Five Months with Ian

Ian Michael! You're five months old! That just seems so old! You're growing up so quickly, it's amazing (and saddening) how fast the time has flown since your arrival. This month especially has felt like a triumph after managing to survive 8 days without daddy here. He spent some time in Alaska while we all held down the house. You survived, mom survived, and I feel 100 times more confident and relaxed caring for you and big brother.

You continue to amaze me, because you're the sweetest boy. You're very charming and love being around people. I don't think I'll ever get tired of your smiles, giggles, and chatter. Being in somebody's arms is still your favorite place to be, but you also love when anyone talks to you. You've spent more time this month with babysitters and in the church nursery, and everyone who meets you seems to agree: you're one happy, sweet fella. 

And when you're not happy, you let out this screechy-cry that could make ears bleed. Wooooooeee, little brother, you mean business. I'm thankful you don't often get that upset. 

You're sleeping and eating like a champ. Just as I'd predicted, you dropped a late feeding this month, which means you're now sleeping from 7:30pm to 7am each night. It's awesome! I don't want to jinx myself, so I'll hold my breath and knock on wood while I say... I have been SO blessed with 2 great sleepers. Sure, we have our "off" nights here and there, but for the most part, both Isaac and Ian love to sleep. Not only does Ian sleep through the night, but is still taking 3 naps/day. Since he dropped a feeding, he's eating 5 times/day (7:30, 10:30, 1:30, 4:30, and 7... with a lot of flexibility). All in all, I feel like this month was kind of a turning point for you, leaving behind the high-maintenance, around-the-clock newborn phase, and charging ahead to the infant stage.

This boy is DYING to do anything his big brother can do. That includes moving and eating. He's already rolling both ways (front to back and back to front) like a champ, and is getting more and more steady sitting up by himself. When he's on his tummy, he can pull his legs up underneath him and scoot around like a little inchworm. The boy is SO active. He doesn't stay in one place for very long at all... Lord Jesus help me when he really does get crawling. We haven't introduced solid food yet, although he will likely get a taste of rice cereal sometime this month.

His first tooth erupted on May 21 with no more teeth in sight.... so I was awfully surprised when he cut tooth #2 ten days later!!! Unfortunately, all this teething means more chewing and sucking his thumb. As much as I hate thumb-sucking long term (orthodontia!!!!), it seems to have become a habit, mostly while falling off to sleep. Isaac did the same thing when he was teething, but eventually gave up the thumb. Fingers crossed you'll do the same soon.

Check out my teeth!

You and big brother Isaac have formed this adorable relationship that continues to grow and sweeten as you become more expressive and interactive. The two of you love to be near each other! You will light up with smiles and chatter when Isaac is around, and he will talk to you, give you kisses, and sing to you. Isaac especially loves to cheer you up when you are crying by singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Big brother proudly introduces you to everyone we meet.

Lets see, other randoms: You're wearing a size 2 diaper still (but could probably use a 3...) and 6 month clothes with a few 9 month outfits thrown in too. Not sure of your weight and length this month, but we will see Dr. Canales at 6 months for another check up, hopefully not any sooner. You've been to the pool and the beach this month and loved them both. You love to play with your green jingly mouse.

Ian, you are my squishy, little cuddler and I adore you! My heart is so full, I'm so very thankful to be your mama. The Lord knew what our family needed when he blessed us with you. I love you!