six months

My precious boy, I don't know how it's possible that I am writing to a six-month old. People always warned me about time flying... only now do I really understand what they were saying.

You continue to grow and change and surprise us every day. Busy, busy, busy, you are constantly reaching out to grab everything your big blue eyes can see (whether or not it's within reach). Once grabbed, it always, always goes straight into your mouth. I can only imagine how life will change around here when you figure out how to crawl toward all of the temptations that surround you. :) I have got to get it in gear and start baby-proofing NOW.

This has been a big month for you, sweetheart. We survived your first cold (and it took a definite group effort to get you through it). You were whiny, lost your appetite and woke up every hour or so for three nights. Pretty miserable for all of us. Putting a humidifier in your room helped you make the turn and clear up your congestion. Glad to have that first cold behind us.

About three weeks ago, we began offering you rice cereal mixed with fruit. You weren't a big fan at first, but quickly you figured out how to swallow and now you're eating like a champ. So far we've only tried the cereal with pears, apples and bananas. You definitely prefer pears and apples - the bananas still elicit a puckered face and full-body shiver!

You've also mastered sitting up! All of a sudden one day, you just didn't fall backwards on me. Now you can go five minutes or longer balancing yourself. And you are loving the freedom this brings - it allows you to reach even better for the toys that surround you!

You can ALMOST make it through the night now without waking up. We've been putting you down between 8-9 and you'll stay in bed until 7-7:30, usually waking just once around 5, whining for your pacifier. Typically you nap 3 to 4 times a day (must be nice). You're eating five times daily, every 3 to 3.5 hours, taking solids at your fourth feeding and a bottle at bedtime. We have your six month check-up next week, so I'll have to update this later with your weight/height stats.

Your sense of humor cracks us up! You laugh quickly and easily, just like your Daddy. Things you currently find really funny: the doggies, getting scared/surprised, when we baby talk to you (saying ba-ba or ma-ma or ga-ga) and being tickled. We do some pretty ridiculous things in hopes of hearing you giggle. It's the best noise in the world!

We got you a jumperoo for your half-year birthday and you are fascinated with it. You're not quite tall enough to really get going with bouncing in it, but you love moving around and playing with all of the attached toys. The first time I put you in it, you set a record, not uttering a sound for more than 30 minutes as you carefully explored all of the colors and lights.

Last week, I heard about the friend of a friend whose 14-month old son just went to be with Jesus. His mommy put him down for a nap and he never woke up. After hearing this, through many tears, I once again surrendered you to the Lord. You are first of all His. I only get to care for you for the amount of time that He deems best. I mean it with all my heart when I say that every. single. second. with you is indescribably precious. Being your mommy is the greatest gift.

Happy half-birthday to you, mister Boone! We love you more than you can possibly know.