Introducing Solids

Introducing solids in one of the greatest milestones !!! As a part of the Indian tradition, there is a ritual that marks an infant's first intake of food other than milk and is called "Annaprashan"( eating food ). It is usually done at 6 months of age. As a part of the tradition we offered "kheer" ( rice pudding) to her. The sweet taste of kheer appealed to her taste buds :)
Today we started rice cereals for her. She seems to be liking the taste as she was asking for more and more..... :) Here's Miss Messy after her meal this morning

Baby's first foods are usually rice cereals here in the United States, although back home in India we generally give daal or rice water ( "daal ka paani" or "chawal ka paani" ). Anvesha enjoyed her meal thoroughly. We gave her Gerber rice cereals. Iam too excited for her and have done a whole lot of research already for what foods to introduce and when. Here's a website that has a whole lot of information on baby foods that I referred to http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/. We do get ready- to- eat baby foods in the market but I want to stick to homemade variety since they are fresh and economical too. 

Growing up fast !!!!

Anvesha will be 6 months in 2 days !!! Every month is a new milestone achieved. She has started making an effort to crawl and is showing signs of teething as well. These days all she does is put anything and everything in her mouth. I got her few teethers from babiesRus the other day, hope this gives her some comfort. I was told to offer her when they are chilled :) Its amazing how kids grow up so fast. Last month she started to sit on her own and in just a matter of one month she is making an effort to stand up as well :) Rolling is still some way to go as of now. While I am typing Anvesha is trying to hold my hand in order to get up :) Here's a pic of hers from yesterday.

While I am finding it difficult to keep Anvesha engaged throughout the day, we explored a couple of options including daycare . After much research, we got her enrolled in the Gymboree play and music classes so that she may learn socializing skills and does not have stranger anxiety. I know this is a big word with respect to an infant, but it is equally important to shape a child's personality during the formative years. She gets to meet other babies of her age and play with them. At the end of the day its a win win situation for both me and her. Happy baby = Happy parents !!!!!

Another Milestone Achieved !!!!!

Anvesha is now 5 months old and it was a miracle to see her sit on her own without support the other day ( though she can sit without support for only a couple of minutes at a time ). This is a big milestone in itself. Every child is different and reaches those milestones at different times and it was a sheer delight to see her sit on her own especially when she is hardly able to roll over properly. I guess it has a lot to do with the Bumbo seats :)It allowed her to sit upright before she had the strength to do so herself. Anvesha loves to be off the floor and see whats going on around the room. Plus I can always place her on the seat for some time while I do my household chores :) She joyfully plays with her toys on her playmat ( we have made a small corner dedicated to Anvesha where she can play around )while I admire her at arms' reach.

 We started using the Bumbo seat when Anvesha started having some head control. The seat looks funny though, but provides a simple way for baby to interact with their surroundings. Anvesha hated tummy time and the Bumbo seat is a more pleasant way to keep her from laying on her back too much. A word of caution: do not use these seats on high surfaces such as tables or counter tops!

New friends... thanks to Anvesha!!!

I must admit that I have been a loner and an introvert by nature... Iam unable to initiate a conversation or keep it going... Thats how I have been all my life. When I take Anvesha out for a walk or in the park, there are so many people who come up to me (the population mainly comprises of moms :))I have made few friends, thanks to Anvesha :) I like to call them , "park friends". There is a common topic to talk about... "our little ones". It gives me some time out from home and talk to new faces. Like i said earlier in my posts life is beginning to settle down and its time for me to reconnect with my friends, I would also like to add here its also a good time to make new friends, meet new moms. Parks, play areas, online communities are a good way to meet new people. Being a stay at home mom does get frustrating at times. Everyone needs change and going out to socialise surely makes life easy. Also, it is a win win situation for both me and Anvesha :)

Breastfeeding- An emotional affair

It has been almost 5 months that I have been breastfeeding Anvesha exclusively. There were times when people around me suggested to start formula milk for her, but I decided to stick to breastfeeding. There is absolutely no substitute for breast milk and it helps build a strong immune system for the baby too. Besides the benefits of breastfeeding, it is more of an emotional affair for me :) It has helped build a strong bond between me and Anvesha and it feels heaven when I hold her in my arms.

Reconnecting with friends

I had been out of touch from practically everyone ever since Anvesha was born.  life is beginning to settle down a little with Anvesha following a fixed pattern of schedule. I remember initially for the first few months all I did was fed her, changed diapers while still recovering myself. Now is the time for me to reconnect with my friends and concentrate on few other things ...that reminds me I have to complete my pregnancy journal as well.... (ya ya I know im too late). Sorry friends.... I know I have been underground all this while... I assure you, you will see me more often now or atleast hear my voice :)

Rolled Over !!!!!!!

Today Anvesha rolled over for the first time. She hates tummy time and I have to make a persistent effort to lay her down on her tummy several times a day. She has started observing and trying to reach out to her toys. So today evening while giving her tummy time, I placed a mirror in front of her (she loves to see her own face) and placed few toys out of her reach. In an effort to reach out to her toys, she rolled over!!!! I screamed in excitement....Iam proud to be the first one to observe this happen. Prateek just missed it from a fraction of second. After this we tried that she rolls over again, Prateek jumped to get the handycam, but as they say.... this one was a "limited time offer".