5 month post

Dear Hannah Kathryn,

I know I say this every month, but I can't believe you're another month older. You are 5 months old today!!!

There have been so many things that have happened this month developmentally. You're not a new born any more. You have such a cute personality and a sweet disposition. Your eyes are definitely the feature every one compliments you on!

You have really settled into a predictable routine. You've started sleeping later in the mornings, which Mommy and Daddy both appreciate. You sleep from about 8pm to about 7 or 8am every day. This has just started within the past week. You were waking up consistently between 5 and 6am to eat. When you wake up, I usually let you talk in your crib for a few minutes before I come get you to nurse and then we spend time snuggling. After that, you usually play and then go down for your morning nap. You usually can't handle more than 2 hours of wake time right now, and when you are nearing that 2 hour mark, you are sure to let everyone know. We generally repeat that pattern throughout the day. We put you to bed at little after 8pm each night. When Daddy's home, we both take you upstairs, tuck you in, say prayers and snuggle your seahorse next to you. You're usually well on your way to slumberland by the time we walk out of your room.

You continue to "put up" with tummy time and are still mastering rolling from your belly to your back.

You are so close to rolling from your back to your belly. I often find you in this position or completely up on your side when you're playing.

You are also really close to sitting up on your own. You can sit up easily with assistance and for a few seconds when we let go.

You have discovered your feet and legs this month. You are quite the wiggle worm and love to kick your legs, especially when you're excited.

You haven't popped your first tooth yet, although, I feel like it's getting closer. The pediatrician said your gums were already red and swollen at your 4 month appointment and that we should see your first tooth by 6 months. I can definitely tell when your gums bother you. You chew like crazy, mostly on Sophie the giraffe and your frozen fishy.

You are much more vocal this month. You love to be read to and even try to immitate the sounds you hear.

We have really be in awe of your coodination this month. You see an object, hone in one it and are able to get it into you hands with much more ease. You are able to grab things with two hands and pass them back and forth. You are exploring a lot with your mouth these days. Most anything we give you or you can get your hands on goes straight into your mouth.

You are noticing a lot of little things this month. You reached for bubbles for the first time in Kindermusik this month and actually caught one! You were so proud of yourself! Your depth perception is really developing and it's fascinating to us.

You are still obsessed with your paci. You actually hit a big milestone in that area too. You can now find your paci at night when you wake up, pop it in your mouth after a few trys and put yourself back to sleep. This is HUGE for us.  It's a skill you've been working on for a while now. Before, you generally sucked on the plastic rim or on the ribbon. Now, you've mastered turning the nipple to your mouth!

You are still 100% breastfed. The plan is still to start solids at 6 months. If you could have it your way, you'd start earlier. You are definitely eyeing our food and have even reached for things on our plates and for our cups. You also know your bottle by sight and what it's used for. I always give you 2 more ounces of pumped milk after your last feeding. This week, I was holding the bottle and letting it cool a bit before offering it to you. You weren't really paying attention when I first picked it up. When you noticed what was in my hand, you immediately reached for it, got ahold of it and pulled it into your mouth. It was hilarious! You are not shy when it comes to food!

I have really enjoyed staying home with you, Hannah. It is an honor and a priviledge to spend my days with you and watching you reach all of your milestones. I am one lucky mom! Daddy and I can't wait to see what next month has in store. We love you to pieces!