seven month favorites.

Month seven was so. much. fun. Just when you think that life can't get any better or sweeter, it does. It really does. Brooks is into everything these days and it is so entertaining to watch his curious self study, touch, feel, taste, smell, smile, laugh, crawl, and climb. The best part is watching his little personality emerge. Our Brooks is ALL BOY, strong, wild, and fearless.

Last month we ate a lot, played a lot, and ran a lot of errands. Our favorites for the month definitely reflect our lifestyle.

1. Itzy Ritzy Sitzy Shopping Cart and High Chair Cover - My big boy is riding in shopping carts and sitting in high chairs. Please excuse me while I grab a tissue. Seeing that we are a germaphobic OCD family, a shopping cart and high chair cover was a must. We absolutely love the Itzy Ritzy Sitzy. It is SO easy to use and keeps my hands and Brooks' hands (and mouth) clean. What I love most about it is that it has its own belts because Brooks loves to munch on those germ-filled straps. Proof:

Just making himself at home...

And, how cute is the print?!

2. Infantino Farm Roller - This toy is like a baby Six Flags. Totally awesome. I do think that it was, hands down, Brooks' favorite toy during month seven. He bangs on it, chews on it, pulls up on it, and chases it. His new thing is to dive over it (while I'm holding onto his ankles). Therefore, he only gets to play with it while supervised.

3. Playskool Poppin' Park Giraffalaff - John and I took Brooks to Target one rainy afternoon to pick out a new toy. Lord knows this boy doesn't need anymore toys (we even told each other pre-baby that we would not be one of those parents who buys his/her child a gillion toys), but when you look at that sweet face playing with a toy that was so last month, you can't help but want to spoil him rotten. Anyway, we walked up and down the toy aisle pushing buttons and letting Brooks "play" with the toys until we came across one that he didn't want to put down. And Poppin' Giraffalaff was that toy. He loves watching the balls bounce up and down and strangling the poor creature. It is now a must-have on the playmat.

4. Lamb Plush - I don't know what it is about a stuffed animal that gets Brooks' engine running, but he loves, loves, loves any and every stuffed animal. When I take this lamb out of the toy basket Brooks' eyes light up and he starts screaming, smiling, and flailing those arms. He then wraps his arms around it and buries his head into its plushness. It is the cutest.

5. Beaba Babycook Pro - I know I have mentioned it before, but I really enjoy making Brooks' baby food. Maybe it's a time to relieve stress? A time to get creative? Or it could be the satisfaction from knowing that I am giving my baby the best. The Babycook Pro is amaze. It steams, blends, warms, and defrosts all in under 15 minutes. It is BPA free, Phthalate free, and Lead free. Fun for mommy, good for baby. I highly recommend.

6. Beaba Mulitiportion Freezer Trays - I have two different freezer storage trays and the Beaba are my favorite. There is no mess involved when pouring the food in the cups and when it's time to eat, the frozen portions slip out easily. I also love that it comes in several colors so I can differentiate between which trays house fruits and which trays house vegetables.

7. Green Toys My First Stacker - I found this toy at Home Goods for dirt cheap. What drew me to it was that it didn't look like your typical stacker. It doesn't have a stacking pole that can be dangerous and is made from recycled milk jugs. Crazy! Although the design is simple, Brooks is still drawn to it. I can confidently say that it is B's second favorite toy. He comes at it like a tornado, knocking it down. He then picks up the cups, bangs them together, or sticks them in his mouth. They can also be used as bath toys (each cup has a tiny drainage hole) and are really easy to wash too.

cloth diapering.

Am I crazy? Quite possibly. But, I feel confident in my decision to cloth diaper. I did a lot of research pre-baby on the pros and cons of disposable vs. cloth diapering and ultimately decided to cloth. Here are several reasons why:

• Disposables contain harmful ingredients and chemicals. Petroleum. Plastics. Bleaches. Dioxins. Artificial fragrances. Dyes. Gels. Yuck. Definitely don't want any of that touching sweet JB's tiny bum bum around the clock.
• It is estimated that each baby will need about 6,000 diapers during the first two years of life, costing around $1,600.00. Add another child to the mix and that is a lot of dough. 
• Over 92% of all single-use diapers end up in a landfill and takes about 250-500 years to decompose. Let's just say cloth are sooooo much better for the environment.
• Hybrid cloth diapers pretty much fit any and every lifestyle—whether you intend to keep your babe at home or go the daycare route. 
• Let's face it...you are already doing at least one load of laundry a day. One more won't hurt, I promise.
• They're cute and make that bottom even more irresistible!

I chose to go with the GroVia brand because they offered a hybrid diaper and got great reviews. *Hybrid basically means that you have both cloth and a disposable option. I wanted a diaper that we would be able to travel well with since we will be taking several trips over the next couple of years to see grandparents and great-grandparents, etc. If you don't have a good washing machine available, clothing 24-7 isn't an option. Trust me. Nobody wants to travel with a smelly wet bag full of accumulated diapers shoved in the back of the car.  

The GroVia shells come in vibrant colors and designs. You have a snap and velcro option. I prefer snaps. They are durable and allow for growth over time, delivering the perfect fit. With two integrated snaps inside the shell, changing out the inserts is as easy as 1-2-3--snap in the cloth insert or use the adhesive on the disposable option to keep the layers from shifting and you're good to go until the next change. And speaking of change, I never go longer than 2 hours in between diaper changes. Yes, you can go hours without a change with a disposable, but in my opinion, that is just plain cruel. Do you want to sit in your own pee or poo for that long? Didn't think so...

I go through about 2-3 shells (alternating with each diaper change) and around 9-12 cloth inserts per day. Therefore, I wash a load every day or every other day—I never go longer than two days. And don't freak out or say "eeeeeew, you stick dirty diapers in your washing machine?!" It is WAY easier than you think and your hands stay stink free. To be honest, I rarely use a diaper sprayer because Brooks' poops aren't that bad...yet. (And when they do get more massive and/or solid, I will use GroVia's BioLiners for easy cleanup—yet another reason why I love GroVia). All that you have to do is empty the wet bag and throw it in the washing machine, rinse, wash, and rinse again and you're good to go. To dry, just hang the shells to air dry and toss the inserts into the dryer. Boom. Done.

Also, an added bonus to cloth diapering is the fact that the shells can double as swim diapers! Boom again.

And one more thing (I promise, as I know this post is probably a bore), another reason why I chose to go with the GroVia brand is that they have an amazing trainer option for your toddler for when you're ready to potty train. I thought that this was really neat. I can't wait to give them a try. Umm, I take that back. I can wait.

If you are interested in cloth diapering, I have compiled a list of my favorite/must-have items to get you started:

1. Cloth Inserts (12-24)

2. Shells (10-12)

3. Diaper pail

4. Wipes

5. Diaper ointment

6. Wet bag

7. Boosters

8. Biosoakers (disposable option)

9. Diaper Sprayer

10. Cloth-friendly laundry detergent

...I want to add, me and the cloths are not exclusive. Unfortunately. When Brooks was a bitty baby we were able to get through the night with an insert and booster. Not anymore! We now use disposables at night because Brooks is a heavy wetter. Actually, heavy wetter is an understatement--he sometimes leaks through Pampers Extra Protection diapers. Yowzers. We are all good under the hood unless B goes numero dos during the night. If he sits in his mess for a long time in disposables he develops an awfully painful rash. Luckily, for his hiney, those nights are far and few between.

elle bee photography: charlie.

Yesterday afternoon, I left my sick boys (yes, John is sick now too) at home to snap some pictures of precious baby Charlie on the day of his Dedication. I was honored to be somewhat a part of this special day and capture the beauty of this boy and his sweet family. 

That gown! Stunning. Just stunning.

(I hope you enjoyed a sneak peek, Carrie! It was great to see you and meet your family. We must get our boys together soon for a play date!)

seven months.

He's growing, and growing, and growing, and I'm afraid he is never going to stop! Where did my baby go?! Anyone?

During the past four weeks Brooks has jumped on the developmental train and is chugging right along.

We are still in the process of introducing solids. The whole "wait three days" is for the birds. Have I mentioned before that patience isn't one of my strong suits? It is so important for me to reflect on the Beatitudes each and every morning or else my life would be frenetic. Back to Brooks...

On June 18th he had his first taste of peas and apples. He also went from eating solids twice a day to three times a day. On June 22nd he ate zucchini, on the 25th he tried apricot, he inhaled plums on the 26th, we introduced yellow squash and greek yogurt on the 28th, on July 1st he gobbled up red potatoes, on the 2nd we "worked through" blueberries (he loved them, but the mess almost sent me to the grave), he ate peaches on the 3rd and nectarines on the 7th, on the 8th we introduced carrots, on the 9th he turned his nose to cucumber, on the 10th he tried acorn squash, he spit out beets on the 11th, and somewhere in the mix he has had green beans, butternut squash, and mango. He loves everything except the green stuff (peas, avocado, cucumber, and green beans). He will even eat bananas now if I mix them with apples or yogurt. And don't worry, I've tried mixing the greens with the good stuff and he still spits it right back out. Stubborn little booger. Side note: I am still making all of Brooks' purees and really enjoy it. It's a stress reliever for me and good for the baby. Double win.

We are still giving Brooks 4 bottles a day—one at 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. We fill each bottle with at least 6.5 ounces. This month he has only been taking down 4-5 ounces in the morning. I'm not too worried about it, though, because he makes up for it with a 9.5 ounce bottle at night.

Brooks' sleep was a little off at the beginning of month seven. On June 21st he decided that he no longer wanted to sleep. He refused to nap when I put him down in his crib. The minute we would walk into his room and approach the crib he would burst into hysterics. I thought that maybe he was just having an "off" day, but the next day, on the 22nd, he did the same thing. I have to pat myself on the back because I let him cry it out for 40+ minutes before he finally crashed. The next night he woke up at 3:30 a.m. ready to boogie. Every time I would try to sneak out of his sight he would LOSE IT. I had to pick him up and rock him, something that I haven't done since he was a newborn! I'm chalking these three sleepless days and nights of hell to his newfound discovery of what the psychs call "object permanence." I like to call it, separation anxiety...

Thankfully Brooks is back to his old self and sleeping like a champ.

Every morning when I get JB out of his crib he pulls his knees to his chest, digs his head into my shoulder, and gives me a little open mouthed smooch. It is the best part of my every day.

On June 22nd we upgraded to the big boy (6-18 month) pacifier. He can now take his paci out and put it back in. We also made the switch to the "Level 3" nipples for his bottles. He is still getting used to the faster flow, but is less distracted during his feedings. This is a good thing, seeing that he got into the habit of flipping over to his belly while taking the bottle. Crazy kid.

Brooks took his first ride in the wagon with his cousin William at Shug and Pops' house on June 23rd. He cautiously sat back and took it all in.

On June 24th Brooks started commando crawling. It started out as a slow drag, where he would put one arm out and then pull his bottom half forward. Now you blink and he is on the other side of the room. For instance, this past Tuesday morning I left Brooks on his playmat in the den and walked to the kitchen sink to wash his bottle. I heard his little hands and legs working it and the next thing I know, he is at my feet pulling up on my leg.

Speaking of pulling up, he pulls up on anything and everything in sight. He typically only pulls up to his knees, but as of late he is pulling up to the standing position without help. He also tries to dive off of the couch, his new favorite place to play, and flip over mommy or daddy's legs. Our child has no fear!

Brooks prefers the commando crawl as his primary mode of transportation, but is determined to get the knee crawl down pat. All month long he has been getting on all fours and rocking back and forth. His favorite place to practice this move is on a soft surface, like his crib, our bed, or the couch. Picky! We have seen him take a knee step or two, but he always ends up back on his tummy. Yesterday, however, he spent more time on his knees than he did commando crawling. He takes his time, moving at a snails pace, but gets from point A to point B. I can't believe it! And now that he has this whole knee thing figured out he has been doing, what I like to call, the human teepee, where he straightens his legs and arms, keeping his hands and feet on the ground. I swear, this boy is going to be walking before I know it and is going to wear. me. out.

Brooks also loves his exersaucer. His new thing is to bounce up and down, shaking his head like a mad man, then stop and wait for a reaction. When we clap and praise him he gives us a huge smile or giggle and does it again. Over and over and over again. 

Our spunky, happy boy also gets a kick out of his reflection. He thinks that the mommy and baby in the mirror are too funny. The mirror in our bedroom would probably keep him entertained for hours!

Brooks also thinks that it is hysterical when he sneezes and when I smell his bottom and say "pee-yew!" Gets him every time...

On June 25th, baby boy waved for the first time. On the 27th he practiced his wave ALL day. He would stare at his hand with extreme concentration while doing it.

We said sayonara to the Moby Wrap and hello to the shopping cart on the 27th. Our shopping trips have been successful since the change.

On July 4th (big day in the Bryant household), I checked the monitor during Brooks' afternoon nap and he was sitting up in the crib! John and I couldn't believe our eyes. I have yet to see him do it again.

On July 9th I took the bumper pad out of the crib. Brooks has gotten in the habit of pulling up on it, chewing on it, and grabbing it and pulling it down. It is bent out of shape and, frankly, a huge distraction. #FAIL

45 minutes went by and Brooks was still awake and partyin' hard. He first threw all of his pacifiers and lovies out of the crib. He then tried to pull up on the slats and hit his head (so hard it shook the monitor camera). After the tears stopped flowing he thought it would be a good idea to slap his hands and bang his feet on the slats because it made a loud, fascinating noise. Being bumper padless also gave him the freedom to check out every. single. inch. of his nursery. Short story long, the bumper pad made it's way back home that night...

Some other fun facts about Brooks during month seven:

We weighed Brooks yesterday and he now weighs 17.4 pounds.

Our cutie patootie started sleeping with his bum in the air. I know that most babies do this, but it is so much cuter when it's your baby. Am I right?

Brooks can now respond to his name. He also looks for/at the cats when we ask him where the "kitty cats" are. The moment his eyes lock on Coco or Goose he is so proud of himself and goes crazy. We are proud of you, too, buddy! He also knows who "mommy" is when John asks him where I am and we are getting close to having "daddy" pinned too. Such a smart baby boy.

Brooks also started smacking his lips together and sucking on his bottom lip. It is the cutest thing ever. He also sucks on his pointer and middle finger combined if his paci is out of sight, out of mind.

He has added even more sounds and syllables to his vocabulary. GaGa, CaCa, YaYa, LaLa, and as much as I hate to admit it, DaDa. I thought that I heard him babble it on the 8th and the next day he was "GaGa DaDa'ing" it like it was his job. It's probably because his dad is his favorite person in the world. He lights up when John gets home from work and wants nothing to do with me when he is around. SAD! But, warms my heart too. 

I cannot wait to see what month eight entails. If it is anything like month seven, we are in for a wild, yet fun, ride!

Mommy and Daddy are over the moon for you, John Brooks. You continue to bring so much life and happiness to those around you. I get stopped by at least two people every where I go to tell me what a precious, beautiful baby you are. And they are right. You are the most precious and beautiful baby that I have ever laid eyes on. Happy SEVEN months of life, our love. I thank God every single day for you!

*I am going to redo his 7 month pictures because he is still under the weather and not feeling well at all. These pictures didn't come close to capturing his spunky personality and smiles. Poor sick baby.