6 Months Old

We've survived parenthood for half a year! I'm pretty impressed with myself, obviously. There were a few times where I was sure we weren't going to make it...but thankfully James's cuteness pulled me through. :)

He never stops moving. Ever.

Silly smiles. 

James is now sitting up unassisted for short times, and I'm always there to catch him when he inevitably tips over. Baby tipping! Sometimes he evens stands with assistance - definitely working on some leg muscles over here. He has been LOVING his jumperoo and will bounce in that for 45 minutes or so, playing with the toys and looking around. That toys has been a lifesaver, and I'm so glad he's finally enjoying one of the baby gear items we purchased. Can't say the same for the swing or bumbo haha.

Tummy time, aka tortute, isn't too popular here. He usually lasts about two minutes before shrieking to be picked up, or he just rolls over. He doesn't really roll over from back to tummy, but then, why would he? He hates it! :)

Four days after turning 6 months James got his first bottom tooth! It was relatively easy, actually. He had about two rough nights and then voila, there it was one morning. We were pretty shocked when Brian discovered it (James bit his finger - ouchie!). He now has his two bottom teeth, and it is the cutest thing ever.

We've been doing a lot of play dates since car rides are less stressful now that he's enjoying his convertible carseat. We're in a local babywearing group and a nursing moms group and it has done me a world of good to get out of the house and spend time with other moms who are going through the same things we are. The nursing group is run by an RN and IBLCE (who is nursing her second son at almost 3 years!) so if we have any questions or concerns it's easily addressed. I highly recommend all moms join groups like this!

Half a year - can you believe it?

Baptized!

On June 30 our beautiful son was welcomed into the Catholic Church with 6 other little ones in a beautiful group baptism ceremony. We are so blessed to have had so many friends and family attend - it was a wonderful day.

This church is very special to me and our family - I was confirmed here, received my first communion here, Brian and I were married here, and now our son has joined the Church here as well.

The ceremony was full of smiles and joy - Deacon Roger has an amazing ability to make everyone, even those family members who are not Catholic, feel welcomed and loved. Everyone commented afterwards on how much they enjoyed it.

Deacon Roger anoints James with chrism. 

Well, that wasn't too bad!

My parents try to help James keep it together after his hair got wet.

Godparents Heber and Courtney

Thank you Deacon Roger!

Since I'm a Catholic convert and Brian's siblings are non-practicing, we had a difficult time finding a Catholic Godparent for James. Thankfully, Kendra, who I've become close to over the past year, offered to be our Godparent by proxy. Thank you so much Kendra - you are an amazing friend and I know you'll be an amazing Godmother to our son!

It's awesome to think two and a half years ago Brian and I professed our vows to each other at this same altar. Look how far we've come! We are so, so blessed.

5 Months Old

I'm really beginning to enjoy this stage of his development - playing with toys, engaging with us, and laughing. I feel like the first few months, especially months 1-4 were so stressful. Every night around 6pm James would melt down and it just felt like hours of crying until he finally went to sleep around 10. Now that the colic is finally behind us I feel like I can breathe again.

Some things that have been new: James is now facing out in his stroller and loves to go for walks. He's always wanted to be held facing out since he was a few weeks old so this is really exciting for him. He looks at everything and "talks" sometimes. Such a social baby! We also moved him from his infant car seat to a convertible seat and OH MY GOODNESS car rides are suddenly enjoyable. It's been night and day. He used to scream and arch his back as soon as we sat him in the bucket seat, before we even got the straps on! Now he's a big boy and can see everything! I just can't believe how much of a change it's made for us.

James can sit up with assistance. Sometimes all he needs is too be balanced between my legs and he does the rest. We are using his high chair now and we've sampled some solid foods. Avocado was his very first solid food! It was so much fun, and wow, did he need a bath afterwards. He's also had sweet potatoes (yum) and peas (he wasn't too thrilled). He's learning new things everyday and I'm trying to soak it all in - cant believe how far we've come!

4 Months Old

Get down tonight.

Well here he is in all his long, skinny glory!

He's laughing now...the first time he did it I was bouncing him very gently in the air. I had never heard him make that noise before (it was kind of a squeal) so I was really concerned! Then I realized it was a delighted squeal. :) Now he LOVES to be tossed in the air, and I am almost always guaranteed a little laugh.

The carseat is still evil and he screams and arches his back trying to escape. We are using the Ergo all the time, or the k'tan but he's really getting too big for it (at least for me to carry comfortably for long periods). Going outside and taking a walk is one of his favorite activities so Mommy gets lots of exercise! 

He's a decent sleeper, going to bed around 9 and sleeping until 3 most nights. Then he nurses for an hour, and sleeps another 3/4 hours. Sometimes he gets up twice, and lately he has been going through a period of waking up and wanting to play for 3-4 hours starting at 2am. That's probably the worst! 

I'm just starting to feel like a normal person again! This Mama stuff ain't for sissies!

3 Months Old

I am smiling and "talking" a lot more. I obviously have very important things to say, and Mommy and Daddy just don't understand sometimes!

My stroller is okay, but what I really like is to be held facing outward. I need to see where I'm going. My swing is so-so, and my bouncer is just okay. Please just walk and bounce me okay? I don't really care if you have other things to do...

Parents keep trying to show the cats to me, but the furry creatures always run away. Hmph. How rude.

My favorite is still breastmilk. Always and forever.