Amelia's 1/2 Birthday!

Amelia turned 6 months on Saturday! We didn't do anything out of the ordinary, but it was a special day regardless. Preston and I didn't even realize the date until about 2:30 in the afternoon. We went for a great hike off the parkway that afternoon. We had a great time just talking, and being with each other while Amelia hung out in the backpack. It is so nice to be able to reconnect every so often. After a while at home, we decided to go get ice cream...to celebrate her 1/2 birthday, of course. It was a good day, especially after such a rough week.

Lately, I have been trying to "encourage" Amelia to fall back asleep at night in ways other than by nursing. It took me a few nights (and a call to the pediatrician, lactation, and some chapters out of my book) to be convinced that she was not waking up wanting to nurse because she was hungry. Once I knew that, it was my will against hers...first of many to come, I'm sure. There were several nights in a row spent holding her, rocking her, bouncing her, as she furiously cried herself back to sleep. Some nights were easier than others, and some nights, I gave in. It is hard to have her crying in your arms when you know exactly what she really wants. I wonder if she still needs that middle of the night nursing. I know she doesn't "need" it, but does she want it because she is still so young. Anyway...my book said that feeding them solid foods during the day, and helping them to break that association with nursing and falling asleep should lead to a more restful night. The day feedings have actually helped. I notice a significant difference on the nights that follow the days in which she has taken in solid food 2-3 times a day intermittently. So far, she loves plain rice cereal, carrots, frozen bananas to gnaw on, avocado, and sweet potato. She hates pears, and I can't imagine why. She is also sitting up on her own now. She is so happy and healthy, and I need to remind myself that more often when I start questioning my choices for her, especially at 4 am when she has been crying in my arms for nearly an hour wanting you know what.

I am hoping that Amelia is sleeping better through the night before our trip to Birmingham this next weekend to visit Preston's sister, Deborah, and her new little girl Catelyn. Sarah, her husband Graham, and their little boy Clayton are coming along with his parents. It will be the first time we all are together with the babies. We are so excited to see them! This will be first of many gatherings with them in order for all of the cousins to see each other. There will be many pictures taken, I'm sure of it.