More Potty Time

Six months marks a turning point for many babies with toileting. I think it is because of the stable sitting which allows for parents to be more patient (since you don't have to hold them over a bowl!) and I also think that babies at six months are more clear communicators and even more aware of the routines of their day. Jasper hasn't been different from Will in this respect. As he approaches six months we are seeing that he is much more "productive" with the potty time. It seems like every time we put him on there he produces something!

But the "product" really isn't as much the goal at this age as the communcation aspect of toilet learning. And Jasper is a very loud and clear communicator. For awhile now he has had a word/sound for "change my diaper" or "Hurry, I'm going to have a bowel movement!". Because the arthritis in my wrists doesn't allow for me to hold this chunkamunk over his potty bowl, I've been just laying him down across a flat prefold diaper. He poops and then I wipe his bottom and whisk away the diaper. Now that he can steadily sit, I'm able to just sit him up on his potty and let things rip!

Halloween Party for Littles

Jasper is grabbing for the green breast again...

Peapod?

We tried to squeeze him into the peapod costume from Will's first Halloween (given by Molly) but the "peas" (aka large green breasts) became problematic.

First Sandbox Play (and he didn't eat it!)

The Sweetest Spoon

Eating fresh pumpkin puree for Halloween!

Eating fresh Bartlett pear puree.

We have been busy this month with preparations for Jasper's first meals. We are in love with this sweet little spoon for self feeding. Will helped to embroider his tablecloth(s) and I sewed the bibs and napkins. Grandma gave him a foodmill which works wonderfully for making fresh purees from our dinner menu.

The general rule nowadays seems to be waiting until six months to introduce food but since teeth were imminent and he became a stable sitter around his fifth month birthday he has had some "tastes" which are lending themselves into larger meal sized portions as we approach six months old. He loves the fruit and vegetable purees so long as they are full flavored--nothing too bland-- but has not at all enjoyed fish or chicken. I added some molasses to gluten free oat puree from our breakfast and he did enjoy the sweetness but I'm really avoiding things that are processed. Mainly we do fresh, local, seasonal and organic foods that require little preparation from soil to spoon.

I already see that he is a distinctly different boy than his brother. He is taking to food like a fish to water and I simply can't give it to him fast enough. I'm so grateful for his own sweet spoon so that he can help himself!

Look at Me!

More proud sitting. Next step: pushing forward onto all fours!

Getting close!

Pumpkin Time

From washing pumpkins...

To eating fresh pumkin puree...

To sitting among them...

To carving...

we are all about pumpkins this week as we look forward to Halloween!

Can't Get Enough of That Fabulous Red Fox

Jasper is really in love with this little red fox that hangs off his pocket. Whenever he wears this outfit the fox becomes soaking wet within minutes. Sometimes he becomes furious that it is attached to his pocket and other times he is delighted to discover a ready sucking object whenever he needs it. It kind of reminds me of the pacifiers that people clip onto their babies.

Mr Chunkamunk

Sitting Pretty

Jasper started sitting reliably almost to the day he turned five months. It is quite possibly due to the very wide base!

Love Our Babyfriends

Brothers

There is no doubt that Will is the most fascinating, funny, and amazing person in Jasper's life. He is completely enamoured with his big brother. If I had known what a huge difference a sibling makes I would have hired out a child when Will was born!

Hikes with Friends

I started a little hiking group with some of my friends and we've had some lovely fall hikes at parks and trails around town. These photos are from two of our hikes to saltwater views.

The Great Pumpkin

We took a trip out to our favorite pumpkin patch this weekend for pumpkin picking, pig feeding, tractor ride, cider making, hay maze, pony ride, great food, and the famous trebuchet toss of the pumpkin into the field.

This was Jasper's first trip out to the farm and we all took note that next year at this time he'll be walking and ready to choose his own pumpkin, scramble up to sit on the tractor, play among the hay bales, and ride on his own pony! We can't wait!

Miles for Midwives

Kim and Karson are on the far right, with Alex and Benjamin, then Elias (a male midwife!)

Jasper's midwife Heather is in the green jacket next to us along with the student midwife who was at the birth too!

Jasper and I did a 2.8 mile walk for midwives today. It was a great event and we got to spend time with some of our favorite people. I can't wait until next year when Jasper will be old enough to fit into the "I love my midwife" t shirt!