R's first food

Well, I finally bit the bullet and gave R his first food. Pureed organic Peas..... yum!!! (so yuck, actually... I can't stand the smell!) but regardless of what I thought, he loved them!

The truth is, I think he's been ready for awhile. He's had awesome head control since about 3 months, has been sitting on his own, and is constantly trying to grab out food when we are eating. I actually started L and L2 on solids (well, purees) at four months, but I held out with R until he was at least 6 months. A big reason I waited is because the more research I did and the more I talked to my doctor the more it seemed like even though he might be ready at four months, his body and his digestive system was really more likely to be ready closer to six. I also felt like with him breastfeeding like a champ and being in the 75% for weight while being exclusively breastfed, there was no reason to rush it.

And, honestly, I really could tell a big difference in the waiting for six months instead of starting at four. I remember with both L and L2, they really didn't like the first few tries, and they still had the "push out" reflux much more than R does. R was more than ready and I was really surprised by how much he seemed to like pureed peas!  (Did I mention yuck?)

OK, and here's my honest mommy part..... I think I am, no, I know I am, holding on to R's milestones a little longer. I think with L and L2 I was always so excited for them to hit that next stage, but with R I can see myself holding back a little. Not that I'm not super proud with every new milestone that he hits and not that I don't fully encourage him, but with every new thing he does there is this small part of me that wonders if this will be the last time I get to witness this. We haven't made any decision as to if we are going to add more to our family (and obviously R is only 6 months old, so we won't be making any for a while yet) but just the thought that he could be my last baby (OMG, that just made me tear up) is making me want to hold on to his baby stage just a little longer.

But, my little guy is growing up and I couldn't be a prouder mama! And, with any luck, maybe I'll finally get a kid that's not a picky eater!!!

**Oh, and please excuse the quality of these photos! I was trying to take pics with my iPhone with one hand while feeding him!