Six Months of Eloise

My wonder baby,

Half a year! I know that it’s cliche to talk about time passing quickly but my word! It’s been 6 months with you, and I can hardly stand to think how quickly the next 6 will go.

You are pure sunshine, talking and laughing all day long. You already are a wonder of a baby, and I’ve been praying big prayers for your life to come. Your personality is just so joyous, and even at just six months, I can see the kindness in your eyes and the love you have for others. I'm so thankful to get a front seat to watching you grow!

Growth:

Your 3-6 month sized clothes are fitting just right instead of a little big like last month which means I’ll be getting out the bucket of 6 month clothes soon. You are adorably chubby with the squishiest cheeks; they stick out past your nose and lips. It's the cutest!!

Eating:

As of today, I’ve pumped 6,872.5 ounces. I think I’m going to pump through your 7 months and be done, praying the freezer stash is enough. If not, formula and food from BLW will be just fine. It’s been an honor to be a source of life for you, but I’d love to go into summer being able to commit all of my time to you and Sully. I know I said I thought I was stopping earlier, but I'd really like to get you sleeping through the night so I don't have to fix a bottle in the middle of the night.

Sleep:

This is a hit or miss category. Most nights you only get up once but then you’ll sprinkle in a 3 wake night or a 4:30am wake up. Starting next week, we’re going to do a little tweaking thanks to my friend that is a sleep consultant to see if we can bet some consistency in those wake times. Thankfully you are efficient in your feedings: you smile at me when I pick you up, eat, and immediately go back to sleep. As much as I want to sleep through the night, those middle of the night feedings are special. It’s just you and me, and I get to stare at your sweet face and snuggle. I want to sleep more but also want to cherish this time.

Your naps have been surprisingly simple. Inconsistent at times, but we are able to follow a routine of laying you down. You nap anywhere from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours by yourself. If it's a rocking day (which I try to do often if Sully is asleep so we can have bonding time), you can easily nap 2 hours. Rocking you while you sleep is my favorite thing to do.

Favorite Moments:

Easter was one of my favorites that I've ever had. We decided to stay here this year for the weekend before and host a small egg hunt for our friends. It rained but that didn't stop the fun! We had treats, fruits, veggies, and juice, and the kids played and ate while the parents got to talk a little. It was fun watching you talk to "baby Olivia" (you are "baby Eloise" in our group) and watching Sully hunt eggs with his friends. We all went to church that afternoon, too, and we even made it to dinner afterwards. Easter holds much more weight now, as not only does it mean I am saved, but it holds the hope of heaven for you and your brother. I pray daily that God will capture your heart so early and that you'll cling to Him and never let go. The Sunday on actual Easter, we drove down and spent the afternoon in Goodway. The next morning, we ate lunch with Granny and PeePaw and then headed back home to start the week.

In a two week span, we spent our first and longest stretches away from you. Mom and Dad went to Birmingham for one night for our first time away from you. We went to watch the Popcast Live event, and it was just what I needed! A little time away to rest but not long at all. You stayed with Sugar and Brittany and did wonderfully! The second time, Mom and Dad went to Nashville for 2 nights to see John Mayer. Dad bought me tickets when I was pregnant, and even though it was logistically more difficult, we made it work. Again, you and Sully did great!

This month, Sully really seems to be enjoying you as his sister. I know he loves you, but he doesn't always know how to play with you. This month, he's really excited to talk to you and says "can you talk for eh-wheeze," meaning he wants to tell you a story about something. He also loves running into your room every morning to help wake you up, and you smile so big for him!

I started teaching Forest Friends this semester, and it's been fun! It feels good to get back to a very small version of teaching, and it's nice to have you and Sully see me do something other than be "Mom." Sometimes, you stay with Dad at home while Sully and I go, and sometimes, the whole family has come. It's been a neat thing to be a part of!

Likes:

Sheldon: you literally yell to call him every time he comes in the room.

Sully: your eyes light up every single time you see him!

Crunchy paper

Sitting Up

Dislikes:

The stroller: this is probably just the timing of it all, but you usually don't love riding in the stroller for family walks. It works out because Dad carries you and Sully rides in the stroller instead.

You are a wonder, a treasure, a gem. You are already a superhero, and we are excited to see you change the world!

Love,

Mom