6 Months

Six months and one day ago we were in the hospital with Little Dude. He was just over an hour old, we had just come up with a name, and were waiting for our families to arrive to show off our handsome little guy. Oh how six months have changed us all. I think Baby Daddy would agree with me that these past six months have been the best of our lives.

Let's see - where to begin. There have been some major changes this month, and unfortunately, some things have stayed the same. We'll start with the bad -

Why are Auntie Em's hands by my bootie?

Justin's health has gotten worse, gotten better, gotten really worse, gotten better, stayed the same, etc. We are still dealing with the bronchiolitis we were around Christmas. His cough has gotten worse - it has to hurt his little throat. He has had three different oral antibiotics and, just this last week, a round of shots for ear infection(s). Until last weekend he was pretty happy through it all, until the last oral antibiotic failed and his sleep and eating suffered - going from sleeping 9:30-6 each night to waking up nearly every 60 minutes seemingly in pain, and eating only 3 ounces at a time, if that. We have been to the pediatrician four times in the past 6 weeks, and have a referral to an ENT to discuss putting tubes in his ears. For now, the shots seem to have worked and he is a pretty happy Tank. For the bronchiolitis, we have two different inhalant medications (which total $450 a month, in case you were curious) that he gets through his nebulizer a combined six times a day. He loves it (major sarcasm right there). His 6 month checkup is this week, so we'll reevaluate then.

And now onto the good . . .

* Tank is beginning to teethe. Everything goes to his mouth - from the bibs we put on him to absorb his incessant slobber, to his toys, to his lower lip, to momma's fingers. Everything, that is, except for pacis, which he really gave up this month. We've tried using them to console him if he is fussy, and it only makes him more angry.

* We tore down some of his 'Littler Dude' toys this month - his bouncy seat, activity mat, and swing are items of the past. The exersaucer and walker have set up their garage in our living room.

* Tank continues to be a Tank. He is wearing size 3 diapers, was nearly 20 pounds at his appointment last week, and is wearing mostly 9-12 month clothing.

Can I eat it? 

* When not sick, he is sleeping very well. He fell into a routine of getting hungry around 9-9:30pm, so we fed him upstairs in his rocker, and he would fall asleep until around 6am and wake up content and cooing. I know this can change at any time, but I have been so grateful for this schedule. The less I have to think about Crying It Out the better! (and who am I kidding - Baby Daddy gets up with him most of the time when he does wake up at night - I got a great one!).

* Perhaps our biggest change - we have a roller! finally! He has become a pro at rolling from his back to his tummy, not so much the other direction. He likes to do this in his sleep and scare Baby Daddy.

Real gentlemen wear socks . . . nom nom hand

* Just today (it is so amazing how quickly things change), Justin has started putting his arms up when I lean to pick him up. It melts my heart.

* He screeches when he really finds something funny, so bring your earplugs if you want to visit.

* We just ordered you a new carseat and a feeding chair. You have started food! You are very excited about the food and often knock the spoon around and move your head dramatically towards the spoon! You are getting better at swallowing, and have tried rice cereal, applesauce, and bananas.

Note the wispy hair and slobber

* HAIR! You have hair, though it is hard to see because it is very light blonde (gee, who saw that coming?) and wispy. Baby Daddy is jealous!

* He is trying to sit up when on our laps. He has not had much of a fondness for the Bumbo seat, but he can pull himself forward when leaning back. However, his forward motion tends to carry him forward.

* He does not stay still for long. While trying to get this month's picture, I took 311  pictures. Here are a few outtakes . . .

Haha Momma! Try to get my picture now! Now where are you going to put the caption?

Throwin up the horns

Well, Little Dude - here's hoping the next six months are as fun as the first six were. I'm so looking forward to you growing and learning more, as long as you still like cuddling with Momma, that is!