The weather has suddenly turned cold here. It was in the 90's yesterday and today it is rainy and cold. I think fall has finally arrived. Texas seems to have a long summer like California, which I don't mind. I would be completely happy if it was summer year round. Carl on the other hand grew up in Illinois (a big freezer in the winter) and loves the colder weather. The leaves have yet to turn colors, which I must say I am looking forward to!                         

We gave Aiden his first taste of solid food last weekend. We got ready with the camera expecting him to make a big mess as all the books had warned. we made the cereal in front of him and when we offered it he opened his mouth and began munching right away!! It was as though he had been watching us and taking mental notes over the past couple months:)  He really likes the cereal, especially if it is made with mommy's milk. I tried just using a little water but he didn't seem as eager to eat it. We have also tried giving him sweet potatoes which he also really enjoyed. We have to wait a few days before introducing another veggie to watch for an allergic reaction. I am going to the store today to buy veggies for him. I am looking forward to making his food myself.                                                        

Last Thursday Aiden and I had the treat of spending time with some of Carl's family that lives here in Texas. We got together with some of Aiden's cousins and 2 of his aunts and went to the Dallas World Aquarium (the same one we went to for our Anniversary).We had a great day, and all the kids loved seeing the exhibits. Aiden seemed to notice more this time as he was 2 months older. Later that evening we then met the hubby's at Chipotle to have dinner together. Boy were we exhausted at the end of the day, but we really had a great time.!                                        

On Saturday we took a little family outing to a pumpkin patch about 1/2hour away. I always went to one every year in California when I was a daycamp counselor in college and then when I was a teacher, and I remember how much the kids loved it. I was really eager to take Aiden this year and was so glad that they have them here in Texas. We had a great time. Aiden was abviously still a little young to really enjoy it, but we sure had fun taking pictures of him and enjoying time together as a little family.

I have posted some pictures of our fun week. Have a look

Last Monday I took Aiden for his  6 month photo shoot. He was such a ham and the pictures came out great!! You can check them out if you would like. Just enter MELITSA BARNES for the customer name. Click Here

Today is our sweet Aiden's half birthday!! Wow, is he already 6 months? Where did the time go? When I got him out of his crib this morning I asked him, "how did you get so big?". He just smiled at me. Our little newborn that did nothing but eat, sleep (not much of it), poop and, oh yeah, cry (too much of it), is now crawling, almost sitting up, laughing, babbling and has so much personality. I just love being his mommy!!!
So what gift do you give to celebrate your baby's half birthday? Well, nothing really, but since turning 6 months is the start of a whole new world for Aiden there was only one thing to buy... a highchair. Yes, our little guy is going to start eating solids!! Yesterday after church we stopped by ToysRUs to purchase the one that we had registered for. We didn't get it beforehand and we were thankful... just one more thing to pay to move.
Now I know that most babies wait till 6 months to begin solids, but some do start earlier if they are showing signs of readiness. Aiden was definitely showing those signs, but we were waiting for his digestive system to mature to hopefully give him a greater chance at not developing Celiac Disease.
It has been really hard waiting to feed him. He is completely aware that we eat food and he looks longingly at us when we eat. He even starts moving his lips hoping to somehow get a taste. Needless to say, we just felt horrible at times and we often just wanted to just give him a spoon of whatever we were eating, Mexican, salad, ice cream (all perfect first foods, I know). Well, this week is the big week for him. We are waiting till after he has his 6 month check-up and then we will start with the yummy rice cereal. We will be sure to post pictures of this exciting event :)