Six Months of Henry
Buddy,
This month's dress up is so fitting for your personality. You are the definition of smiley! There has never been a baby as content and calm and full of joy as you; I'm sure of it! To top it off, Sully has given you the nickname 'Buddy,' so Buddy the Elf it was!
I have been deep in my feelings of gratitude this month, particularly about you. This time last year, Dad and I were wrestling with our capacity and wondering if our family was actually complete as a group of four. In theory, it sounded right to have just two kids: the amount of bedrooms, the car size, the parent to kid ratio. But it never sat on my heart as "right." I could not shake the feeling our family was meant to have one more kid, and I'm so very thankful God continued to nudge my heart. If he didn't, we would have never met you! I literally cannot imagine our lives without you, sweet boy.
Growth:
It feels like this is the biggest month of your growth so far (though I feel like I could say that every month). There's a slow and subtle shift from you being a tiny baby to being a big boy. You are so sturdy, able to hold up your head really well. You are rolling from back to belly easily and you are actively reaching for things. Sitting up unassisted is just around the corner!
Your favorite thing is to just be held and to be around your family. You are the snuggliest baby and content as long as you are close to us. You're definitely starting to protest if we walk too far away, but thankfully, there are four people in the house who are obsessed with you and run to talk to you.
Milk:
Up until now, you've really only wanted four ounces. The last few nights, you were tricky to lay down or woke up soon after crying. With a little adjustment, we figured it was your milk. You were snacking before bed and not filling up and wanted more at bed, so we've been making sure you get a full feed before bed and adding two ounces. Now, you drink about five to six ounces.
Sleep:
Night times still aren't bad. Sleeping through the night is off the table according to you, but you only get up once, so it's okay. There are some mornings where you try to get up at 4:30; those aren't my favorite because I never can get back to sleep, but at least I get a few things done before everyone else is awake.
I have lots of questions about sleep training and adoption. I can't bring myself to do any sleep training with you, especially since you are eating a full bottle in the middle of the night. Maybe a little down the road, but for now, I'll rock the dark circles and trek across the house to snuggle you at night.
Naps are getting more consistent for you now. You take three a day, sometimes four depending on errands, etc. Your lay downs are still often interrupted by your siblings, but if I can ever get you down, you take at least a thirty minute nap. A few times, you've slept an hour and a half. It was a dream! When you and Sister are down at the same time and Sully does play time, it means a little extra sewing time for me.
Favorite Moments:
-Baptism: We planned this big weekend all around you. Your finalization date was scheduled for December 4th, so we scheduled your baptism at church for the 3rd. The Thursday before, we found out that we're still waiting for paperwork from Oklahoma and that your finalization was delayed (date TBD). No matter, we decided to still baptize you, and it was so special! We had a house full of company and the weekend was all about you. We love our church so much, and to be able to have the people who we see and love all the time celebrate with us was extra special. Sugar was able to baptize you, and it's always the sweetest. So many people love you!
-Christmas things: To be honest, buddy, Christmas always gets an eye roll from me. Our family has four birthdays in the fall, and creatively, I spend a lot of energy there. This year, though, I promised myself to pace myself and to not take on any extra projects to leave margin for more fun for me. It has made all the difference because I am absolutely loving all things Christmas this year. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a movie where I'm sitting on the couch drinking coffee watching the three cutest babies giggle and run around; the Christmas tree is glowing, the candle smells like spruce, and the mantle is decorated with five stockings. I'm so excited to teach you about baby Jesus and to watch you experience the magic with Sully and Eloise.
-Sulloisenry: The number of times I look at the three of you and get teary is getting way into the thousands. I love y'all so much and cannot get over how well y'all play together. I could have never picked a better trio!
"You have such a pretty face! You should be on a Christmas card!" Henry, your face is so cute, it should be on a billboard. Love you more than Buddy loves candy!
Love,
Mom
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