17 October

Such a big week. Max made his first plane flights this week as he visited Melbourne for the first time. Overall he acquitted himself very well, but I am less than impressed with the Virgin Blue seats. They also seated those with babies in the back row - I would have thought a little leg room up the front would have been better for us - but maybe there's more to it than that. I'm not small by any means, but it really was ridiculous. On the return trip I had the aisle seat, and Max's head was half in the aisle and I had to be really aware of people moving up & down the aisle, and his feet were on his cousin's tray table. And when the man in front reclined his seat, I felt like I was in a straightjacket. Truly horrible. Luckily, it was only 50 mins!

We went to a close friend's daughter's christening, and Max met lots of people who had heard about him but who hadn't seen him before. Among them was the very cute (and so bright) Lachlan, who was absolutely adorable - he took Max's hand when he first met Max (very gently), and kissed it, saying "Baby Max!". Max grinned at him, which encouraged Lachlan to give Max a proper kiss on the cheek. Just lovely to watch.

He has been good lately, but is becoming more aware of different foods. He doesn't actively refuse much, but some foods really don't get met with much approval. As he still doesn't take much from bottles, I need to keep the solids journey up. Mince and chicken are fine, but he's not sure about cheese or baked beans. He's not good with a sip cup - just plays with it.

He's still not sitting, so we bought a seat called a 'Bumbo' (see pic) which helps him to sit up. Hopefully he'll get to like the idea, ratehr than lying down, and will learn to balance himself.

He's a huge giggler all of a sudden! Over the last week, I have been able to get him giggling most days - just blissful. I know most babies laugh at a much younger age, but as he's always been a happy kid, we haven't worried too much about the no laughing. But, now that it's here, it is so much fun.




We have bought some baby sunglasses to help Max learn what it is like to wear them - in preparation for the 'real thing' next year. So far, so good. He can't wear then in the car or pram as he's still resting on the back of his head and so they move, but he's quite good when he's just sitting or being held (see pic).