Jack-6 months!

I'm not going to lie, month 6 has sucked. Not so much that you, Jack, have been problematic, but it's been a crazy hectic time. I honestly feel that we haven't had a moment to sit still since before Thanksgiving. I've been in rehearsal for not one, not two, but three shows, and your father has been focusing on his concert. Busy is an understatement. We've been so lucky, though, that you just go with the flow. You love the evenings you spend at home with Dad, or the times you spend with your Grandma while I'm in rehearsal.

You're starting to show more and more of your personality. I think we're in for it when you get older-you already seem to be quite charismatic, charming, and a bit of a stinker. You sometimes play around when you know you should be doing something else. You're stubborn and strong willed, but given your parents, it's not surprising. You also love your dogs. You love when they come to visit you, and you're awesome at petting them gently.

Weight: 15 lb 2 oz (15%)
Length: 26 inches (20%)
Head Circumference: 16.75 in (10%)

Clothing: 3-6 month. We've packed up a few 3-6 month sleepers that are snug lengthwise, and one overall outfit, but most things we still have plenty of room in. Which is a relief, because all your Christmas outfits are 6 month. I'd hate to have to buy some bigger stuff all the sudden.
Hair:  Brown

photo credit: Beth Manning Photography

Eyes: Brown
Sleep: Sucks. Last week, you were doing 45 minute stretches at night and that was it. Your naps were fine, but your night time sleep was out of control. In the past couple of nights, we've gotten back to 4-5 hour stretches, but we haven't made it back to sleeping through the night yet.

Nicknames: Le Jack (Jacques), Jackie Doodle, and Jack Attack, as well as Stinker. You're a huge stinker, especially where sleep is concerned.

Milestone: You're sitting up like a champ! Sometimes, though, you refuse to sit down, you just want to stand. I still believe you are not going to crawl for long, you're going to want to walk as soon as possible. Speaking of crawling, none yet, but you're very strong and trying had to get on to your hands and knees. You still haven't rolled from your back to belly, but I truly believe it's for lack of want, not ability.

This week you had your first sample of solid food: banana! I'm not sure much made it into your mouth...most of if you just played with. You also tried your first taste of sweet potato fries on Sunday...you gummed your way through one and sucked the inside of it out. You were quite proud of yourself.

You've also become very interested in cups...especially coffee mugs and wine glasses.

You also had your first Thanksgiving, which you loved spending down at Holden Beach, and we kicked off the Christmas season with your first visit to see Santa.

We went to see the Legendary Santa at the Richmond Children's Museum, the same one your mommy and aunt saw when we were kids back at Miller and Rhodes. It was a a magical moment.

Jack-5 Months

 Disclaimer...This post really and truly was written Nov. 14, 2013; however, I couldn't get to some of the pictures I wanted, so I was delayed (almost 3 weeks) in posting. Oops.

OK, this has gotten ridiculous...The past three posts have all been Jack monthly updates and nothing else. I am embarrassed for me. It seems that our house has been under the weather a lot, and busy, of course. I'd like to think things are going to slow down soon, but I'm kinda dreading the next month. Too much going-I don't think I have a weekend off until Christmas.

It also doesn't help that Jack is getting more and more fun, which makes it harder to spend the little time I get with him at the computer. As a matter of fact, right now, typing is taking twice as long because little man wants to be in my lap and is grabbing for my fingers.

During this month, we celebrated Jack's first Halloween. He, of course, went dressed as  a "Jack"-o-lantern. Dad had a football game on actual Halloween, so I took him trick-or-treating with my neice and nephew. The night before Halloween, we went up to his babysitter's house to go through their huge Halloween display. I'm sure you're going to think we're especially crazy for some of the pictures we took.

You've also started playing in your Step 'n' Play Piano-which you loooooove. The first time I put you in it, I showed you a few things and you just watched. Now you play with it all by yourself, constantly discovering new ways to make noise. you're still a little short for it, but we put a pillow under your feet and don't leave you in there for too long.

We got the chance to go see Daddy's band perform at their state assessment. It was ridiculously cold and windy, but we bundled you up and the cold didn't seem to bother you. You loved to watch the marching bands perform-you were extremely attentive.

In other firsts, you had your first shopping trip with your grandma, aunt, and myself. We were gone all day long-literally 8:30AM-5PM. You were so awesome, and came home with some pretty cute stuff.

Weight: 14.5 lbs

Length: 24.5ish in
Head Circumference: I didn't quite get this one done...

Clothing: 3-6 month. There are a few sleepers in a brand that tends to run on the small side that I would imagine you're going to outgrow them soon and move on to 6-9 month. Everything else you have plenty of room in.
Hair:  Brown, with some lighter highlights coming in.
Eyes: Brown, almost a clear amber.
Sleep: You were doing so well! Sleeping through the night at leas t75% of the time for the last 2-3 weeks, then bam! this week has sucked. The last two nights you were up every two hours. I feel certain your gums are bothering you-we'll probably see some new teeth within the next week, 
Nicknames: Your father has suddenly become French and is calling you "Le Jacques." I still with Jackie Doodle.

Milestone: Tummy time is getting more and more adventurous. You're constantly trying to get up on your knees. We made the prediction you would be crawling by Christmas. I'll be anxious to see if that is the case. It's definitely plausible. You are starting to sit up unassisted. You rolled from your back to your tummy one time, but we think it was just a fluke. You are also officially sleeping unswaddled. You have to have a (wearable) blanket, but you're free to move all around in it.