Introducing Rice Cereal

For the first time we offered Gilbert rice cereal mixed with the good stuff - breast milk! The experience was short lived, but fun.

Yet to lose his natural tongue thrust motion, the rice cereal spent more time on his face than in his mouth, but as we offered more he began to open his mouth wider accepting the cereal though it often came back out onto his chin!

Night Owl

Luckily, it is just a shirt and not Gilbert's modus operandi!

However, as Kristen says, he looks so "stinkin' cute" I wanted to post this picture!

Gilbert loves his changing table, but does not like actually 'changing' clothes. Especially if anything goes over his head. He fights violently. However, only a few seconds removed and you can't tell he was revolting against getting dressed!

Sitting Up

Gilbert's latest development is sitting up. The last two weeks we've witnessed incremental growth each day as he progressed to sitting up, holding his head up while sitting up, then playing in the sitting position.

But each day his strength grows. He's also learned how to - from the sitting position - use his legs to lift up toys and objects sitting in his lap to bring up to his hands. He can also lean over pick up toys and sit back up. Here's a few fun pictures as he plays with his new toys.

Gilbert is 5 months old today!

Wow! Kristen thinks the time has just rushed by. I feel as if it is just right. She's sad to lose the 'baby' in Gilbert as his development takes off and he continues to grow. She misses the 'little guy' that you could hold tight and snuggle with.

Me? I'm enjoying watching him grow. Can't wait for him to be able sit up unassisted. That will be the real fun.

But, to reminisce on our past five months, here are a few pictures from the 'good ole' days'!

New Toys

After five months of rings and rattles it was time for Gilbert to graduate and move up to some new toys. So yes, we've introduced shapes.

You know, the standard Fisher-Price set of stars, crosses, circles, and squares. They come with their own container with the shaped cut out of the top.

The packaging said 6+, but we know Gil is advanced. Right?

We gave the toys to him as an Easter present. Like he'll remember the day! Regardless, he thoroughly enjoyed exploring his new toys. His current affinity is the star. I think because of all the angles for which he can grab with his hand and stick in his mouth!

Gilbert. Dinosaur Hunter.

An adventurer at heart, Gilbert The Dinosaur Hunter had heard rumors these large beasts were roaming the urban jungle of Chicago. Armed with this knowledge and dressed in his best battle camo fatigues, he headed out to do battle with the fierce creatures.

It did not take long for him to locate two dinos. They were poised and ready to pounce.

They immediately overpowered the might hunter and seemed poised to make a nice snack out of him!

But not quick to succumb, Gilbert fought back and tasseled with the might T Rex!

The battle was ferocious, but in the end Gilbert was triumphant and he was crowded King of the Dinosaurs. Awarded their throne, he quickly turned them into his loving pets.

Thus marks another victory in the storied history of....


GILBERT THE DINOSAUR HUNTER!

Happy Easter!

Gilbert (and his blue bunny) want to wish you a Happy Easter!

Formula Milk. No Friend of Mine!

Kristen went out last night so we decided to feed Gilbert formula for his bedtime feeding. We've used formula before, but only rarely and typically in emergency type situations. Our stores of pumped milk are beginning to taper off, and since that stuff is liquid gold and in need during the weekdays, formula was the decision.

Gilbert drank it down as if it was the same stuff. However, come 3:30am the man was a farting machine. Seriously! If we harnessed that wind we could have powered a small Dutch village!

He's been waking up more often than not at this hour and since we are attempting to ween him from that feeding, Dad has the privilege of getting up with Gilbert to sooth him back to sleep. You Moms know why. Because once the child smells his mother, it is all about the Pavlovian response to feeding.

Well, I soothed him as he worked through his 'issues'. Some of his wind was indeed mighty. I think I checked his diaper twice convinced he had filled his drawers. But no! Just good old fashioned flatulence.

An hour later he was back asleep and I retired for what was left of my sleep. On top of that, I awoke - groggily - to a snowfall.

Good Friday? I think not!

Say Hello To My Little Friend!

Gilbert has found his thumb and they are now good friends! From early on, he's enjoyed putting his hand and fingers in his mouth, but he would turn his thumb under and end up sucking on his wrist of fist.

Then he graduated to just his forefinger and thumb, still in effect eating most of his hand. But no more!

The thumb is now extended and it resides in his mouth!

Birthday Party Weekend

Not for Gil, of course but for a few of our friends' kids. Saturday was spent tumbling around a gymnastics center rented out for Taggart (Kristen's godson) and his 3rd birthday.

I'm proud to say I was a bit more reserved than my last trip to the same venue for Cammie's (Tag's sister) 1st birthday party where I was politely 'advised' the equipment was for kids.

Nonetheless, I still had a good time running around with Taggart as he was his usual fun self bouncing around and screaming in joy jumping into the foam pit or being chased by me through the moonbounce!

Gilbert was in excellent spirits too and we were able to snap a few fun photos of him in his conductor's outfit. Thanks Grandma! Tag made sure to come by and say "Hello, Baby Gil!". Here's a picture of Kristen with Gil and Tag.

Sunday was spent at the Prerost's for Kathryn's 2nd birthday. She was in her usual fun form parading around all the new clothes and reading from the books she received as gifts! She was enamored with one of her cards that belted out a song when opened! Gil, once again, was fantastic. He stayed awake for a good four hours and was full of smiles and playing. Kathryn was incredibly sweet as we prepared to leave telling Gilbert (in his car seat) to "close his eyes" and sleep.

He Keeps Growing and Growing and Growing

No, Gilbert is not the Energizer Bunny (that is reserved for his father!), but his growth continues to top the charts!

Call it his four month'ish well visit, Gilbert received his usual battery of measurements and to his dismay four more vaccination shots!

Here are the results:

• Weight - 16 lbs. 7 oz. (75th percentile)
• Height - 27 inches (95th percentile)
• Head size - 17 1/2 inches (90th percentile)

So, his results are a continuation of where he ranked in the past two visits. He is growing at a uniform rate. Since his last visit two months ago, he's packed on more than two pounds and gained almost three inches. And his head continues to expand as it fills with good stuff - and some of the noise that comes out of my mouth!

The Roll Over

Gilbert is now rolling over. He done it already on solo occassions or gone halfway and then given up. But yesterday, he figured out to rollover and now that is all he once we place him on his tummy.

For your entertainment, I caught the action on video, so here, never seen before, is footage of Gilbert...rolling over! Double click on the Arrow to play.

The Greatest Discovery

Other people's stuff. Gilbert has discovered it. His eyes and brain are in simpatico and what he sees is what he wants. He really hasn't exhibited this behavior in front of me (then again I see him briefly in the mornings and evenings when full faculties sometimes wane).

However, it came to light these two days when I stayed at home with him. First it was his bottle. He would see the bottle come out of the fridge to be warmed up. He has recognized what is taking place and that the routine was a precursor to being fed. Yesterday he stepped it up a notch. When I picked up the bottle, he literally jumped out of my arm with both hands to grab the bottle. He planted a firm grasp on the nipple and pulled the bottle to his lips. I was conflicted between laughing and the fear of almost dropping him by being caught off guard from his sudden movement.

Then, he started reaching for my bottle, er, glass. At first it was about the touch. I think he likes the coolness of glass. Then it was all about wrapping his mouth on the lip of the glass. It got so bad, that the minute I'd pick up the glass for a drink he'd outstretched both arms in my direction as if signaling, "MEEEE!". I can only imagine the words that will accompany such demands! Not to mention the presence of drool down the side of the glass!

In just two short days, this discovery is exploring new territories. The shiny wrapper that houses my granola bar is now of interest. My cell phone. Soooo glad I saved my old phone for him to play with. Oh yeah, did I mention the camera. I have about 20 photos of him reaching for it. Who knows what is next! He grabs my Livestrong bracelet, but I think that is more luck than skill! Cant' wait for him to get a full clutch of Kristen's hair!

Mini Spring Break

Feeling my college roots, I'm taking a mini-spring break and staying home for a few days. Actually, I'm home because Kristen the Nanny is on her spring break. Lucky!

Okay, so it is not the beach and the weather is less than balmy. But, I'm home with Gilbert! I hope to get a few projects completed, take some naps with my son, and with the weather above 40 degrees, maybe a few walks as well.

I'm working on my first fun project right now - as Gil sleeps - laundry.

And who says I don't lead an exciting life!

Nanny Cam

No, not that kind of camera. We don't have secret cameras dispatched throughout the condo to spy on Kristen. No need, she rocks!

Instead, she has begun to take photos of Gil and we're thankful those moments are being captured while we toil away at work. Gilbert was in a particularly fun mood on Monday and Kristen snapped some great photos. Check'em out!

And in anticipation of St. Patrick's Day, we've been donning him in the appropriate wares!

I'm a Foodie

Yep, I love food. Not just eating it, but everything about it. Those of you that know me, understand what I'm talking about. I have a passion for food!

Whether studying the various cuts of meat and making my own dry rubs to experimenting with recipes to just cooking in general, I love it!

When we found out Kristen was pregnant with Gilbert, I could not wait to purchase my first cookbook for kids. Our friends, the Reinheimer's, gave us a book as well.

I was on a mission to ensure the food Gilbert ate was the best quality and free of any avoidable badness (like that? It is a technical term). In fact, I started with our own food. I did a post back in the early stages of this blog about milk and chicken and where you could find both free of antibiotics and hormones. We switched and now are looking into other areas. My current project is to secure enough interest among friends to buy a cow (or part of it) directly from the farmer!

Well, since then, my new goal is to eat local as much as possible. And I'm determined. After reading this article in the Sunday Tribune, we can improve.

I'm not saying empty your wallet and go to Whole Foods. No. We don't shop there for most of our stuff. Besides, they don't necessarily buy local either.

Instead, turn to your local farmer directly or go to farmers markets.

I'm tired of reading about problems in the commercial food chain and paying higher costs for mediocre produce at the grocery store. We've always been a fan of the local farmers market and this year we are going to improve how and what we buy from local farmers.

So, if you have ever thought about improving where and how you buy your food, I encourage you to 'go local'. Chances are it is easier than you think and the costs are negligible.

To get you started, visit these sites:

• Eat Local Challenge
• 10 Reasons to Eat Local Food
• Farm Direct Illinois
• Vital Information
• List of Chicago-area Farmers Markets for 2008

I know our friends Spring and Summer seem a long way away, but the farmer's markets will be arriving soon and the opportunity to buy all you need, locally, will be closer than you think!

Lazy Sunday

After a long work week and the return of sub-freezing temperatures, there was not much to do this past weekend, but relax. Well, come Sunday we all settled in for a nap. He outlasted both of us as he slept for 4 1/2 hours! .

Tummy Smiles

Gilbert is enjoying his tummy time more and more. His strength continues to increase and he actually will hold his head up for extended periods of time before plopping that nug down only to quickly fire back up. As if he's afraid he might miss something by looking down!

Additionally, he has begun to recognize himself in the mirror so now he'll stare intently. The Kristen's are to be credited. Kristen the Nanny will hold Gilbert in front of the bathroom mirror and Kristen the Wife (like the titles? Much like old times when the titles described who that person is. Like Patrick the Mighty!) would do the same at night. However, the mouse that runs around on the mirror I think definitely adds to his attraction!

Gilbert's Fun Zone

Living in a city condominium, space is at a premium. Kristen and I were committed to keep our condo a home while giving Gilbert what he needed to grow and develop.

So, his room is primary place for all the action. Of course, we don't relegate ourselves to the room, but we keep his stuff in there to keep some separation. And we do hang out there mainly when he's in the mood to play.

Kristen did a great job or organizing his room to contain his toys, books, and other entertainment gizmo's. As you can see, Gil is enjoying himself (feet straight up in the air!) in his 'playzone'! And yes, Gil uses the swiss ball too!

Picture Gallery

Hi. Not much new to report. The week has been a good one. Gilbert continues to develop and progress. He's been all about big smiles in connection with recognition of our faces. He's a bit of a flirt. He'll smile at you and then turn or tuck his chin into whoever is holding him. But then look back at you quickly and do it again. Look out ladies!

For your enjoyment here's a gallery of photos from the past few weeks. Enjoy!

I'm Going 2 Callige

Last night my daddy told me today that I am going to go to callige. He was telling me about my 529. What is a 529? Sez it will help him and mommy save money to pay for edumacation. I don't know what that is, but it sounds painful.

He also told me that in other places they call it 'university'. Why is the name different?

He was all happee now that my akownt is open. Daddy sez he is hoping the my grandparents will be generous. Mommy laughed at him. He also hopes I get a skalership. I don't know what that is, but okay.

I was cureus what college be, so I sneaked online to learn about it. Wiki sez it is a place to learn. I like to learn. Right now I learn how to put stuff in my mouth. I heard mommy tell daddy she hopes I learn to roll over soon. Why? I can't see anything on my tummy!

Callege looks like fun. I saw pictures of people laying in big open spaces talking and playing on computers. Everybody looked happy. I saw pictures of sports, too. I like sports.

So, college looks fun. Count me in!

You Must Be This Tall To Ride The Rides

Kristen bought Gilbert's first growth chart. Starting at 24", he barely cleared the first mark.

When we took Gil in for his 2 month well visit he was 24 3/8", so he's grown some, but not leaps and bounds. His next well visit is on the 14th, so it will be interesting to see the stats. I don't think his growth is at the same pace as it was initially - and maybe it is suppose to slow a bit - but it will still be interesting to chart the results!

All Things Must Pass

To borrow the line from a George Harrison song. And boy do they. Yes, the streak has ended. Nine blissful nights of full sleep were shattered on Saturday evening.

Kristen had a hunch Gilbert would not make it through the night. He was a bit 'off' all day Saturday. We put him to sleep at his normal time and I drew Gil duty that night. Puked on his pj's about a minute after getting them on.About 10:30 he woke and then come midnight he was up agaain and was quite cranky. Oh yeah, he wet through those pj's. Took me an hour to get him back to sleep. And then up again at his normal time to eat. Oh yeah, he puked on those jammies. So, four changes later, we resumed our regular day activities. At that point I thought he'd probably be done.

I was quickly reminded of a line from City Slickers, "Day ain't over yet." I had to change my flannels and two t-shirts. Gil got Kristen at least twice also. It was a two-bath day for him.

He obviously wasn't feeling well. When we'd held him, he'd curl into our shoulder or tuck his head under our chin for comfort. No position for too long suited him, unless we wrapped him in what we call the 'ultimate snuggle blanket' in which he would quickly fall asleep. And sleep he did most of the day. Poor little man!

But Gil's a fighter. We still had some good moments and I must admit, I enjoyed napping with him on the couch!