We had a very nice weekend away at Kingscliff. Cooper was pretty good sleeping in his portacot. The first night we put him to bed a little later due to the fact that he just woke up from a nap at 4.30 pm. Plus it's daylight savings down there so it was light later. I think he went to bed closer to 7.00 pm (instead of his usual 6.00 pm). He ended up sleeping until 5.00 am like he always used to. None of this 4.00 am stuff!!! He did wake when we went to bed around 10.00 pm but we managed to pat him back to sleep. The door to our room was soooooo noisy. The second night he went to bed at his usual time and woke around 4.00 am. I might try to push his bed time back a bit and see what happens. Although he used to be able to go to bed at 6.00 pm and sleep until 5.00 am. But then on Monday morning he woke at 3.00 am!!! So who knows.

He ate well too while we were away – dinner anyway. He seems to enjoy pumpkin. He doesn't eat as well in the mornings (apple at the moment). He just started with a new Farex last night – the 6 month plus one (Mixed Cereal instead of Baby Rice). He seemed to really like it!

He's started copying us when we make open and closed mouth movements to him. It's very cute. Also he can now wave! If we wave he copies and he looks so cute flapping his hands around at the wrist. The waving was confirmed this morning when Mark headed off to work. Cooper and I were standing at the front door and Mark waved – then Cooper started waving! So cute.

Cooper had his first trip to the beach while we were away but I think the water was too cold. He seemed in awe looking at the waves and was pretty excited but when Mark put his feet in the water he screamed! I think he was tired too which didn't help. Otherwise he enjoyed his two trips to the pool.

Cooper had 3 solid meals yesterday – breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was the first time he's had lunch. He ate well too, especially last night. I think it's the best he's done. He was opening his mouth and when the spoon went near he totally lunged at it. Mark and I were killing ourselves laughing!

Cooper woke for a feed at 4.30 am. But today I didn't mind so much as then he slept until 7.30 am which was 3 hours from the last feed. So I don't feel out of whack with my sleep/feed/play routine. I'm not enjoying him waking at 4.30 am for a feed but then only sleeping until 5.30 am or 6.00 am. It was quite dark and rainy this morning – maybe that's why he slept until 7.30 am?

I tried giving him breakfast at 8.00 am but he didn't seem too interested. I'm not sure if he's just not a breakfast person (!) or maybe he's not liking apple too much. I will give lunch and dinner again today.

Did I mention that Cooper has said "mama"? I think I might have, but can't remember. Anyway it was only once – I still am not sure whether to believe it or not.

RoyaUK – Our IKEA won't get the tray in for 2 weeks. Won't it be a bit hard for you to send one up to me? Just let me know! Thanks for offering too.

Dustmite – Cooper isn't crawling yet but he can get up on his hands and knees. Otherwise he gets around by rolling and also pivoting on his tummy in a circle. And sometimes he can push along the ground backwards!

Those pics of Corban are so cute. He's a real cutie pie!

Cassie – Gymbaroo sounds really cool! I might look into it for Cooper.

CC – Thanks for the tip about feeding bubs in the bath. That's very cool.

carlys – Yay for Georgia sitting! It's great when they can sit. Something new and exciting! And wow 2 teeth. It's all happening. I bought a baby toothbrush for Cooper's teeth. But a soft cloth will do the trick.

Sorry to hear about your wedding dress debacle. How awful for you. What's the latest?

kmh – Yay for Charlotte saying "dada" – how wonderful! And another yay for her sleeping through. Such great news.

How'd the potato go? I haven't tried Cooper with potato yet. At the moment Cooper has Farex with sweet potato or pumpkin for dinner. Got to start trying some other vegies. Might try green beans this week. I haven't tried carrots yet.

Fraser – How are you? Is Charlie better?

I haven't tried meat yet. I will after 7 months.

Mads – Wow for Freya commando crawling. That's so exciting. And I'm so glad to hear she's sleeping better too.

Yes I definitely recommend the IKEA highchair. It's so easy to clean! And we take it places – so easy to pack in the car. I hope you're enjoying your chair now!

As for the Farex. We started with the 4 month baby rice too. We have now just started with the 6 month mixed cereal. Cooper seems to like it better. I'm not going to bother with the fancy fruit flavoured ones. I would rather add my homemade real fruit.