Hitting the Slopes

Besides getting a terrible cold at day care, Pierce had a great second week at school (as did mom). He has a girlfriend (Brianna) and is charming all of the kids and teachers alike. He is the youngest in the infant room for now, so is the center of attention--he would have it no other way! He smiles and talks his way through his days, and has learned how to put himself to sleep at nap time, which he demonstrated for mom and dad this weekend. I worked on napping without nursing to sleep for a while before going back to work, but couldn't tolerate his fussing to sleep. He only needed 2 weeks at school to pick up the skill. Hooray for all of us! He has picked up sucking the thumb of his left hand (future lefty?), which helps soothe him during the day. Just like his night-time sleep he immediately rolls onto his belly to nap. It's very cute to see! The nap picture is from another napping session--it's just a sweet shot. He had his 5 month birthday on Friday. It's funny that he seems to incorporate all of his new skills just as he enters a new month of life. Can't wait to see what 6 months brings!
This weekend we were lucky enough to head up to Vermont to visit good friend Jon Mingle and Scott and Alisa Harrison. Jon is a caretaker at a homestead in Randolph Center, and can ski out of his back door onto 400 acres of beautiful country side. The whole family went out for a cross-country skiing adventure in beautiful weather. Pierce loved the fresh air (but needed some sunglasses). He loves taking in the scenery when we are out and about. And he is finally out of the infant insert in the Ergo so gets a much better view of the surroundings. Thanks to Jon for hosting us!
Today (Monday), we had a cozy day at home in the morning, and Pierce got to test out his new floor playmat. He has taken to "swimming" when placed on his belly during awake time--watch out Michael Phelps. I am sure as soon as he gets some traction our little boy will be on the move.

We are entering our second week of rice cereal which Pierce is still loving. Next week we can venture into orange vegetables, so I am getting the babycooker out and cleaned. The big question is--carrots or sweet potatoes?