All. Day. Long.

Laughter and Joy just keep on coming!

Enjoy!

Buh-Bye

Who needs toys?

When you have cardboard boxes!

Baby-Led Weaning

What is that?! Is what you're probably thinking. I was thinking the same thing when I first stumbled across this approach while doing some research on feeding solids to babies. I've always assumed I would make my own purees for my child. Since that's what you're supposed to do, right? Well, maybe not making your own but the puree texture is the gist of introducing solid foods to little ones now a days. When I heard about baby-led weaning (BLW), I started talking to some mom's that have had great success with this approach as well as read one of the books that is out right now.

The method is all about keeping with the natural tendencies of your child. At about 6 months, babies can usually sit up by themselves as well as start putting anything and everything they can grab in their mouth. As you can see above and below, our Seph is demonstrating these awesome abilities - toy in mouth, sitting up unassisted, etc.

Yup, one more pic below for good measure. The boy puts everything in his mouth. Apparently, this is how the little ones explore. Oh, how I'd love to understand what kind of thinking goes on during baby explorations! But, the point is, if food is in front of him, it will go in his mouth. 

Also, at about 6 months, babies start to try and imitate those around them. So, around this time, our sweet Bigfoot started showing interest in foods while at the dinner table. He began trying to grab at them and eyeing them. I took this as his way of communicating to us that he was ready and interested in food. As goes the name, the baby is the one leading. 

The backbone idea of BLW, is that the baby should begin to wean himself from nursing around six months via supplementing the nursing feedings with solid foods. I'll also mention that, in general, breast milk should be the sole source of nourishment for the first six months as recommended by US Department of Health and Human Services, World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association, and more.This is assuming the nursing relationship is a success for mama and baby. Thankfully, after much trial and support, we found success. But, BLW can also happen for those using formula. The idea is the more solids he begins to take in, the less nourishment he will need from nursing. Also, the solids that are fed should be your everyday foods - age appropriate of course. So, for me, I figured since he had been in control of his food intake for the first six months of life, why change things up? After gathering all the needed information, we decided to give it a try to see how he led. And lead he did!

We started off with avocado. One of my most favorite foods. Avocados are healthy and soft enough for him to gum. After seeing his first experience with self-feeding with the avocado, I was sold on the approach. Seph had so much fun! He was feeling, tasting, practicing chewing, practicing moving food around in his mouth, exercising his tongue and jaw muscles through the moving of food around his mouth, and swallowing bits and pieces here and there. All in all, you could tell he was having such a fantastic time squelling, laughing, smiling, and looking at us with a face that asked, "Are you all really letting me play with this stuff - so fun and tasty!". I even think there was a "Thank you." in there somewhere.

The earlier days of BLW, were exciting. Seph was always ready to try something new. He never knew what he was going to get, which was fun and then when he got something familiar he seemed pleased and just as excited because he knew what to do. Meanwhile, Daddy and I were able to sit and eat our meal with him. It wasn't Troy or I feeding Seph - the little man had that part under control. We would all sit together and enjoy our meals! I wasn't feeding him and then eating at some random time after. Eating together is something that Troy and I value very much and hope to carry with us throughout our lives. So, needless to say, BLW fit right in with our family lifestyle.

Another great aspect of BLW, is that Seph is so good at restaurants (or, at least, he has been thus far!). I usually bring him some of the foods he's been eating and let him do his thing. Sometimes, if there's something on my plate that would be fitting for him to try, I let him have a go. See that little face of anticipation while we all wait for our food?! So sweet!

We have also introduced a spoon at this point. Normally, what I've done here is put a little applesauce or something and hand it over to him. He likes to put the spoon in his mouth (and yes, sometimes flail the spoon after that). But that's OK. He's learning. Sometimes, he just wants the applesauce so bad he'll open his mouth very wide for me to put it in, but I normally try to get him back to taking the spoon from me so he can get some more practice in and understand how the spoon works. At this point, there haven't been too many foods he's tried that require a spoon. I am hoping to have him try some hummus pretty soon. I think he'd enjoy that. But, for now, applesauce is where we practice using a spoon.

Once starting solids at 6 months, we introduced a sippy cup. Let me tell you, this boy was absolutely thrilled to drink from a sippy cup. The one below is the kind with the straw and he's got that one down pat. He has been drinking water alone, aside from nursing. What I've read, thus far, it's beneficial to hold off on sugary drinks, which I'm all for. Seph loves water so much anyhow, so haven't found any reason to change that up on him. For now, I'd rather him focus more on enjoying different foods and getting whatever sweetness from actual fruits.

Below Seph is having some peas. He sure loves his peas! Haha. He sometimes sticks so much of his hand in his mouth just to make sure he got everything off the hand and in his mouth, which is quite impressive. One side benefit to BLW is his advanced dexterity. Our sweet boy developed a pretty stellar pincer grip pretty quick from all the practice and determination of feeding himself. Watching that develop over the past few months has been pretty amazing.

And another picture of him enjoying some of his green beans.

For us, BLW has been a great experience. I know it's not for everyone. I wasn't sure if it would even be for us or if you could call me a 100% BLWer. When we first started solids, I told myself that if it didn't seem to be going well I would resort back to the tried and true method of spoon feeding him purees. But, as life would have it, BLW went wonderfully. Our son loves mealtime and really enjoys food. He's always up to try something new and seems to enjoy experiencing the different textures and tastes. And not only does he enjoy trying new things, I think him feeding himself gives him a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and independence. 

The downsides we have encountered would include: minor gagging, people thinking we're crazy, and one allergic reaction. There have been a few minor gags here and there (to be expected), but nothing terrible. Since we waited to start solids at 6 months his gag-reflex had matured enough that he was able to manage soft baked items or things he could gum. Thankfully, there have been no occasions with choking (which can happen with any method used). We have had one non-severe allergic reaction to plain whole-milk yogurt, which is why the yogurt, cheeses, and things with dairy have been put off for a little bit (might try again at 9 months, but will be checking with our pediatrician on that one). So, really the downsides haven't been much at all. Overall, our Seph has learned to eat on his own and we couldn't be more proud of him!

Foods he has had to date include: avocado, sprouted grain toast, cinnamon raisin toast, bananas, peas, green beans, acorn squash, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, egg yolk, apples, apple sauce, kiwi, cantelope, plain baked chicken, chicken seasoned with basil and some spicy brown mustard, black beans, pinto beans, broccoli, cauliflour, brown rice, baked sweet potato plain and with garlic, grain bread, jalapeno bread, corn, cucumbers, celery, plain crackers, lima beans, spinach and kale puffs, banana puffs, apple puffs, veggie rice crackers, quinoa pasta, rice noodles, and potatoes.

Pretty sure those are all the foods. I'm going to keep posting about how our BLW journey continues. But, for being two months in, I think the little guy is doing great! I mean, look at that face! :)

Resources that have been helpful:

Why delay solids?

Reasons to Delay Solids

Baby-led Weaning

Wholesome Baby Food

First Foods

Baby-led

Starting Solid Foods

Book I read: Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide to Introducing Solid Foods - and Helping Your Baby to Grow Up a Happy and Confident Eater

List wouldn't be complete without the mention of two friends that have been so supportive and helpful:

Emily & Katey :)

**The list is a quick reference. I'm sure there are some that I missed. If you have any questions I'd love to answer them! Message me at: amanda{at}thesideoflove{dot}com

Seph's First Lenten Season

Erring on the Side of Love

I shall accommodate myself to them as far as I can, and as long as I live I shall serve God in them in unfeigned love.-St. Bernard

Last month there were a couple weeks that had some moments of funk in them. The funk came and went at random times. My funk has lead me to, at times, feel insecure as a mommy. Insecure in my abilities, in my judgement calls, my decisions, my sense of accomplishment, and more. So, after the funk coming here and there as well as trying to embrace the day-to-day (or moment-to-moment, for that matter) call to love and selflessness of motherhood, I decided that being a mommy is tough stuff (Such insight, right?! I blame sleep deprivation. That is all.). As soon as I get a grasp of all the to-do's of my little one something new comes up that I have to figure out how to approach in the best and most loving way possible.

After some thought I realized that this experience of funk is a little different for me. Let me explain.

Prior to mommyhood, I graduated from high school and went on to undergraduate school to do the same, which then helped me get into graduate school. I went to graduate school which prepared me to become a licensed professional. I sought out mentors and maintained my caliber through my colleagues, supervision, and continuing education. I then transitioned to a new profession, after some discernment, through seeking out a mentor program. This mentor program as well as my new colleagues helped prepare me to be the best that I could be. Throughout all this time I've always had some sort of feedback, educational foundation, colleague, or book I could rely on for guidance, education, and encouragement.

All these things that I excelled at previous to becoming a mama all came with specific foundational preparations and societal/cultural praises. And then there was motherhood. My vocation. A vocation that I am so glad that I was chosen for by our Lord. The vocation of being a mother full-time so that I can raise my son and be the best wife possible. A vocation (not truly considered a career by our culture) but one that has challenged me more than the careers that I have experienced up to this point in my life. One that I've desired for so long. This vocation was a seed that was planted in my heart many years ago. A seed which I then nourished with prayer and the sacraments. And yet, after everything has been said and done, this beautiful vocation came with no instructions or educational preparation.

Sure, there is always the wonderful support and ways that are passed down from parents (which I do treasure and have helped), and there's what you can remember from growing up, the doctors who know best, the internet with a plethora of information, as well as all the oodles of books and theories that each have their own say as to what is the ultimate best thing for your child. All of these things are good (Sometimes overwhelming, but good nonetheless.). But when it comes down to the day-to-day, there is nothing that can prepare you for all that comes with raising another human being with a beautiful and perfect soul.

As you can only imagine, I am not a fan of the funk in any capacity except for this: that it has encouraged me to pray more, to seek God more, spend more time meditating on our Blessed Mother, to search from within and try to better myself, and to reach out to other moms. These amazing women who have been where I am now and the amazing ones that are exactly where I am now. The beautiful thing about my reaching out to these lovely women has been the responses that I consistently received. I've found there to be a common theme. A theme of love.

Which leads me to this new blog. The month of January has been devoted to transferring my previous blog to this present one. In this time I was forced to find a new blog title, which was exciting and exhausting because I, of course, want something that is meaningful and just 'perfect'. And like I mentioned before, through all my conversations with friends and loved ones, the theme of love was constant.

These friends and loved ones reminded me that no other person will love my child the way I do. That all throughout time, God intended for this little one to be under my care, and that that is good. That I should trust that. That I should trust the deep-rooted love that I have for my son whom I carried in my womb, by the grace of God. I was reminded that, because I love him so much, all that I do is therefore done with love by default. And as we all know, God is love, making my efforts of Him and good. I was also reminded that I am not alone. I was encouraged to trust the love and the path God has given to me that ultimately pours forth onto my husband, my son, my family, my friends, and all I meet.

During these times of prayer and reflection, I picked up a book that is very dear to me - Fulfillment of all Desires by Ralph Martin. In there he was talking about the fruits of our work. He was talking about love. At one particular part he was sharing about St. Bernard and how he preferred to "Err on the side of love" when it came to all things. That statement clicked for me. When in doubt, when I am confused, when I am insecure in my own abilities, I need just err on the side of love as well as remember the value of what I am doing which I was reminded of by stumbling across Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's wisdom below.

To value only what can be "sold" is to defile what is truly precious. The innocent joy of childhood, the devotedness of a wife, the self sacrificing service of a daughter--none of these have an earthly market. To reduce everything to the dirty scales of economic values is to forget that some gifts, like Mary's, are so precious that the heart that offers them will be praised as long as time endures.
―Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

After all the thoughts, prayers, and readings, the title of this blog was born. In my life, I do want to remember this. I want to remember how St. Bernard lived his life erring on the side of love rather than caution (i.e. fear, insecurities, doubt, etc). I want to emulate this way of love, all the while, remembering the value of motherhood - the vocation I have been gifted by my sweet Lord.

Hopefully I can continue on remembering this way of love and choose to live it with all that I am; meanwhile, soaking up all the amazing goodness my son and husband, family and friends all share with me.

Have you ever experienced feelings like the ones I mention? How did you discern them? Or was transitioning to motherhood one filled with grace and ease? If so, what's your secret?

St. Bernard, Pray for us.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Servant of God, Pray for us.

I love these two!

8 Months and Counting

The goodness just keeps on coming. Lots of foods, hanging out with friends, family, and more.

You love looking through your books. There are a couple of favorites you have: Stories Jesus Told, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, and Busy Bible Storybook.The third book listed of these three has a pop-up page that you absolutely love. You will open and close it till you find it again. Fun stuff for you, little man.

You also love story time with Daddy. You and him read a book every night before bed. You are so engaged the whole time!

Our friend, Jessy, lost her Daddy this past month. You got all dressed up and brought many smiles to many faces. You were such a sweet boy and Jess loves you very much!

Daddy and Mama celebrated our 2 year anniversary. While we went to dinner you spent some quality time with Rebekah. You have tons of fun with her and she loves seeing you!

You look forward to play time with Daddy. I think it's definitely your favorite time. You laugh, squeal, roll, army crawl, face dive, push up, pull, and so much more. Daddy loves this time too.

We all go to Bible Study every Thursday still. You continue to enjoy watching all the kids playing while we have our Bible Study discussion.

Baby boy you have 6 teeth! Your top 4 have been making their way out this month and definitely had a break through.You've been exploring your little chompers and all their functionality.

You are army crawling and getting on all fours. You have yet to master full-on crawling but you definitely know how to make your way around.

Bath time is a favorite for you. You love the water. It calms you so much. You take one every night with Daddy and Mama's help.

You continue to love solids. You've had: zucchini, yellow squash, sweet potato with garlic seasoning, kiwi, chicken, cucumber, potato, celery, and apple sauce. You continue to enjoy all the other foods you gobbled in the previous months as well as your new sippy cup! Oh, how you love your sippy cup with a straw. Thank you, BLW for a healthy eating baby boy who loves his food!

You have had tons of fun seeing all of your friends! You've had quite a few playdates this month. We went to hang out with Gianna and Theresa, Daniel, George, Laura, and Max, Ben, Em, and Greg, Claire and Anna, and even Molly and Lucy made an appearance while all the Dad's were getting to work! You and I are very blessed, little one. God has blessed us with some amazing friends to share good times with.

It appears that you and Daniel are having a very intriguing conversation in the picture above.

Below, is when we went over to George, Laura, and Max's house while Daddy helped all the other Dad's move our friends into their new home. You liked the pop up toys.

You enjoy your mornings in Daddy and Mama's bed. You roll around everywhere. You would even roll off the bed if I let you. You enjoy waking up Daddy and, as much as he appreciates his sleep, I know he loves your little hands waking him up.

Also, you are quite the babbler. You have the skill of baby babble down. And of course we have to throw in some mad squealing abilities. This house will never be the same and we have you to thank for that.

There is something about this purple lid that you love. You will take this lid on and off as many times as we put it on. It's a challenge that you are always up for. 

You've been signing Milk this month. It's so exciting seeing you communicate with us through sign! Excited for you to start using more signs we've been learning.

Mama's friend from grad school, along with her two daughters and husband, visited us on their drive through Texas back up to Wisconsin. They loved meeting you and Mama was so happy to see her friend that she hadn't seen in so long!

Uncle Godfather ran a 1/2 marathon trail run! Your uncle loves challenges like these and would love you to grow up and enjoy them too. He drove over to our place after our run and spent some time with you. Y'all had fun, as always.

This month, we actually got to see Uncle Godfather three times! He loves you so much and is so proud of you and all you are doing. We also got to see Uncle Godfather's girlfriend for lunch one Saturday, which was so nice.

You are so wonderful at restaurants! You wait patiently for your meal and sit up like a big boy; meanwhile, observe all that is going on around us. 

It was a great month, sweetheart! We are really enjoying watching your sweet and fun personality develop. We're so proud of you!

Love you, 

Mama

Happy Anniversary, my love.

It's so hard to believe it's been two years! Only because it has flown by and so much has happened - so much good that is. We've been so blessed in our marriage. I have loved being married to you. You, the amazing man that God brought into my life so many years ago.

Thank you for being so wonderful. Thank you for being so kind. Thank you for your patience. For your goodness. For your gentle heart. For the way you care for me and our son. Thank you for your strength and determination. Thank you for always encouraging me to be me and to strive to be better. Thank you for the way you father our son. It's beautiful. It's more than beautiful. Thank you. In all, Thank you for the way you love me - your wife and mother of your son.














Image of happy wife below.

Happy anniversary, my love, my husband, and my best friend. 

Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; Rather look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you today and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. -St. Francis de Sales

Month 7 (a month late)