6 months and beyond!

I reached my 1st goal of exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months.
No formula, no cereal or other solids, no nothing but my milk for Benjamin. Many people think this is crazy (and sadly, less that 15% of mothers do this), but it is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, etc etc. Exclusively breastfeeding until 6 months (hence delaying solids) decreases development of food allergies, decreases risk of obesity, blah blah blah. It was very important to me to make it this far, and I'm so glad I did. It really helped to have a supportive family, and wonderful hubby who made sure I kept hydrated, and a wonderful mom, who stuffed me full of "lactation" cookies (they have brewers yeast ...they are not made with breastmilk!) when I was paranoid that my supply was low. And thankfully I have a flexible job so I can take my pump breaks without too much hassle.

Anyways, that leads us to where we are now....we started cereal!
While most people start with iron fortified rice cereal....I certainly wouldn't want to do what most people do ; ) Rice is pretty nutrient deficient, so I decided to start with oatmeal (great source of fiber, and other vitamins). Super easy to make. Buy old-fashioned oats. Grind in coffee grinder. cook. serve warm with breastmilk mixed in. I freeze extra so I only cook some every 3-4 days.
Benjamin wasn't too excited the first few times he tried, but lately, he has been finishing his bowl and laughing and smiling the whole time. It is messy, but really fun to see him enjoy it. He also tried avocado this weekend at my parents. Oh and for those inquiring minds.... even a full bowl at 5:30pm does not = longer sleeping.

Benjamin has also been having lots of fun during bathtime with Hubby.

MMMM duck.

Towel head

We go for Benjamin's 6 mo check up soon. It is supposed to be Wednesday, but we are only going if it doesn't snow.