As much as I love my job I couldn't help but count down the days till summer... summer is usually anxiously anticipated and welcomed with a smile by all teachers. However, for this new mommy this summer would be different than any other. After regretfully only taking six weeks of maternity leave, every ounce of my being longed for more time with my son. Trust me when I say I am taking full advantage of my time with him. Our days consist of cuddling, smiling at each other, naps, tickles, nursing, singing, reading books and sharing kisses. We recently began introducing solids after being advised by our doctor to wait until Rye was six months. Dr. Secuar (a retired veteran with over twenty years of experience) always gives the best analogies and said, "Think about it, do you feed a paraplegic that cannot swallow solids with a spoon? No, you feed him liquids." He said at six months babies have more ability to sit with assistance and the food can travel down their throat with ease. In addition, he noted that current research indicates starting babies too soon on solids can increase their risks for food allergies. This advice made sense to Trev and me so we choose to wait. Does this mean this is the answer for all mommies and babies? No, I recommend doing what YOU feel is right for you and your baby. God gave us those maternal instincts for a reason. I decided to go straight to veggies and skip rice cereal all together. To me it seemed like a filler with not much nutritional value and meant to help babies sleep longer. Well since Rye already sleeps 8-10 hours at night it seemed only logical to skip the cereal altogether. After steaming and purreeing fresh organic sweet potatoes for Rye, the ever looming all encompassing "mommy guilt" (of a short maternity leave) slowly drifted away as I told Trev how proud I was of myself for doing something I have always wanted to do for my babies. Cooking for Rye is a new found hobby and one I embraced wholeheartedly. I think I can safely say “This is the best summer yet”! Here are some pics of "The Summer of Ryder" (As a good friend/ fellow mommy likes to call it):