I’ve been babywearing Binary Boy since he was born. I first started with a sling, used it for about a week and decided that I didn’t really like it. Then I switched to a Mei Tai and used that for a while, but felt it wasn’t supportive enough for my back.

After doing some research and reading some blogs, I got an ERGObaby Carrier. And that is all I’ve ever used since. I am hooked! I still use it on a daily basis and especially enjoy shopping while babywearing Binary Boy. It keeps him close and I never have to worry about him if I have to leave the cart for a minute.

Ms. Babywearer herself, Stephanie, over at Adventures in Babywearing, asked for favorite babywearing photos. I only have a few, unfortunately. I will have to remedy that! However, choosing from the few that I have, here are my favorites:

Babywearing at the Texas State Capitol Building in Austin - March 27, 2009 - Binary Boy is 5 months old

Babywearing while sporting shades, June 1, 2009 - Binary Boy is just over 7 months old

Babywearing at Whole Foods, October 11, 2009 - Binary Boy is about two weeks away from his 1st birthday. (taken with iPhone & most recent baby wearing photo)

She has been featuring the winners of the Sakura Bloom Triathlon contest and it’s been fascinating to read about others who practice babywearing! Go take a look. Even if you’re not into babywearing, Stephanie’s writing and photos are captivating.

Yes, I know. I am not supposed to blog about not blogging, but here I am, doing just that. What can I say? I’ve been busy. You know, doing stuff. Being a mom, being a wife, taking care of the house.. you know, that kind of stuff. Mom stuff and domestic stuff that is all consuming of energy and time. So much so, that my evenings usually end with me exhausted and falling asleep (passing out) at 9 o’clock PM. With yet unfolded piles of laundry haunting my dreams…. fun times I tell ya.

Well, not tonight! I made some hot chocolate and hopefully the sugar will give me a boost so I can write on at least one of the myriad of post subjects that keep floating around in my head, or if they’re lucky enough, get written down on a scrap of paper that is added to large stack of other little scraps of paper on my desk.

So, instead of rambling on and on about being tired (blah, blah, blah), I will begin on my next post. So far, so good, at least I haven’t fallen asleep yet and it’s 10 o’clock.

It’s nice to be back. I missed you.

Mouse over it for more. I apologize in advance.

Every morning I get these “Notes from the Universe“. It’s basically an inspirational blurb from the point of view of “the Universe” (or God or whatever higher being you believe in – if you do, that is!).

This morning, I woke up to see this message in my inbox:

“How is it Binary Blonde, that with so many brilliant beings on your planet, so few recognize that when one’s life encounters turbulence, choppy waters, or setbacks, it’s always a sign that things are about to get wildly better than they’ve ever been before?

And I’m not talking about the dolphins.

Don’t fight it,
The Universe”

I can’t even tell you how good it was to read that, considering how the last few days have been for me. So, thank you “Universe” for making my day that much better.

It’s a good thing that I write down Binary Boy’s milestones in my trusty Moleskin notebook, because at this point, one of the last things I want to do at the end of the day is try to remember anything.

In addition to being physically tired from chasing the little guy all over the house (yes, sometimes I literally have to run to keep up – he crawls that fast now), my brain is mush by end of day. Combine the two and, after dinner is done, all I want to do is veg out.

Binary Boy is so happy he's finally mobile. Betcha can't catch me!

So, here are Binary Boy’s milestones during his seventh and eighth months! Better late than never, right?

Seven Months

• “Real” crawling – Binary Boy started crawling the traditional way of tummy up off the floor. See photo above. No more army crawl!
• Babbling and words – Started saying “ma-ma-ma” and “da-da-da” more clearly.
• Pulling up to standing – This was a fun milestone to watch the progress of. One day he would pull halfway up, then the next day he was standing tall!
• Standing steady – After he would pull himself up, he would usually drop back down, but towards the middle of month seven he could stand for longer periods of time and very steadily.
• Regular sleep (and nap) schedule – This was a BIG one for both of us and it is all due to the amazing book “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child“. Binary Boy has always been a light sleeper and would not stick to a sleep schedule on his own, so I had to do it for him. Let me tell you, I wish I would have started the sleep scheduling earlier. It’s been a real reliever of stress for both of us, I think.
• Understands “No” and simple commands – I looked this one up, because the pediatrician said Binary Boy is very advanced for this particular skill. This one is usually mastered around 10-11 months! Wow.

Eight Months

• Eating much more solid food – Both morning and evening (and soon to be lunch time), Binary Boy gets at least a serving (for his age) of solid food. I introduce new foods (with the help of “The Petit Appetit Cookbook” – love this book!) every 3 days or so and I still have several left, as the summer months bring a large amount of fresh organic food!
• Walking using non-stationary object – His balance has improved greatly and he is using all sorts of objects to use as “walkers”. His favorite is rearranging the dining room chairs, which slide easily on the tile floor and the laundry basket, which, when full (I do not let him use it when it’s empty as it tips over too easily!), is easily pushed across the living room rug.
• Started cruising – I think cruising is the right word to use. From what I understand, it means he walks while constantly holding onto something. His favorite is cruising around the living room couches and his Baby Einstein toy. Fun!
• Words, words, words – In addition to the traditional “ma-ma” and “da-da”, he has now added “ba-ba-ba”, “day-day-day”, “nay-nay-nay” and “nigh-nigh”. The last one, I think, means “night-night”.
• Dancing! – Takes after his mom with this one. He LOVES to bop to any music playing and gets this huge grin on his face. It’s seriously cute!
• Started feeding self – Consistently, that is. He would do it intermittently in month seven, but in month eight, especially towards the end, he got really good at it. His pincer grasp still isn’t quite perfected, yet, but ohh.. he’s so close! His favorite foods to eat by himself are HappyBaby Apple Puffs and HappyBaby Banana Puffs. I want to try the Greens Puffs soon, as Binary Boy really enjoys veggies. (Also, do you see a running theme with the puffs? I had been trying O-type cereal for a while and he never quite took to them, but after I found something that melted in his mouth – the puffs – it was like he was a different baby when it came to feeding himself!)

So, hopefully, for this month (nine), I will post sometime within the actual month. No promises, though! I’ve learned my lesson with that. Mom of nine-month-old = makes no promises with her free time.

Summer is my favorite season. Sure, it’s hot, but when else during the year can you get amazing, organic strawberries (and SO many other fruits) for so cheap?

Also, swimming is the most fun during Summer, ponytails everyday of the week are okay, casual clothing is totally acceptable and people are generally more chipper.

And don’t get me started on being a kid and Summer. That’s pretty obvious!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have dessert waiting. Mmmmmmmm….

PS – This is my first post with my iPhone. Look okay?