7 Months Old

Suddenly, we have a 7 month old in the house! Adrienne has turned into quite the busy bee these days, as she is determined to actively explore everything she encounters. It seems she crawls faster each day, and is less content to be in the exersaucer or confined in the "baby jail" (it's as if she knows she is stuck, despite the adequate room it allows for exploration). Today, she had a couple of painful encounters with the hardwood floor as she slipped while attempting to reach up for the shiny handles on the lower kitchen cabinet drawers. The time is rapidly approaching where I will have to empty one so that she can play beside me with approved cups, spoons, etc. while I work. Adrienne is now sitting alone well, and can transition from sit to crawl and back again. She loves to find dangerous things to chew on whenever possible, and mostly prefers to gnaw off some wood finish on the legs of our living room end table. She is like a moth to a flame with that one, and I cringe when I think of what horrible things that stain is made from. It's so hard to keep her out of harm's way, and to stay at least one step ahead of two children, each with her own agenda.
Adrienne is now eating some baby food 2-3 times a day, and has tried a variety of fruits and vegetable in addition to her beloved cereals of the oat and rice varieties. She prefers sweet potatoes, carrots, pears, and apples. Bananas are hit or miss, depending on her mood. She isn't overly fond of squash, and her response to peas nearly broke my heart. Breast milk remains her preferred food, and cereal is really the only solid food she eats enthusiastically most of the time. She thinks the sippy cup is fun to chew on, but isn't wild about the water that comes out of it.
And then there is the dreaded issue of sleep. Sweet Adrienne, why will you not sleep through the night? This has been a particularly rough month of sleep for her (and for me). Adrienne is getting up at least twice, if not 3 or 4 or more times. One or sometimes two occasions are the result of what seems to be legitimate hunger--I can deal with that. The others are a request for her "pacifier" (me). I am doing my best to deal with the issue, while also trying to ensure Jillian stays asleep. Many times it is much easier to tend to her quickly and quietly, than to let the crying that needs to be done happen. Thankfully, she continues to do well overall with 2 naps/day. The length of the naps vary, but she is pretty consistent with timing. Adrienne is not a great car seat sleeper, so if we have to be out during nap time it usually means she is skipping a nap. Missed sleep in any form is a bummer, but often is it inevitable with our schedule. I am grateful that her general disposition is sunny, regardless of the apparent lack of sleep.
Adrienne, we are all so in love with you. Your giggles are infectious, your kisses are the sweetest, and your personality truly does sparkle.