Milo's big day

We left Milo in the care of the folks at VillaKids last night for an entire 30 minutes! It's only the second time he hasn't been with Mommy or Daddy (the first time was with my aunt). It was the first time he's been in the care of someone not family. It was a big step for all of us. Milo was great. The VK folks said he was smiling and happy the whole time. I don't know why I ever worried he wouldn't be.

Earlier in the day, I took Milo to a free introductory class at The Little Gym -- another first for us. There was one other baby in the class -- a six-month-old boy who was actually smaller than my big boy -- and Milo was fascinated by him. The other little boy had been to the class before so he was able to show Milo the ropes, so to speak.

Milo enjoyed most of the class. He didn't like being put down on the parachute. And he didn't like the leg stretches (even though we did the exact same leg stretches at home later and he giggled his head off). The class was 45 minutes long and pretty tiring for the little guys. Both boys were asleep before Moms got them into the cars.

It was a big day for Milo. It was also a tiring day. He napped really well but didn't sleep through the night as I'd hoped. He woke at 2 a.m., seemingly hungry. But I think he just wanted a cuddle because he ate for a few minutes before dropping back off to sleep. He did the same thing at 6 a.m. Who can blame him. Change can be hard.

Milo's first cereal

Milo had some brown rice cereal yesterday.

Once he got the hang of it, he really seemed to enjoy it.

Four months old

Dear Milo,

It's hard to believe you've been in our lives for four whole months. I sometimes still have trouble wrapping my head around the fact that I'm a mommy -- that I'm your mommy. You amaze me every day. You make me smile and laugh. Every day. In general, you are a happy-go-lucky little guy, and that sure makes my life easier.

 

However, when you're hungry or sleepy or hungry and sleepy, you can be a cranky baby. But even then, you are so darn cute, it's hard to be upset with you. I think I'm spoiling you, though -- letting you fall asleep in my lap during your breastfeeding. Considering you fight napping and sometimes even fight sleeping during the night, I don't think it's such a bad thing for me to find ways to put you to sleep.

Now that you've found your thumb, you've decided you don't want a pacifier anymore. You seem to be outgrowing everything. You're almost too big for your cradle, but Daddy and I aren't ready to move you to your own room yet. In fact, neither one of us are looking forward to the time when you sleep in another room -- despite your insistence on keeping us up for hours at a time.

And your insistence on sticking your feet out of your cradle

Then, just last night, you decided to sleep most of the way through the night. I heard you fussing in the wee hours, but -- even though I wanted to -- I didn't get up. And next thing I knew, it was after 5 a.m. and you were still sleeping. Let's make that a new habit. OK?

You've figured out how to grip and pull things and you're working on the coordination to put those things in your mouth -- from my fingers to toys.

to Daddy's ears

We can make you laugh pretty easily now, with funny sounds and tickles. We have to be careful not to come at you too quickly though or that sound or voice you previously thought funny will suddenly become very scary -- especially if you are tired.

Still, for the most part, you are a happy baby. And an easy baby. Maybe it's just because I love you so darn much that makes you seem so easy going. Every day, I look at you and thank my lucky stars to have you in my life. Even when I'm changing poopy diaper blow-outs. Even when I'm doing laundry every single day to clean up those poopy blow-outs. Even when I'm so tired I can't keep my eyes open, and you're wide awake. It doesn't matter what's going on, all you have to do is flash that smile and my heart melts.

Some smiles are goofier than others, but still cute

Daddy and I love each other very much, but we had no idea that we could love someone else with the fiery intensity that we love you. Every day with you, Milo, is a grand adventure. And we look forward to having more adventures as you grow up.

All my love,
Mommy

Growing baby

Milo in his bouncy seat at two weeks old

Milo in his bouncy seat now

Thank goodness that seat has a 25-pound weight limit. Milo is growing so quickly.

Want to hear something funny?

I actually thought I would have all kinds of time to blog after Milo was born. Funny how much attention a growing baby needs.

 

To be honest, when you're that cute, it's hard to find time to do much of anything other than stare.

Can moms ever do anything right?

While browsing through books at the library this weekend, I came across a book called "Is Breast Best?: Taking on the Breastfeeding Experts and the New High Stakes of Motherhood."

At first I thought the book might be an interesting look at the science of feeding babies. But based on my very cursory perusal, I'd have to say this book is just one more way for mothers to feel like they can't ever get it right.

Breastfeeding advocates seem try to make women who feed their babies formula (for whatever reason) feel like they're not real women. This book seems to just turn the guilt around onto women who do breastfeed. Making it seem as if I'm depriving my baby by feeding it the way women have done for ages.

Women who breastfeed are already seen as less competent. I am shy and embarrassed about breastfeeding my baby in public (even with a cover up).

Sure, the book probably says that formula is just as good as breast milk. And in this day and age, I'm sure it is -- especially with clean, healthy water supplies. And there are plenty of great reasons to choose one over the other. All of which are personal choices for a mother, and I don't question any of them.

For me, breastfeeding is convenient and cheap. No, it isn't easy and sometimes it's frustrating and exhausting as all get out. But it works for me. I realize it doesn't work for everyone. My baby doesn't like formula and has spit out any we've offered to him.

I don't think anyone needs to justify her choice to breastfeed or formula feed. As long as Baby is growing and thriving, you're doing something right. And I don't think anyone should tell anyone else her way is wrong -- or better, for that matter.

Just shut up and feed your baby.

100 Days Redux - Korean Style

For his 100th Day Celebration -- or Baek-Il -- Milo's Korean grandmother brought him a traditional outfit.

I don't think the "My Mom Rocks" pacifier is traditional.

He is supposed to wear this outfit again on his first birthday.

She also brought Korean rice cakes and black bean cakes.

Yum!

Too cute!