Top 5 Lifesavers

I love staying at home and being a mom, but it is a hard job. I wouldn't be able to do it as easily without these 5 things.

5. Bibs
Alek is always wearing a bib whether he's eating or just playing. Thank goodness for these because they save me time trying to get difficult stains out of his clothing and from changing his outfit several times a day.
4. Mirrors
I know it sounds strange, but if Alek is inconsolable, I just put him in front of a mirror and he stops crying and looks at himself and laughs. I don't know what it is, but it always makes him stop crying. He also loves to play in front of the mirror. I think now he actually recognizes himself and can entertain himself for awhile.
3. His Walker
Thank goodness that he loves to play in his walker. He's in it first thing in the morning while I make him breakfast, then he plays in it usually after his naps, and then when I make dinner. If there is something I need to do and I don't want him rolling all over the floor and bumping into things, I put him in his walker and he is very content. He doesn't even need toys on the tray to play happily. After all he has so many other things to play with like the dishtowel, garbage can, his bouncer, or his hands. He even tries to reach things that are hanging on the wall. He also loves to stop at the door in the kitchen and look out at the trees. He's been in his walker since he could hold his head and I'm so happy that he loves it so much.
2. His Plug
Alek really likes his plug and he has finally figured out how to put it in his mouth and then move his hand away without pulling it back out. He has had a plug since day one. It's nice that he'll take one because it helps if he's fussy in the car or in his crib. I just pop that in and he's happy most of the time. It not only helps console him, but it's also a great toy. If we're somewhere and we don't have any toys, no need to worry, he'll play with his plug. Lately Rafal and I will take it and put it in our mouths and he will smile at us, then take it out and put it in his own mouth. Hopefully when he's two years old, I'm not hating the plug because he can't live without it.
1. Rafal
I am very lucky because Rafal is extremely helpful with Alek. He knows how to do everything, like change diapers, feed him, dress him, put him to sleep, etc. Actually Rafal changed Alek's first diaper. When Rafal gets home from work Alek's face lights up. Rafal quickly puts his things away and gets Alek. They play and talk and have a good time together. Rafal is always speaking Polish to Alek so that he will be bilingual and be able to talk to his Grandma and Grandpa Hajdo. I love that Rafal wants to spend so much time with Alek and that he is so helpful. I don't know how I would do it without him.

Well, those are my top 5 lifesaving things. There are many more that help me get through some of those long hard days, but these are 5 things that at the moment are extremely helpful. Now if I could only find something that would help Alek take longer naps.

Chuck E Cheese's

Alek riding in the car

Alek and I went to Chuck E Cheese's with my sister Desi and her girls Addie and Sadie and my best friend Kelly and her three kids. Alek rode in the car and the dragon. He seemed to like them pretty well. Sadie would sit next to him and hug him and kiss him while they were riding together. I couldn't get a smile out of him, but as soon as I set him in the car, he would grab the steering wheel. I think he's really going to like cars.

Sadie riding in the dragon
She would put a token in and start the ride, then halfway through get off and go onto something else.

Grandma and Alek

Alek is so lucky because grandma and grandpa live right across the street and he gets to see them everyday. It is so nice to have my parents so close, especially now that we have Alek. My parents just love and kiss him to death. Every Wednesday, Alek gets to play with grandma and grandpa while Rafal and I work out and go grocery shopping. He always has so much fun and I never worry because I know that he is in good hands.

5 Months Old

I can't believe it, but Alek is 5 months old. The time is going by so fast and I'm watching my little baby turn into a little boy. This past week he has not wanted to be held when I feed him his bottle. Instead, he wants to lay down and try and hold it himself. I will try a couple of times a day to hold him and feed him, but he usually gets mad. I'm so sad that he wants to be more independent. At the same time, I know that it's part of growing up. Some things that he can do now very well are sit up, roll over, and walk in his walker. Instead of laying in his stroller, he's always trying to sit up so that he can see everything. He loves to roll all around the floor and although he can only roll one way, he's still able to get pretty far. He can walk forwards, backwards, and sideways in his walker. He's becoming a pro at maneuvering it around the kitchen floor. Today he went straight for the dish towel that is hanging on the stove and after a few attempts, was finally able to grab it and put it in his mouth. Then he went for the garbage can and started playing with the bag. I quickly took that away. I think now it's time to start baby proofing the house for my curious little boy.

Baby Behind the Wheel

One day he's sitting up and rolling over, the next day he's driving. They grow up way too fast. Rafal is getting a head start on teaching Alek how to drive. Alek can't reach the petals yet, but he knows how to hold onto the steering wheel. I hope the next 16 years go by very slow.

I Can Roll Over

Alek started rolling over 3 weeks ago. He had rolled over a couple of times before when he was sleeping, but didn't realize what he was doing. Then one day he realized he could roll over and now is constantly rolling around the floor. He can only roll to the left, but thank goodness he can roll from his back to his tummy and his tummy to his back. He loves to roll over while he's playing, but sometimes ends up rolling on his toys or plug and then gets mad. He also rolls around a lot when he's sleeping. He sleeps on his side most of the time and then will roll over onto his tummy. At first, he would wake up crying because he didn't like to be on his tummy, but now he turns his head to the side and keeps on sleeping. Maybe one day he'll master rolling to the right, but for now, he's only a left roller.

Look At Me!

Alek enjoyed his teething cracker so much, it was everywhere.

Squash, sweet potatoes, and prunes. Yummy! Alek loves to eat, but he sure makes a mess.

Alek and Daddy sleeping....well at least daddy is sleeping. Good job Alek. Thanks for putting daddy to sleep for me.

1..2..3.. he's down! Alek putting the thunder thigh squeeze on daddy.

I love to play. Alek's favorite thing to play with. He can entertain himself here for at least 15 minutes.

Alek's sandals finally fit his tiny feet.

Alek and mommy rockin' out.