5 Months.

Deer Addy,

Today, you turn 5 months old.  This past month, the leaves have fallen, temperatures have dropped and you got your first taste of snow and winter.  You are as happy as ever, and are definitely no longer a newborn.  You smile and talk and laugh and play.  You grab at everything and zero in on anything you might be able to get into your mouth.

The saga of your hair is a continual mess.  This month, it pretty much all fell out, except for one strip at the very bottom above your neck.  Your cradle cap was also in full force, however I think I have tamed it now.  We were definitely looking a little rough for a few days.  Your skin has also transformed into one big eczema mess, similar to what your brother went through.  Thankfully after a quick trip to the doctor we are armed with creams now and things seem to be clearing up.

We still haven't rolled over yet, although you are so very close.  There were quite a few babies born to friends of ours over the past few months and I continually see people posting on facebook about how their 3 month old rolled over.  I suppose you are just not ready.  Your brother was a slow roller too and didn't make the flip until at least 6 months so I am not at all surprised or disappointed that you haven't either.  You will in time.  Big babies take longer to move and my girl, you are big.  You go ahead and take your time.  I am smart enough to realize that a moving baby loses its novelty very quickly as all of a sudden anything 3 feet and below off the ground becomes fair game for little fingers to grasp and pull.  Thankfully this time, unlike when your brother was this age,  we have all our cupboard doors on and therefore that will decrease your temptation to get into them all like he did.

You had your first taste of food this month and so far have loved every second of it.  After figuring out that you couldn't eat AND have your hand in your month the entire time, you have really mastered it.  When you are full, you don't cry or yell, you simply clamp your mouth shut and turn your head to the side.  You very politely and very clearly let me know that you are done.  We will continue to try new things and see how it goes.  I am determined that you will be a good eater.  Your brother really struggles with trying new foods and I can't help but think that I must have encouraged that somehow.  Everything I read says that picky eaters are made and not born therefore this time around I am reading everything I can find and even going to a picky eaters workshop in a few weeks.

This month, I found myself reaching for the fast forward button a few times.  Compared to this same stage with your brother, you are by far easier.  That being said, you have lulled me into your ease and your happiness and the therefore when we have rough days, I find it extra difficult because I am simply not used to it.  That being said, you continually adjust to our schedule and adapt to sleeping when we are home or in the car.  At the Y, you do very well and the daycare workers have commented numerous times about how happy you are.  There are times though where it all becomes too much and you have your struggles.  99% of the time it is because I have pushed you too far and you are reminding me that you are in fact only 5 months old.  I try my best to remember this and not to rush you past this stage where sleep is a non negotiable and home days mean a lot to you.  As the temperature continues to drop and the snow falls, I am sure we will have many more days at home than we have had lately so you can look forward to that.

Birth order is something that I have done a decent amount of reading on as it very much interests me.  Your brother, is already very much an oldest child.  From what I hear, he is very much like your Dad was at that age and there is no more stereotypical oldest child than your Dad, trust me.  You, my sweet girl, seem to be more of a middle child so far.  The question of whether or not you will be a youngest or a middle is still undetermined, but so far, you scream middle to me.  You love to be paid attention to, but never demand attention.  You are so quiet and so easy that I sometimes forget you are even here :).  You go with the flow and wait your turn with patience and ease.

I love you sweet girl, be sure of that.  With each month and each day that pass, my love for you grows and my heart multiplies for YOU.  I marvel at how you have grown and all your have learned already and look so forward to each and every day.  You are so very, very sweet and you have an joy that is truly contagious.  You are my lovely girl.

Love you to forever and always,

Mama
xoxo