Baby Grant’s Eight-Month Wonders

7 Months of Wonder: Celebrating Baby G’s Incredible Milestones and Essential Gear

Time truly flies when you’re watching a little human grow, doesn’t it? As I sit down to pen this update, I had a sudden realization about my previous post titles. It seems I’ve been mislabeling them all along! For instance, this post, although traditionally an “8-month update,” is actually a deep dive into all the wonderful milestones Baby G achieved during his seventh month of life. Chalk it up to sleep deprivation from those early days, but either way, we’re here now to celebrate the incredible journey of a seven-month-old! Prepare yourselves, because so much has changed – it’s a constant challenge to keep up with our little whirlwind.

happy 7-month-old baby G crawling on the floor with a big smile

A Whirlwind of Milestones: Unstoppable Exploration at Seven Months

Our little Baby G has transformed into a true speed demon – fast and furious in every sense of the word! His development over the past month has been nothing short of astonishing, and we’re constantly amazed by his growing independence and adventurous spirit. It’s a joy to witness, even if it means keeping an even closer eye on his every move!

Conquering New Heights: The Fearless Adventurer

One of the most striking developments is his complete lack of fear when it comes to heights. Whether it’s the edge of the couch, the side of the bed, or any other elevated surface, he approaches it with unwavering confidence. He’ll crawl right up to the very brink and then, without a moment’s hesitation, start to navigate his way down, often headfirst! This new daredevil attitude keeps us on our toes, ensuring we’re always nearby to spot him and prevent any tumbles. It’s a clear sign of his developing spatial awareness and muscle control, but also a stark reminder of the importance of constant vigilance.

Crawling into Every Nook and Cranny

Baby G is officially on the move, crawling absolutely everywhere and investigating everything with an insatiable curiosity. It feels like just yesterday he was content to lie on his back, but now, no corner of the house is safe from his inquisitive hands and mouth! Luckily, we recently completed a thorough baby-proofing sweep of the house. Or so we thought! Every day brings a new discovery of an accessible item or area that we hadn’t anticipated. Those enticing wires behind the TV stand? Apparently, they’re the new hottest hangout spot. This means our “baby-proofing” is less of a one-time project and more of an ongoing, ever-evolving process – a true #weekendproject for the foreseeable future!

Standing Tall: The Pull-Up Prowess

Adding to his impressive list of physical feats, Baby G is now actively trying to pull himself up on anything and everything within reach. Just a short while ago, I thought I was ahead of the game by lowering his crib mattress. Well, it’s already time to lower it again, because he’s showing remarkable determination and skill in attempting to climb out! It’s both thrilling and slightly terrifying to see him test his limits. And in the kitchen, while I’m busy preparing meals, my legs have become his favorite climbing apparatus. Picture this: a tiny munchkin, holding onto my pants, trying to balance himself upright. It’s incredibly cute, albeit sometimes a tripping hazard for me!

baby G happily playing on the floor with toys

Navigating the World of Food: From Nursing Strikes to Solid Delights

Mealtime with Baby G has been a journey of its own, filled with both challenges and triumphs. While his physical development has surged forward, his eating habits have required a bit more navigating. We’ve had our moments of concern, but thankfully, things are now much smoother, and he’s really starting to enjoy his food.

Overcoming the Nursing Strike

A few weeks back, we went through a perplexing and somewhat stressful period known as a “nursing strike.” For a short time, Baby G showed a strong aversion to both nursing and taking a bottle. As a first-time parent, this was incredibly worrying, and at one point, I even had to call his doctor out of concern for his hydration and nutrition. It was an emotional roller coaster, trying every trick in the book to get him to eat. Thankfully, that phase has passed. He still doesn’t nurse much, but he’s happily taking a bottle, which means we’re now almost exclusively pumping. My goal has always been to provide breastmilk for at least a full year, but I’m learning to be flexible and adapt to his needs. It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of parenting!

Embracing Solid Foods: A Flavorful Journey

While nursing has its challenges, his love for solid food knows no bounds! It’s a different story in the mornings, where he’s often still adjusting to the day, but by lunch and dinner, he’s ready to devour. We’re primarily sticking to pureed foods at this stage, though we’ll occasionally introduce soft, cooked pieces like pancakes, finely ground beef, or slow-cooked chicken. As new parents, the fear of choking or gagging is very real, so we’re taking a cautious, safety-first approach to introducing new textures and larger pieces. But oh, the joy of watching him chew with his little gums – it’s insanely cute and melts my heart every time! And just like his mama, he absolutely adores potatoes in any form. Still no teeth have popped through yet, but I can tell they’re on their way because he’s truly become a prolific drool-monster!

Our Peaceful Routine: Structure and Sanity for Everyone

One of the biggest game-changers in our daily life has been establishing a pretty solid schedule. It’s not rigid or perfect every single day – it fluctuates by about an hour either way, depending on his mood and activity levels – but having this structure has been incredibly helpful for all of us. It brings a sense of predictability to our days, making it easier to plan and ensuring Baby G gets the rest and nourishment he needs. The absolute best part? His naps have become significantly longer and more consistent, which is a huge win for everyone involved!

Baby G’s Daily Schedule at 7 Months:

4:00 AM – Nurse
8:00 AM – Wake Up / Play Time
9:00 AM – Bottle / Breakfast Cereal / Fruit Puree
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Morning Nap
11:30 AM – Bottle
12:30 PM – Lunch – Fruits and Vegetable Puree / Cereal
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Afternoon Nap
4:30 PM – Bottle
6:00 PM – Dinner – Chicken or Beef Soup with Vegetable Puree
8:00 PM – Bottle and Bedtime Routine
11:00 PM – Nurse (Dream Feed)

This routine isn’t just good for Baby G; it’s a lifeline for us as parents, allowing us to anticipate his needs and carve out moments for ourselves. It’s truly a gift of sanity!

baby G sitting happily in a high chair, ready to eat

Essential Gear for Seven-Month Adventures: Our Top 5 Picks

Navigating the world of baby products can be overwhelming, but after countless hours of research and personal experience, we’ve found a few items that truly stand out and have made our lives infinitely easier. Here are 5 baby products we’re absolutely crazy about – these are tried, tested, and highly recommended for parents of busy, growing babies!

1. BOB Revolution SE Stroller: Our Go-Anywhere Companion

Back in July, after much deliberation, I finally invested in a high-quality stroller, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice: the BOB Revolution SE Stroller. My criteria were quite specific: I needed something incredibly durable to handle our rough country roads, comfortable enough for running and long walks, and somewhat compact for transport. This stroller has exceeded all expectations. I delved into extensive research, practically reading thousands of reviews, before making this significant purchase. It glides effortlessly over bumpy terrain, navigates tight spaces with surprising ease, and the folding/unfolding mechanism is remarkably straightforward. For active parents or those living in less-than-paved areas, this stroller is an absolute dream. It’s a worthwhile investment that offers unparalleled smoothness and reliability, and I recommend it without hesitation!

2. Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair: A Long-Term Investment

Finding the perfect high chair seemed like a daunting task, but the Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair proved to be everything I was looking for and more. My priorities were a compact footprint, ultimate comfort for Baby G, and robust safety features, all wrapped up in a product that would last. This high chair truly delivers! Its ingenious design means it grows with your child through every stage, from a full-sized high chair to a booster seat, and even allows you to seat two children simultaneously. I can easily envision Grant, as a big brother, using the booster seat while his hypothetical little sister (I hope!!!) enjoys the high chair. (Wait, what? No, no, no, I’m just imagining things! Not right now, not yet!). Seriously though, this high chair is an absolute must-have for any family. If you need more convincing, just read the glowing Amazon reviews – they speak for themselves!

3. Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons: Smart & Simple Mealtime

Since we’re on the topic of eating, I have to highlight these unbelievably convenient Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons. Their genius lies in their simplicity: if the spoon turns white, it indicates that the food is too hot for your baby. No more guessing or testing food on your wrist! This feature provides such peace of mind, especially when you’re juggling a hungry baby and a warm meal. They’re incredibly easy to clean, perfectly sized for little mouths, and a true essential for safe and stress-free feeding times. Every parent needs a set of these smart spoons in their kitchen!

4. Regaroo & SmartFami Waterproof Cotton Bibs: Keeping Delicate Skin Happy

I’ve fallen completely in love with a particular combination of bibs: the Regaroo Waterproof Cotton Bib Set and the SmartFami Waterproof Baby Bibs for Drooling and Teething. They are incredibly soft, comfortable for Baby G to wear, and surprisingly stylish too! Initially, I purchased these other waterproof bibs, but after just a couple of uses, Grant started developing a red rash around his neck after feedings. The culprit? Fruit juice and other liquids irritating his delicate skin, despite the bibs being waterproof. Switching to these cotton bibs was a game-changer. They effectively absorb extra moisture, keeping his skin dry and preventing irritation. If your little one has sensitive skin or is a serious drooler, these absorbent and gentle bibs are an absolute lifesaver. Plus, they hold up wonderfully to frequent washing.

5. Regalo Baby Gate & Super Wide Gate: Secure Spaces for Little Explorers

Hands down, the Regalo Baby Gate is the best gate we’ve encountered, primarily due to its incredibly easy latch and lock system. I’ve struggled with countless baby gates at friends’ and family’s homes, often finding them difficult to open, especially with one hand. The Regalo gate, however, is a breeze to operate. While it does have a safety lock feature that can be a bit tricky with one hand, I primarily use its regular, straightforward lock, which opens effortlessly. Beyond individual gates, we also invested in their 192-Inch Super Wide Gate and Play Yard. This versatile solution allowed us to block off an entire area filled with various “stuff” – and by stuff, I literally mean buckets of flour, rice, sugar, a dehydrator, photo props, you know, all the essentials! It’s incredibly easy to install, remarkably adjustable to fit different spaces, and provides a secure barrier that gives us much-needed peace of mind. For creating safe zones in your home, Regalo gates are an absolute no-brainer.

Cherishing Every Moment: The Joy of Seven Months

Watching Baby G grow and develop over these past seven months has been an exhilarating adventure, filled with new discoveries every single day. From his fearless crawling to his charming attempts at pulling up, and the joy he finds in solid foods, each milestone is a precious reminder of how quickly these early days pass. We’re embracing every challenge, celebrating every triumph, and cherishing these fleeting moments with our incredible little munchkin.

If you’d like to see more of our daily adventures and sweet moments with Baby G, be sure to follow me on Snapchat! You can find me under the username: shineshka.

Thanks so much for reading and being a part of our journey!