Am I Into Babywearing?

I had decided over winter that by spring we would be in the market for a new baby carrier and bike trailer. Two things we would get a good amount of use out of since we hike and bike a lot. So, like me, I started doing research 5 months ahead of time.


Especially the baby carriers... oh my gosh there are sooo many to choose from! There are wraps, soft shell carriers, framed backpacks, Mei Tai's, blah blah blah's, etc. I had no idea where to begin. Brad and I already have a Moby Wrap, which came in handy when Olivia was uber-baby, and the Baby Bjorn, which we don't like so much and that she is now too big for. After a bunch of research and a recommendation from a coworker we decided our first purchase would be a Kelty FC 1.0 framed carrier.

Walk around the neighborhood

Trip to Ye Olde Mill for a picnic and ice cream with
Grandma and Grandpa Blumensheid!

This backpack truly measured up to our expectations. There were no issues getting Olivia in and out of it, since the frame allowed it to stand up on its own. No issues when picking it up and putting it down with the baby inside either; there are two handles to grab onto when sliding the backpack off onto the ground. Although larger than we expected, it was actually quite nice and spacious for Olivia.
Our first use of it was a walk around the neighborhood. In that short time, I instantly fell in love with it; but really only because Olivia was in love with it. She was so happy! This walk was nothing like our walks with the stroller, where she only lasts about 5 min, then we have to carry her anyway. The walk with the backpack was interactive! She pointed at things saying "dat? dat?" and I could respond to her. That experience alone got me thinking of all the situations in which we could carry her in the Kelty instead of put her in something like the stroller or cart, disconnected from us. But, the Kelty is pretty big, and really only good for longer, outside walks/hikes. I couldn't see walking around the mall or grocery store with the Kelty on my back. I'm likely to knock stuff off the shelves!

So, only two weeks into owning the Kelty, I was back in the hunt for a second carrier. However, this would not be a replacement for the Kelty, it would serve its own purpose. This time I wanted a soft shelled carrier; something smaller, lightweight, breathable, and age versatile. But again, there are dozens of options to choose from. Initially I narrowed down my search to either a BabyHawk, Beco, or a Ergo carrier, since those were the most popular and highly rated. AGAIN, after a ton of research, I decided to go with the Boba 3G. Yeah, it isn't one of the three, but several things attracted me to it that the others didn't have including: color, support, versatility (without inserts), weight limits, and pockets (which a couple of the others don't have). I just got it in the mail yesterday. I can't wait to try it! I'll be sure to update the post as soon as we try it out.

Placeholder, but this is the one I got...but in grey, because that's me. 

Now if only I could think of a way to wear it on my bike! Kidding...


Side note: Kelty's customer service is pretty freaking amazing. I emailed them with questions/concerns about a part that was digging into my hip. Because they didn't have a replacement part for that area of the carrier; and because they value the safety of my child, they offered to replace the carrier with a 2012 of my color choice, free! I ended up finding a fix to the bag I currently own, so ultimately I opted out of the offer. But still....I didn't even buy the bag from them! They responded promptly, were friendly, and didn't beat around the bush with the information they needed to get me the right answers. I'll definitely consider them in all future related product purchases!

Ye Olde Mill

This past weekend Brad, Olivia and I made the drive out to Ye Olde Mill to meet Grandma and Grandpa Blumensheid for a picnic and ice cream. I had never been there before, and Brad hadn't since he was a kid. It was a good time. We sat in the grass beside the pond and had lunch, then we stopped by the small petting zoo so Olivia could check out the sheep, goat, and calf. That's all there was, but it was cool. We got to see some Clydesdale horses too! Olivia had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa! A good day all around...

The Evolution of Crawling

So we're halfway through 8 months and Olivia has begun to crawl. At least, I think that is what you call it????

I think it's worth sharing how this so called "crawl" evolved....

As you already know, by many previous posts, Olivia hates to be on her belly. Our attempt at tummy time when she was an infant, was pretty much hopeless. We would put her on her belly, and she would just flail about. She never really got the clue that flailing wasn't getting her anywhere. She mastered sitting up pretty quick though, and is even pulling herself up and standing. But, no crawling. She was quite determined to NOT crawl in fact, and mastered every technique around it.

Sitting - And clapping feet
Turning - One handed!
Army Crawl
Lunge
Super Reach - Which is the start of a crawl, but not.

We thought for sure that Olivia would walk before crawling, and possibly never crawl. Which we were okay with, as long as she had her alternatives.

Then this last weekend, we went over to Dustin and Stef's house to watch OSU lose to Michigan State. We laid her toys out on the floor, as we always do, all at a distance to again try to tempt her to crawl. No luck. Then she sees my cell phone laying next to me on the floor. Bam! She's at it! But, what is this that she is doing with her legs? Is that crawling...or gimping??? It's like she has a pimp crawl!

Playing Outside

8 Months

Is there a way we can keep you from growing up Olivia? You are at a stage now that your daddy and I just love!

• You are sitting up completely independent, and only fall backwards when you get really excited and start kicking your feet. This usually happens when one of us comes into the room or when we pick you up from daycare. You also do this thing with your hands, that looks kind of like a belly dancer without the finger cymbals. It's super cute. 
• You still HATE to be on your belly and will probably never crawl. I think you actually know how, but choose not to. You get around just fine though in the sitting position, although it takes a while. You have mastered the art of reaching without falling over or onto your belly, and you can scoot yourself in circles. 
• You prefer to be standing, and can now hold yourself up on the couch. You don't fall very well, but we are working on it. 
• You love solid food and have opened up your palate to green beans, peas, squash, sweet potato, avocado, bananas, cheerios, apple sauce, pears, potatoes, and oatmeal (w/ apples, cinnamon, and bananas of course!). You are starting to figure out the pincher grasping technique, but it doesn't quite pair up with your inability to chew before swallowing. 
• You have a tickle spot, which is pretty much everywhere! We love to hear you laugh. 
• You really enjoy bath time, which we've moved to the tub. Now you are all over the place! 
• You have a growing personality and are now very vocal about everything. You are saying Da Da, and Ba Ba. And I may not be teaching you a good behavior, but I our screaming matches are  quite hilarious. 
• Remotes, cell phones, and the iPad! What is your fascination with these things? Beware of liquid damage. 

The thing that makes us most happy, is that you need us. You've really shown it these past couple of months. When you get sick you are very clingy and like to lay your head on our chest to nap. It's like you know that mommy and daddy are trying to make you feel better. I love this soooo much, even though I HATE that you aren't feeling well. You reach up for us when you want to be held and give us the biggest smiles when you're in our arms. You can spot us in a room full of people and always keep us in sight.

We are looking forward to the coming adventures, but some days, dread the thought of you growing up. You are one hell of a little girl Olivia and your daddy and I are on cloud nine right now.

 Grandpa stopped by for a visit. Olivia thinks he's crazy.

  Sometimes we get a little carried away with all of that hair. 

 Olivia: "Why must you put me on my belly? You know I hate it!"

 So cute!

 Olivia: "Seriously guys, belly again?"

Hair do #2

First Haircut

We'll just call this her first "official" haircut. I may have had to trim her bangs once before. But I'll never do that again because I made her look amish.

We've included a few pre-haircut photos below, so you can get an idea of how "mullet-like" her hair really was.

Pre - Haircut

Mullet!!!

The Haircut

Olivia was amazing through the whole thing. She just sat there quietly and hardly moved. 

Such a trooper!

Post - Haircut

 Awe...need I say more!

6 Months

Okay, so we kind of fell off the face of the earth for a minute. It's not even half way through January and Olivia, Brad, and myself have all gotten sick. Booo, might I add. We have been very fortunate that Olivia has avoided a lot of what has gone around during her first 6 months. I guess she could only avoid it for so long. We now have a little germ incubator on our hands, because not long after she got it, we got it. It's hard to avoid getting sick from Miss Megadrool. That was the only time I have ever hoped that Olivia was a little older, so she could take care of herself. It's tough being sick and trying to take care of a baby. Did I say Booo, because Booo is the only word that describes the past few weeks. Not two O's, but three! However, all is better now, as we sit and wait for the crappy weather.

Now on to more important things...we have a 6 month old!

Olivia, you've got more stuff going on with you now than ever. We can't keep up with you. You're growing teeth, sitting up, giggling, reaching for us, reaching for everything else, slobbering - A LOT, eating solids, taking normal naps, and sleeping through the night. You are one hell of a child and your daddy and I are enjoying every minute we get to spend with you.

You still have absolutely no desire what-so-ever to start crawling, but you love to stand up. You totally impressed the pediatrician at your 6 month wellness check up with your crazy balance skills. We will be surprised if you don't walk before you crawl, or shortly after.

Have a mentioned how much we love to be around you?! We lose ourselves in your presence and melt every time you smile and laugh. You seem very happy to be here with us, and quite frankly we wouldn't want it any other way.

Olivia, we love you <-----------------this-------------------> much!


...and then some

Homemade Baby Food

Brad and I decided before Olivia was born that when the time came to introduce solids that we would go the homemade route. Not only because it saves money, but because it allows the child to taste food the way it should be. Also, if we are making food for each other, why not make it for our child! So far, at six months now, we have been sticking to it. It has been quite the experience learning how to make baby food. Much of it has been new to us, as we have never cooked some of the things that are considered first foods for baby, like squash or sweet potato.  Through a lot of trial and error we seem to have a system going now, for the most part. Unless its a food that cannot be easily frozen, like bananas or avocado, most of what she currently eats is mashed or pureed and frozen in ice cube trays, then moved to freezer bags. We chose ice cube trays because they are good 1oz portion sizes and the individual cubes are easy to quickly thaw when on the go. We are also allowing Olivia to feed herself as much as possible, which she already wants to do anyway. We hold the spoon, but she guides it in. It can be messy, but it allows her to decide what goes into her mouth and when. She's actually more receptive to trying new things with this method, rather than us trying to coax her. Another good thing about making baby food is that we don't feel bad about wasting what Olivia doesn't want. We only thaw 1-2oz at a time, so there is hardly ever waste when she decides she is done. If she wants more, we just thaw another cube! No half eaten jars of food or forcing her to eat more so less goes to waste.

So far, Olivia likes:

• Sweet Potato - by far her favorite!
• Potato
• Carrots 
• Oatmeal
• Peas

Indifferent to:

• Squash
• Avocado

Dislikes:

• Bananas - not sure why, but we're experimenting with the ripeness factor.

Next on the menu are apples and peaches!