eloise: 6-month update

posted by mommy

1. nursing - eloise still nurses 2-3 hours due to timing of naps. the distracted phase is in full swing, she often only has patience to quickly nurse on one side before she demands to sit up and get in on the action!
2. eating - eloise began trying a few different foods this past month. feeding is very inconsistent as i haven't yet gotten into a groove as to when she eats each day, so some days we just don't do any real food. other days, we try chunks of banana, roasted squash, pear, and avocado. at first she was very interested in playing with what was put in front of her and even got some to her mouth, but recently she has been less interested. fortunately we are very laid back about it and know that she continues to receive all the nutrition she needs from nursing and right now food is simply experimental and experiential. we are going more the route of baby led weaning with eloise simply because it is much easier than having to make a bunch of purees and spoon feeding her!
3. growth - we have started getting into the next size of clothing (6-12 month), and finding that many of our past 3-6 month favs are no longer fitting!
4. development - eloise's second tooth did finally show up at the beginning of october and fortunately she settled back down into her very chill baby m.o. she has also just recently begun sitting up, although still a bit wobbly and in need of a little support. her playmat is also no longer sufficient for her as she rolls all over to get what she wants and is often found playing on the hard wood floor instead of her cush area! eloise continues to "talk" a lot saying "mumumumu", the only consonant she's figured out!
5. sleeping - this past month brought a big change in eloise's sleeping routine - she outgrew the swaddle! she has moved on to a sleep sack and now sleeps full time on her tummy (she's been napping on her tummy for a few months). she continues to wake once or twice a night but still goes back to sleep easily while nursing. bedtime is usually around 7:30 and she wakes around 7:30 (recently it's been more like 8!). her naps have evened out again for the most part, with a 1-2 hour nap in the morning around 10, and another longer 2-2.5 hour nap in the later afternoon around 3.
6. overall demeanor - eloise is still a super happy baby and loves laughing at her brothers. owen especially brings a huge smile to her face all the time! she only fusses if she's done playing in a certain place and wants to be moved elsewhere or held for a while, or if she's tired. otherwise, she's still pretty easy. 
7. favorite things - her newest faves are sitting up and chewing on sophie the giraffe!