Our New Favorite Skill

Things have been busy here in the Olden household. Donovan is crawling (well... backwards) and he has learned to pull himself up to a standing position and now, that's all he wants to do! He wants to stand so often that in Gymboree he had no interest in any of the activities... he just wanted to stand. We are so proud of him and he looks so proud of himself when he's doing it.

     

We've been outside in the nice weather quite a bit and Donovan loves sitting outside to play. He has also been to the National Aquarium in DC (was a disappointment to Mommy!) and been to the National Mall to see the Cherry Blossoms. He has tried a lot of new foods and enjoys chewing on Gerber Biscuits. He has also tried chicken (which he likes) and lamb (which he's not too sure about yet). We can't believe he's already 7 months old (I know - we say this every month) he just keeps surprising us, and making us smile, everyday. He is now officially closer to 1 than to a newborn which is both exciting and a little sad - he's growing so fast!!!

                 

The Park, The Zoo and a Playdate

March has been a been a busy month for Donovan. Along with swimming and Gymboree he has been a few new places. Annee took Donovan to the park to check out the slides and big kid swings. It was nice to have the park all to ourselves since it was midday and midweek. He seemed to enjoy it although there was a lot to look at so he had a lot of distractions :)

    

Annee and Donovan also spent one of the nice, warm, sunny days at the National Zoo. Another nice trip as it's not very crowded there when school is still in session. Donovan stared at the animals and even seemed a bit wary of the Orangutan. It was a great workout for Annee who had to push Donovan up the massive hills there!

          

Today, Donovan and Annee got together with Melissa and her daughter Remy. Donovan and Remy met back in October in Gymboree and we have often referred to Remy as his little girlfriend. They seem to like playing together and had a fun afternoon at the park.

        

In other news this month... Donovan had his 6 month well visit and now weighs 19 pounds and is 25.5 (or 26 depending on who measured him) inches long. He was a trooper for his shots and everything else looks good. We were given the OK to start trying meats with him and start a few more finger foods. He likes the Gerber puffs and rice cereal (like rice crispies). He has also chewed on some pizza crust with great enthusiasm. We also have given him banana chunks and big pieces of carrot to suck on. He is slowly mastering holding his own bottle and has even given a sippy cup a try a few times. He is learning new things everyday and is growing so fast. Hard to believe he'll be 7 months old soon. He has no teeth yet but he is definitely getting close as we can see clear lines along his bottom gums (that and he's been more fussy than normal).

Here are some other photos from the past few weeks:

             

6 months old!

Look who is already half a year old! We can not believe it... seems like he was born yesterday and yet, he's already halfway to being a year old. This month has brought some new milestones. Donovan can stand on his own (albeit only for a few seconds), he is eating a few more solids and is trying with all his might to be a mover. He started swimming class and has moved up to a new level at Gymboree! He even got a chance to play outside with Annee a few days in the nice weather.

Donovan seems to love swim class. He looks a little shell shocked sometimes but smiles and splashes the water... he even blew some bubbles. He has two swimsuits and here he is lounging in one before our class this past Monday.

We think he'll be a real mover soon as we are now in level 2 at Gymboree. He is now one of the youngest babies in class and is watching all the other babies. Watching and taking everything in, as he always does, he'll be learning how to scoot or crawl in no time. Level 2 is a lot more tiring and he falls asleep for a good part of the afternoon when we get home.

That's about all for now. Here are some recent photos...