5 Months Old

Nathan,

You are five months old! How did this happen? You are growing so fast. I know everyone says that, but it really is true. And my goodness, you have changed so much in the last month. There really seemed to be a big transformation during your fifth month. I've mentioned it to a few other moms and they have agreed that the period of time between four and five month really is a magical age. You're turning into a little person with so much personality and curiosity. You discover new things every day.

 This month, you began rolling from your back to your tummy. Now that you can roll both directions, you are a mover. You roll all over the place until you get stuck (usually under your bouncy seat, against the coffee table, or the cabinet in the bathroom). Then you'll fuss, and we will move you back to your blanket and you'll take off again.

You are so aware of your surroundings. You stare at everything and want to touch (and eat) everything you see. If we put something in front of you you reach out your arms to grab and then pull it straight to your mouth. Your motor skills are improving and you can usually get whatever you are grasping in your mouth. Your curiosity and desire to explore and learn reminds me so much of your daddy. We might have another engineer on our hands.

I've also noticed this month that you are interacting more with your toys especially the mobile on your swing and your car seat toys. You used to just stare at them, but now you grab and bat at them constantly.

 You've recently started to reach out your arms to be held. It's precious. I've been waiting five months to see you do that :). You also give hugs sometimes. I'm not sure they are intentional, but you'll wrap your arms around my neck.


You found your feet this month and you grab them all the time. You are flexible enough to get them in your mouth too, and your daddy has even caught you with both feet in your mouth at the same time.

We discovered some feeding issues at your four month well check. We've had to supplement after feedings now. The doctor told us that you are just a happy baby and sometimes really content babies  don't demand enough milk.  You remind me of your daddy in that aspect too. He rarely complains about anything. We are using breast milk to supplement as much as possible, but you are taking formula too. I was sad about having to start you on formula. I had intentions of nursing you exclusively for at least six months, but it was very clear that you needed some extra milk, and you've done great with it. We've kept a close eye on your weight since then, and in less than a month you have almost completely caught up and are just about back on your growth line. You and I have worked hard at getting your weight back up and it's paid off.

Since we've been supplementing, you have taken a lot more bottles than normal. You have never had any problems in the past taking a bottle or preferring one over the other. You just really like to suck. You do seem to prefer a bottle now over Mommy. Sometimes you just don't want to work to get Mommy's milk, and you enjoy the instant gratification of a bottle. You are still nursing pretty well though, unless you are just really hungry. Then you get frustrated and start looking around for your bottle. You love your bottle and start panting, kicking your legs and reaching for it as soon as you see it. You've been trying to hold it too and are actually pretty good at it.

You've started blowing raspberries lately too. At your four month well check the nurse asked if you were doing that. I had no idea that was even a developmental milestone, but you've got it down now. You do it a lot in your car seat when we are driving. You talk to yourself pretty often when we are driving too.

You are wearing 3 month and 3-6 month clothes and size 1 diaper. You weight 12 lbs 2.5 oz and at the doctor last week you were just under 24 inches long.

You definitely know who your mommy and daddy are and you seem to prefer me over other people especially if you are tired or upset. We haven't run into any stranger anxiety yet, but sometimes others have a hard time comforting or soothing you.

When you see someone, and I'm holding you, you'll look at them and smile and then turn and bury your head in my shoulder. I'm not sure why you do that. Maybe you are a little shy or want to play peek a boo with them. 

 We started you on rice cereal this month (just last week). We had been seeing some signs that you were ready (you've been very interested in watching us eat and have not been sleeping well at all at night) and although I was a little hesitant starting you before six months, the doctor agreed you were probably ready, and told us it wouldn't hurt to start you a little early. It took you a little while to figure out what you were supposed to do with it once it made it in your mouth, but you're starting to understand. You still spit out about half of the spoonful, but manage to swallow the other half. We are giving it to you at breakfast and at bedtime.

You've been eating about every three hours this month, usually around 7, 10, 1, 4, 6:30, and 8:30. We put you to bed after your 8:30 feeding, and you've been waking up to eat between 2-4 (and sometimes again between 4 and 6). Since we've started you on cereal, I've noticed you're starting to sleep better at night. The last two nights you have slept from about 8:45-3:30, and then went right back to sleep after you ate until 7:00. You are still napping usually during every feeding cycle. I think it's getting close to time to cut your naps down, so you are just taking 2-3 instead of 4. Sometimes you will take long naps- 1.5-2 hours, and you'll only take 3 a day. But other days you like to sleep for 30-45 minutes at a time and need more naps. A lot of it depends on our schedule for the day and what we have going on.



You have been more interested in Rhapsody this month and keep a close eye on her when she is around. You try and reach out to pet her, but usually she's not real interested in that. Missy has stayed with us some this month and you love to watch them play. It gets you laughing a lot of times. I caught a little on video last week.



You are just the best baby, and I'm loving this stage you are in right now. Your daddy and I love you more than you can imagine, and we are looking forward to watching you continue to grow and learn. You are turning into such a fun little boy.

A Day in the Life- Friday

Friday morning Nathan had woken up about 6. I put him in our bed and he dozed until about 7 when he told me he was ready for the day. I fed him and then quickly got us both ready. We had a doctor's appointment that morning at 8:50 just to check his weight and for shots. We picked up Daddy from work on our way to the doctor.

Nathan was just a ham during the whole doctor's visit. He smiled and babbled and kicked the whole time. He even showed the doctor how he has found his feet and can stick them in his mouth, and he grabbed the stethoscope. He was so happy during the entire exam. I had flashbacks of his very first appointment when he was five days old and he screamed the entire exam. I couldn't even hear the doctor sometimes because of his cries. It was a reminder of how much he has changed. He had to have two shots which was really sad, but he is such a champ with shots. He probably cried for about five seconds before he calmed down.

I purposely didn't make any plans on Friday because I wasn't sure how he would react to his shots, so we mostly spent the day at home. I stopped by Wal Mart on the way home from the doctor to pick up a couple of things, and we made it home about 10:30.

I fed Nathan and we played on the floor for a little while. Matt came home for lunch about 11:45. We ate together while Nathan played. I put Nathan down for a nap about 12:30, and slept until about 1:40. While he slept, I worked in the kitchen. I made a lasagna for our Sunday school connection group that meets this Sunday evening. We have company coming in for the weekend, so I wanted to go ahead and get it finished on Friday so I didn't have to worry about. I had just finished it, when Nathan woke up. I fed him and he played in his exersaucer for a little bit, while I paid bills. He never had a bad reaction to his shots. I was really thankful for that. He ran a fever when he had his two month shots, so I gave him tylenol throughout the day to help in case he did have a reaction. I think that helped.

He went down for another nap about 3:15, and I worked in the kitchen some more. I made a butterfinger cake for this weekend, and went ahead and made dinner while the kitchen was already a mess. I made meatballs and froze half of them, so we'll have another quick meal in the freezer when we need it.

The fruits of my labor for the afternoon

Nathan woke up at 4:30 and ate. He was being pretty clingy, so I put him in our backpack carrier and finished up some chores around the house. I finished cleaning the kitchen, swept, and mopped and vacuumed. Nathan did play in his swing for a little while too. We had just finished vacuuming and getting everything back in order when Matt came home about 6.

I rocked Nathan and put him down for a short nap, and finished up dinner. Matt and I ate, and Nathan woke up about 6:30. I fed him, and then we went on a walk around the neighborhood. We got home a little before 8:00 and Matt and I watched a little TV until about 8:15. Then we decided to let Nathan try some rice cereal (That's a whole other post). We had been seeing signs that he was ready for solids and our pediatrician gave us the go ahead at our appointment that morning. I don't think Nathan actually swallowed any of it, but he sure was cute. I cleaned up the mess while Matt bathed Nathan.

I nursed him and then gave him a bottle with the leftover cereal. He took that fine, and was asleep by 9. He has just recently started going to bed earlier in the evenings, which gives Matt and me some alone time. We just relaxed for awhile. I'm finishing this post up now and heading to bed about 11.

Writing these posts this week leaves me thankful for the new role I have as a mommy. I'm sure some people would read this and think how boring or monotonous my days are, but I wouldn't trade this time for anything. Nathan has been the sweetest gift, and I want to soak up all the time with him as I can and create a warm, welcoming and loving home for both Matt and Nathan. Who could ask for a better job?!

A Day in the Life- Thursday

Thursday, Nathan woke up about 7. I fed him and then hopped in the shower and got ready while he played on the floor. He was ready for a nap about 8:15, so I put him down, finished getting ready and getting everything packed for the day. I dropped him off at school at 9:30, and then I headed across town to see a couple of clients.

I thought Nathan looked super cute on Thursday. I got this outfit at a shower and I remember how much I loved it when I opened it, but I never dreamed I'd have a boy as handsome as Nathan is wear it :)

Right now I only have two clients that I am seeing and they are at two different schools. I met with both of them and then drove over to Youth Services to turn in my timesheet. While I was there I stopped and chatted with a friend for a few minutes. Then I drove home and made it home about 2:00. I was starving. The grapes I packed for a snack did not hold me over. I grabbed some leftovers for lunch and did paperwork while I ate. After lunch I went ahead and made manicotti for dinner. It's easier to make it without worrying about interruptions from Nathan and I could just stick it in the fridge until it was time to heat it for dinner. Then I spent a little while straightening and dusting until it was time to pick up Nathan. He stays in extended care on Thursdays, so I don't pick him up until 4:00 on those days.

He had eaten a bottle at 3, so he was about ready for a nap when we made it home. I got some cuddles in and laid him down for a nap about 4:45. While he napped I did a few things on the computer, and finished dinner. Matt got home about 5:30 and we ate quickly before Nathan woke up. He got up a little after 6 and then I fed him.

My parents and Jason, Andrea, and Chloe came over at 7:00 to play a game of settlers. After the game everyone visited for awhile.

Sweet babies playing while their parents played Settlers

I fed Nathan and my mom rocked him and put him to bed about 9:00. They said goodnight, and I cleaned up the house and visited with Matt for awhile before bed. I think I made it to sleep about 11:00. Nathan woke up at 1:00 which was weird for him. He ate and then went back to sleep until about 6.

Treat Bags

We are not planning on Trick or Treating with Nathan this year. We are planning to get a costume for him and are just planning to visit a couple of neighbors and maybe go to a couple of houses of people we know, but we don't really need a treat bag for candy.

Last week I was looking at a catalog I got in the mail from Pottery Barn Kids, and this was the back cover.
Is that not crazy? I couldn't believe that out of all the boy and girl names in the world, my baby and my niece's names ended up on the advertised bags. Oh how I wish we could take those two trick or treating together! Anyways, we might have to splurge and get that treat bag for him to use next year so we can always remember the wild coincidence.

A Day in the Life- Wednesday

Nathan woke up about 7:45 on Wednesday. I fed him and then let him play while I got ready for the day. I got myself ready, grabbed some breakfast, made his bottles, packed his bag, got him dressed and us out the door at about 9:10 to take Nathan to preschool. I let him play in his new toy for a little bit while I was eating breakfast.
I dropped him off at 9:30 and then headed to the dentist. My appointment was at 10, and I got home about 11:30.

I came home and ate lunch and did a few things on the computer (bills, blog post, etc). Afterward, I cleaned our bathrooms. By then it was about time to go get Nathan. I picked him around 2, and we ran to Target to pick up a few things.

We made it home about 2:45, and Nathan was about ready for a nap. I put him down about 3. While he slept, I cleaned up around the house and folded some laundry. He woke up about 4:15, and I fed him and let him play in his exersaucer for a little bit. I started dinner about 5. Matt came home shortly after, and entertained Nathan while I finished dinner. We ate around 6. I made chicken marengo for supper.

We finished eating and I fed Nathan again. Then we all went for a walk around the neighborhood. The weather has been so nice lately, and we all enjoyed our walk.

We made it home and I gave Nathan a bath and went ahead and fed him and put him to bed about 9:00. He was so tired. After he was in bed, I straightened up the house, loaded the dishwasher, etc. Then Matt and I sat down and watched an episode of Modern Family before bed. I went to bed about 10:30. Nathan woke up about 3:00 to eat and then was up again and ready for the day about 7:00.

A Day in the Life- Tuesday

Tuesday morning, Nathan got up about 7:30. I fed him and then let him play while I got ready for the day. I showered and got ready, grabbed a quick breakfast, dressed Nathan, packed his diaper bag, and we headed out the door about 9 for Bible Study.

Cutie pie ready for Bible study

Since I'm not working this year, I decided to do a ladies Bible study at church. Last year I did the evening study, but it seems more convenient this year to do the morning study. They have childcare during the morning study, and Nathan gets lots of attention in the nursery. The sweet ladies ooh and ahh over him all morning. We are studying Ephesians this year, and so far it has been a great study. My small group is full of women of all ages and several young moms, so that's been fun. The wisdom of those ladies really blows me away.

Bible study ended at 11:30, and Nathan and I ran to Wal Mart on the way home to buy groceries for the week. We made it home just before 1:00, and I put Nathan down for a short nap before it was time to eat again. He rarely sleeps in the nursery. There's just too much to see and do, so besides cat naps in the car, he hadn't slept at all, and I knew he was tired. While he napped, I finished putting the groceries away and grabbed some lunch. Nathan woke up about 1:30 and I fed him, and we played a little bit.

Playtime fun!

The weather has been gorgeous the last couple of days, so I decided to take both of my "kids" on a walk. It was my first time attempting pushing a stroller and holding a leash, but it went pretty smoothly. Everyone seemed to enjoy being out in the sunshine in the middle of the day. Nathan dozed for a little bit on the walk but not for very long. We got home about 3:30, and I tried to put Nathan down, but he wasn't having it, so I put him in his swing and let him play while I cleaned up a few things around his room. He gets upset if I leave him alone for too long, so I tried to find things to do in his room.

I fed him about 4:15, and got him down for another nap about 5:30. While he was napping I cooked tacos for dinner. Matt made it home a little before 6, and we ate dinner together. Nathan woke up right as we were finishing up. Matt held him for a little bit, and he started acting hungry, and he ate again about 6:30. Matt had to go to an HOA meeting that evening, so Nathan and I were on our own for the evening which was actually really weird. I'm not used to being home in the evenings without Matt. We watched a little tv, read some books, and I gave Nathan a bath. He was splashing like crazy. I think we are about to have to move to baths in the bathtub, because he would have soaked the whole kitchen if I would have let him. He was acting pretty fussy and tired, so I decided to put him to bed a little earlier than normal. He had his bedtime feeding about 8:30 and was asleep by 9:00.

Matt got home shortly after 9:00 from his meeting. We visited for a little bit, and he set up a new toy for Nathan that he is almost big enough for. I wanted to wake Nathan up and let him play in it, but we both decided that was probably a bad idea. I spent some time straightening the house, watched a little more TV and went to bed about 10:15. Nathan woke up with a dirty diaper around 2. He wasn't really hungry and fell right back asleep. Then he woke up again about 4 and wanted to eat. I don't know where my good sleeper went. He's been missing for about a month now. I think we are going to start solids soon to get his belly good and full before bedtime.

A Day in the Life- Monday

I really want to try and not forget the stage of life we are in right now. Time is moving so fast and things change quickly, and I want to make sure and record some of life's little moments and what life looks like right now in our house. So this week I'm going to try and do a "day in the life" post each day.

Mondays are usually a low key day for us. It's a day I use to recover from the weekend and get everything back in order.

Nathan woke up about 7:30 and was ready to go. I fed him, and then let him play on a blanket in the bathroom while I got ready for the day. He's so happy in the mornings and we just talk to each other while I get ready. After I was ready for the day, Nathan was ready for a nap. I rocked him and put him down about 8:45.
While he slept, I ate breakfast and did a few things on the computer. I also worked on my Bible study for the week and started laundry. He woke up briefly about 9:30 but I rocked him for just a bit and he went back to sleep until about 10:20.
I got him up and he ate. After he ate I put him on the floor for some playtime while I folded his laundry. I sat on the floor and folded it, so I could play with him while I worked.

Playtime

For a little baby, he sure has a lot of laundry!

Matt made it home for lunch about 11:40 and we ate together while Nathan played on the floor. After Matt left I rocked Nathan and put him down for a nap about 12:30. While he slept, I continued doing laundry (I did a lot of laundry on Monday). I also straightened the house and did a few more things on the computer.
Nathan woke up about 2 and I fed him and then we went to visit a friend/mentor from church. We visited for awhile over there. Nathan was pretty good, but he dirtied his diaper on the way and then spit up on himself and Judy while she was holding him. It's amazing how little those things bother me anymore. Besides Judy has lots of grand kids, so she was used to it.
We made it home about 5 and I fed Nathan and heated up dinner for Matt and me. I had a meal in the freezer which was nice because I hadn't made it to the grocery store for the week and we needed something quick that night.
After dinner, I took Nathan with me and we went to a La Leche League meeting with my friend Michelle. We've been having a few feeding issues lately, and Michelle invited me to go with her for some support and help. Michelle has been such an encouragement to me lately. She has a daughter about a month younger than Nathan, so we are going through a lot of the same things together. She is so understanding and supportive, and it's like she knows the exact thing to say that I need to hear. It was nice to have a chance to visit with her and meet some other moms.

We made it home about nine, and I fed Nathan again before bed. Normally he is in his crib by 9:30, but we were running late that night because of the meeting. After I fed him, I gave him a bath and then rocked him and put him to bed about 10. After he went to sleep, I spent some time straightening the house and went to bed about 11. Nathan woke up around 4 to eat, and then he started stirring again around 5:30, so I just put him in our bed and fed him and he slept until about 7:30.