Archer is 7 months!

Archer at Montpelier (home of James Madison), Sept. 2011

 Archer turned 7 months old on November 12 and hit a couple of milestones this week.  His first tooth broke through.  To my surprise, it was on the top of his mouth instead of the bottom!  I had been checking his bottom gums daily because his cries sounded like teething cries but I didn't think to check the top.  His other top tooth broke through a couple of days later.  Archer also started the army crawl this week.  He saw something he wanted across the room and to my surprise, started dragging his little body towards it.  It was so cute!  I'll add some video later.

Archer at Cox Farm, October 2011

For the record, we adore this darling boy!  Not a day goes by that I don't think about how wonderful babies are.  Yes, they are demanding, and when they are going through a fussy bout it does not feel wonderful, but when they smile, laugh, play, get excited, and do new things, it is so irresistable!  It's interesting how much of a magnet little babies are too.  I tried to shop at Walmart last weekend and had such a hard time getting any shopping done because so many people stopped to talk and play with Archer.  It was cute. 

Archer at Cox Farm, October 2011

More about Archer....

Archer is a very happy, content baby.  We went through some fussy spells early in his life but those days are gone.  (Well, they do return a bit when he is teething or sick.)  I keep marvelling at how fast babyhood goes by.  In the beginning, the days and sleepless nights feel so long but before you know it, they are past.  Before you know it, your baby can be happy without being held all of the time.  Before you know it, you can get things done again.  Not as much as you used to, but you can do some things!  Archer likes to play on the floor with toys, he especially likes to dump out his brother's bin of hotwheel cars.  He likes to hang out in his little play gym.  He loves cheerios and cereal puffs (they help extend the time he will stay in the play gym).  He loves all food now.  I didn't start feeding him solids until 6 months but he has taken to it with a vengeance!   He especially likes to gnaw on a tough crust of bread.  He loves to watch his brothers and sisters play, they keep him entertained.  Hunter likes to chant this little song over and over "Doo doo baby, doo doo baby.." getting progressively louder and louder each time he says it.  It drives me crazy but the baby loves it, so I tolerate it.  The baby is very fascinated with Hunter overall.  If I'm feeding Archer or changing his diaper and Hunter walks in the room, the baby will twist and turn so he can see him.  It really helps me to have the big kids around.  Archer still goes in his baby swing once in awhile but not to lay back and fall asleep. He is wide awake and trying with all of his might to grab the legs of the swing.  He doesn't want to be abandoned in the room but will be happy in the swing for awhile if he has people to watch.  Archer takes good naps in his crib when we are home but my days of staying home and keeping my babies on a perfect schedule are gone.  We are often away from the home for classes and field trips but he does pretty well.  All in all, I couldn't be more delighted with this little guy.  I love you Archie boo!

Archer with Daddy at Skyline Caverns, September 2011