you are friends with us on Facebook then you already know about the pics.  Enjoy!