Asher Graham - 6 Month Update

Happy 6 Months Sweet Boy!

The Details

Asher weighs 19.14 pounds, and is

measuring 27 inches in length. His head

measured 43cm in circumference. He is

mostly in 6 month clothes, and some 6-9 months.

He's still fitting in a size 3 diaper.

 

This month he has really started clapping,

and realizing his hands are making a noise.

He claps all of the time now, and will just

watch what his hands are doing and the

sound it makes.

 

We've finally found the first food that he isn't

a fan of... asparagus. I think it's more of a

texture thing as opposed to the taste because

he will eat it and doesn't spit it out, but makes this

certain face when he takes a bite. So, we'll try it out

again in a few weeks, and see how it goes.

His six month check-up went very good.

The shots were the same as usual. This

time he and his sister both had their

healthy check-ups scheduled together.

Our doctor talked and played with Kaylee

for a while before making her way to Asher.

It was his nap time so he started getting

fussy at the end of Kaylee's check-up. So,

by the time it was his turn he was over it

before it even began. He's a healthy little

guy and growing perfectly. His next

appointment is at 9 months, and he doesn't

have to get any shots. Thank goodness!

 

Last night I checked his gums because

of all the teething he's been doing, and

there is a slit with the tip of the tooth almost

pushing through... he's going to have his

FIRST tooth within a few days!! It's

bittersweet for me. I'm not sure how to

feel. I'll definitely miss that gummy little

smile of his, and it means he's growing

and getting bigger. I just want him to stay

a baby forever.

I believe we're going to have a crawler

on our hands very soon too. For the past

2 weeks now he has been getting on

all fours and rocking back and forth.

This week he has started getting into

a push-up position - trying to figure out

how to make himself move. He's also

almost pushing himself up to sit up

all on his own. He will roll somewhere,

and then lay on his side and push up

with his arm to try sitting himself up.

He's almost got that one figured out.

Asher learns more and more by the

day, and it amazes me.

One. Year.

One.

It has been...

One year since we exchanged our vows,

 One year since I walked down the aisle,

One year since we said, "I do",

and an entire

356 days spent loving you.

God knew what he was doing when he had our

paths cross all of those years ago. I thank Him

daily for choosing to place you in my life. I'm

so excited for the roads He will be guiding

us down during our lifetime together. 

We've had many blessings just in this first

year alone, and I'm excited for what's in 

store in our years to come.

Thank you for being my person, and

walking beside me in this life. 

I love you infinity and beyond!

 

Essentials and Favorites for Baby #2

Things have changed and evolved so much since Kaylee was a baby... updated versions of toys she once had, things you are and aren't supposed to do, bath/lotion products, swings, you name it. Friends and other Mom's have asked what some of my baby favorite products and essentials are for Asher.

 

So, today I wanted to share some of my favorites and must haves for this new little fella in my life.

 

The mamaRoo

This thing is quite possibly the greatest invention for babies... like EVER!

Asher slept so much better and for longer periods in this than he

would in his bassinet. Absolutely worth every single penny!

We bought the plush insert to go with it, and actually used it in his

car seat as well to act as the head and body cushion.

 

 4moms mamaRoo 

Burt's Bees Shampoo & Wash

I love all of the Burt's Bees bath essentials. Asher always smells just like honey

after bath time. I use it in conjunction with their calming lotion and baby oil.

These are without a doubt my favorite bath time products,

and they're safe and all natural!

Burt's Bees 

Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddles

The softest swaddle blankets yet! So many friends recommended that we must

get these for Asher, and they couldn't have been more right. We've used these to

swaddle Asher in since he was born. The muslin fabric is amazing, and the blankets

get softer with every wash! We were lucky enough to be gifted 2 sets at our baby

shower, and have purchased a couple since. I love that there are so

many prints to choose from, and how durable these blankets

really are. These are definitely a MUST for moms-to-be!

 

aden+anais

The Honest Company - Diapers

As if I didn't love Jessica Alba enough already, and then she created and founded

 The Honest Company. Bringing Mom's all over natural, safe, and eco-friendly

products for your little one(s) as well as your home. I decided to try the

Honest diapers when Asher was 2 months, and really loved them. The prints

are fun and cute, and the company offers "bundles" on their products. I've

bundled the diapers and wipes and it's only $80 per month. That's a great

deal for me because I take a box to the sitter to last her, and keep

boxes for our house too. Jessica Alba has really created a great company,

with amazing products for home and baby.

 

Honest Diapers

Zebra Toy Bar

Another "worth the money" piece. Asher isn't a fan of the car seat,

and hasn't been from day 1. I purchased this while I was browsing

and shopping in Babies R Us, and it has been a lifesaver! In the

beginning he would just stare at it, and it would keep him calm while

in his car seat. As he got bigger, he would start reaching and grabbing it,

and now he will gnaw on the dangling lion pieces. It keep him

busy and entertained while in the car for sure.

Toy Bar

Alphabet Activity Mat

Asher began tummy time within the first week of being born.

We started out slow with 5 minutes at a time and progressed as

he got bigger. I've always used his activity mat for tummy time,

it's perfect for just that. Around 6 weeks he would push up and stare

down at the colors and animals, and gradually begun grabbing at the toys

and moving in circles around the mat. Now he rolls over to grab  

whichever toy he wants, and gnaws on the bars that hold the mat up.

At 6 months, he's beginning to outgrow this little mat. It's almost time to

move on to a large alphabet foam mat because this kid rolls

all over the living room to get to whatever he wants.

Activity Mat

Como Tomo Baby Bottles

I breastfeed, and Asher didn't take a bottle until 6 week before

I returned to work. He only takes a bottle when he is with the

sitter during the week. We had originally purchased the Tommee Tippee

bottles, and he wouldn't take them for anything. He hated them,

and preferred the real deal. I was so worried he wouldn't take a bottle,

and I had introduced them too late. I searched blogs and Pinterest for the best

bottles used for breastfed babies, and the Como Tomo was at the top of

every list I found. So, I purchased the set of 2, and the very first time we tried

using this bottle he took it with no problem what so ever! I highly recommend

this set to any breastfeeding Mom's who have to use a bottle.

como tomo

Crane Cool Mist Monkey Humidifier

We have had to use this humidifier on two separate occasions now.

It has worked wonders with clearing up Asher's congestion within 1-2

nights of using it. It holds enough water to run continuously for

twenty-four hours. I add 10 drops of Eucalyptus oil each time I fill

his humidifier up, and let it run all night next to his bed.

Monkey Humidifier

Ingenuity 2-in-1 Booster Seat

This little booster seat has really helped greatly with Asher learning

to sit up, and prepare his back and posture. I began using this

around his 3 month mark. I'd let him play and have tummy time, then

sit him in this chair to watch one of his tv shows. He loves being

able to sit up along side his sister. Now, I attach the tray and use it

when it's time for him to eat his food. I love how it straps to the chair

at our table, and he will be able to sit with us while we eat dinner. I

knew I didn't want to get a highchair because those just take up too

much space. I definitely wanted to find something more compact that

would save space, and this booster seat is perfect! I've gotten so many

great uses out of it already.

Booster Seat

Tula Road Trip Carrier

I've barrowed a friends Tula carrier a few times, and absolutely love it!

I finally decided to bite the bullet and spend the money on one for myself.

It really is a great investment because it will grow with your child and can

support up to 45 pounds! It distributes the weight evenly, and is designed

where it won't hurt your back. It can be worn both forward and

backwards. I'm buying one for Asher next week on payday! I love

baby wearing, and he loves being close, so it works perfectly.

Tula

 

That about completes my list of favorites along with some essential pieces needed for my little guy. I can't recommend each one of these products enough for a new baby. They most definitely help to make my life a bit easier with Asher. I'd love to hear what some of your favorites things are for your little one(s).  

 

Asher Graham - 5 Month Update

Happy 5 Months Sweet Boy!

The Details

Asher weighs 18 pounds and is

measuring 26 inches in length. He

is still in a few size 3-6 month, but

mostly in size 6 month clothes now.

This month his little booty has

moved up to a size 3 in diapers.

 

Asher is now sitting up on his own

with minimal to no help. He will

still fall over sometimes depending

on just how far he leans to the side.

It's cute to watch though because

he looks like a little roly poly. He's
now figured out how to put his foot
up to his mouth and suck on his big toe!

Our little dude said his very first

word while we were in Publix..."Dada".

Everyday for almost 6 months now

I've been working on "Mama", and

of course he would say the D word

first! It was Kaylee's too. I was

able to catch it on video, but you have

to listen real closely for "Dada".

Now he says it ALL the time!

For turning 5 months, this little

guy got to try his first solid food.

I pureed him an avocado mixed with

my milk. Lets just say he's totally a fan

of solids! I've been so excited to make

his food, and start this next

baby stage.

He's starting to pay more attention

to the BabyFirst channel when

I have it playing during tummy

time. His favorite shows are

Tec the Tractor and Hide and Seek.

He will literally lough out loud,

giggle, and stop whatever he is 

doing to watch either of these shows.

Watching his reaction to each

is seriously the cutest thing.

Little man is teething like

crazy, and I can finally see

white near the top of his bottom

gums! So, it won't be much

longer until we have that first

tooth come through. It's a

bittersweet feeling because that

means he's getting bigger, and

I love that gummy smile so much! 

This month has been a fun one with

so many firsts and milestones.

The months are passing us by so

quickly. I miss my itty bitty baby,

but love watching him grow and

developing a personality.

 ... and just like that he's over this

5 month photo session...

 

Halloween Fun 2015

Our Halloween was spent with family and friends like usual. My Aunt hosts a Halloween party at her house each year, and that's where we spent our Friday night.

{My Mom and I}
Kaylee chooses what she wants to be for Halloween, and I always choose mine to go with her themed costume. We've taken the award home for "Best Costume" 2 years in a row. My sister-in-law and I won best costume for our "Toddlers and Tiaras" and Kyle won most creative being a "One-Nightstand". The next year Kaylee and I won best costume for "Alice and the Mad Hatter".

 

This year we have Asher, so we made it a family affair. We planned for Asher to be Batman, Kaylee chose to be Robin, and I was going to be Cat Woman. Well, the girls version of Robin wasn't sold in any of our local stores, and we didn't have enough time to have it shipped via online purchase... So, she decided to go with a Spider Girl costume instead. I bought cat ears and a tail for myself and threw on a black long shirt with a pair of leggings, and Asher's outfit was a gift from our baby shower that fit just perfect!

Kaylee decided that playing with all of her friends was so much more important than taking any pictures, BUT I was able to get one with her in it. Go figure the only picture I have with her in it would have a glare in Asher's eye! Oh well though the superheroes are together, and it's better than no photo at all.

Asher on the other hand isn't big enough to argue when I ask to take pictures. So, I was able to get a few with him until he decided he was over it. K doesn't close his shop until 7pm, so he arrived about an hour after we did. He wore his zombie mask again this year... 

  I was so worried that Asher would be terrified of the mask, but he actually laughed at it and then reached for the dang thing. He definitely doesn't take after his Momma when it comes to "scary" things! I'm a total wimp that just so happens to be afraid of everything. No lie.

One of his baby friends came dressed as a superhero as well. They were so cute, and kept checking one another out. It was precious. Superman and Batman were so funny. Asher's a little unsure at first, and then he decides he likes him. Ha!

Unfortunately this year we didn't win the award for "Best Costume", and lost that title... Next year it's on though! I'll plan in advance like I usually do because by then I'll have this whole Mom of 2 thing down. Hopefully. Although Kaylee and I didn't bring home the prize, Asher did get the "Hunkiest Costume" award. He was a pretty chunky Batman... I mean hunky.

... and then he decided he was hungry, and figured out the award wasn't giving him what he was looking for! Superheroes have to eat too, ya know. So I nursed him right there in the living room during the party. I'm all for normalizing breastfeeding. Little dude ate, was done partying, and passed out for the night.

We went trick-or-treating around my brother and sister-in-law's subdivision Halloween night. It's a huge neighborhood so we made it down 4 different streets within the subdivision before Kaylee was done. It got dark out faster than expected so I wasn't able to get any pictures with my phone. After we finished trick-or-treating, we walked back to their house to enjoy a big pot of chili and some football. My brother surprised us with frying up some gator tail, scallops, and fish that were off the chain. It doesn't get much better than that!  

 

It was a great weekend with my zombie and little superheroes. I can't wait for Halloween next year when Asher is able to walk around with his big sister!