James at 7 months

Eating
James is now eating three meals a day and tends to eat the same as we eat. He is generally feeding himself, which can get pretty messy. We do spoon feed things like yogurt or porridge. His food intake has continued to increase as his ability to handle and chew food improves. Some favourite foods have been pancakes, tortellini, quiche, salmon, and pears. Over the past month his milk feeds have gradually started to decrease in quantity, which is really directed by him. He still has some breast milk in the morning and just before bed.

Sleeping
He still has 2-3 45-minute naps during the day and is now generally sleeping through from 7pm to 6am. He is waking up in the morning happy and content now, and it is a pleasure to listen to him talk to himself before we go in and say good morning.

Appearance
James is now 19 pounds and a solid little boy. His hair is continuing to come in, and still is a lovely strawberry blonde colour.

Development
He started to sit unassisted from 6.5 months, which is around the same time he cut his first two bottom teeth. He started a nursery 3 days a week this month as I have returned to work part time. He really seems to enjoy himself there and the interaction with the staff and other babies. He did pick up his first nursery cold in his second week, which coincided with the arrival of his teeth. This led to him not being his usual self and our first (of many I'm sure) call from the nursery telling us he was ill. Thank goodness for Calpol.

Things we have learned

• Baby teeth are sharp!
• Babies are vessels of infection :)

Pictures from the past month

He loves to dig in his treasure box and throw toys everywhere

Poor hat is a bit too small now

Showing off his new teeth with a big smile

First day at nursery photos sent home with James

His first Valentine's Day craft

First time on a swing

Love you Jims!