Loving Lanier: Solid food...here we come

5-1/2 months old now, I can't believe it. Oh how the time flies. We had a wonderful Easter with Daniel's family down at the beach. Lanier had a lot of firsts that weekend. It was her first time in the swimming pool. She loved to just kick her feet and put her hands through the fountains they had going. I have to say it was tough with her schedule to be at the pool for more than 30 minutes, but we eventually started setting up a shallow baby pool at the house, and she loved it! Lanier also sat up for the first time over Easter, something I definitely wasn't expecting. She hasn't even rolled over yet! I think the point of view from a sitting position has opened up a whole new world for her. She is much more aware of what is going on around her, and gets better everyday at her balance.

We had a wedding last weekend in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. It was beautiful on the beach and we couldn't have asked for better weather. My sister in laws were there with their babies as well, and I have to say we looked like a circus walking down the beach with our big colorful Bob Strollers. We had a great time and I celebrated my first Mothers Day while we were there! Daniel got me a precious card from Lanier, where he wrote me a long message from her, and then got me sewing classes! I'm so excited, I went to the first one yesterday and made a cloth napkin. I already feel like i'm learning so much. I can't wait to hopefully get into making some cute things for Lanier.

Last night we took a major step and gave Lanier her first taste of rice cereal. I was worried because I'd heard so many mom's say how awful it tastes, and that their baby just hated it. Lanier has always been a very good eater, and is starting to get to the point where I see her watching me eat, and even at our playgroups watching while other mom's feed their babies. I just feel like she is really ready. We undressed her down to her diaper and just sat her on a towel. I was so surprised how quickly she picked it up. She used her hands to kind of shovel the spoon and food into her mouth, and was anxious to get the next spoonful in! Overall, I think it was a great success.

We are still getting lots of laughs, especially when I accidentally tickle her while getting her dressed. She has so much personality now and is just such a loving, cuddly baby. We fall more in love with her everyday. I can't even tell you how much Daniel adores this child. Today he came back in the house 3 different times when he was leaving for work, just to make sure she was still looking at the door as he left to say goodbye. He just can't get enough of her, and I am so glad that he feels that way.

Love to you all. Here are some pictures and a link to a video of her first feeding!