Lilah: 6 Months

Dear Little Lilah,

Happy half birthday, Cheeks! Wow, this month has been busy and full of developmental milestones.

You weigh 14 lbs. and 13 ounces and are 25 inches long. You are still in size 2 diapers, but we have put away all of the 3 month clothing. You are now in 6 month clothing.

Big changes this month in you eating. You started out the month taking 3 ounces each feeding. By the middle of the month you increased to 5 ounces. There were a couple of lunch time feedings Stacy said you ate 7 or 8 ounces. Wow girl you must be growing! On Christmas day Santa brought you cereal. You had been watching our every move while we were eating and showing lots of other signs that you were just dying to eat real food. So we gave in almost 2 weeks shy of your six month birthday and started you out with some cereal. You loved it! You kept reaching for the spoon and opening your mouth for more. We have also introduced you to sweet potatoes, squash and peas. So far you are loving all of it. We did notice about a week after starting you on cereal you were very gassy in the evenings and we thought it was waking you up. We are not sure if it is the cereal or mom's horrible holiday diet, so we have stopped the cereal for a couple days and mom is eating better. We will try again this week. You are loving all the veggies though.

There hasn't been much change in your sleeping. It is still inconsistent. You will sometimes wake around 2 am or 4 am, but sometimes sleep until 6 am. We even had one day where you slept til 8 am. Your bed time is also inconsistent, anywhere from 8-10 pm. Once we all go back to work, I am thinking Stacy will whip everyone back into shape. Now that you are eating more and once you get on some sort of schedule I am hoping we are looking at some more full nights of sleep. It isn't horrible because you are a fast nurser, so you are usually back to bed really fast. However, with my busy season looming, it would be nice to get some extra sleep.

You are now rolling all over the place, back to belly, belly to back, and all directions. You are fast too! You can no longer be contained on one little blanket. Even a big blanket can't contain you if you see a toy you want or something of your sister's. Along with rolling you have made huge strides in sitting up. You can sit unsupported, but it can't really leave you alone. You still have a tendancy to flop over. You do love to sit up though. You want to see all the happenings. As if all of this movement isn't enough fun for one month, why not add a tooth to the mix. Yes, little one, you have your first tooth (bottom left)!! This morning when I was nursing you, it felt a little different. I ran my finger across your bottom gum and a little tooth was popping through. I thought this was possible because you had been running your tongue over your bottom gum and sucking on your bottom lip. I was so excited I wanted to tell everyone, but we were the only ones up at 6 am.

Highlights from your sixth month....
- Christmas Day and lots of Christmas celebrations with your family
- We spent two weeks home together as a family on Christmas break. It was amazing to spend so much time together, but it will be nice to get back to a routine.
- You can sit in the high chairs at restaurants like a big girl.
- Chewing on everything, which now makes sense given the new tooth.
- Some of your favorite toys include keys, teething bead catepiller, rattles, crinkly books, and taggies. You really like most anything right now. You are discovering it all with your mouth, of course.
- Likes the banana move, where you are balancing on your belly with your back arched and arms and legs flying.
- We went to the Christmas Train. It was so fun we think we will make it an annual tradition.
- You had your six month photo shoot with Autumn Moore Photography. You were excellent!
- You are a crazy girl in your jumparoo. You jump up and down, screeching and laughing. If your sister jumps, you will copy cat laughing the entire time. You also like to play with all the toys attached to it.
- You love to have something in your hand while you are sucking your thumb. Your favorites are mom's hair and your blanket. At night I put the blanket over my shoulder and you cuddle up grabbing the blanket and popping your thumb in your mouth. You are off to sleepy town soon after that.
- We went to see Santa.
- We have used the bath seat a couple of times for you to take a bath with your sister.
- Celebrated the New Year
- We went on several light looking adventures.
- You have become a big time Mommy's girl! In the evenings it is very noticeable. At night if dad is holding you and I am up and about, you will follow my every move. Most of the time if you see me, you will cry and reach for me giving us the most pathetic face. I can't say that I mind this attachment you have. The feeling is mutual. I want to hold you all the time!

Lilah, while I wish the time didn't go so fast, I am so happy you are growing and learning new things. You continue to be a very happy and content baby, always a smile that lights up the room. We love you precious girl.

Love forever and always,
Mommy