six months

Dear Daniel,

Happy half-birthday, Danny Boy! On the one hand, it's hard to believe you've been with us for six whole months, while on the other, as I watch you learn new tricks almost daily, it's hard to believe you're not older.

Your biggest accomplishment this month has been mobility. When the month began, you started getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth. As the weeks have gone by the rocking has evolved into an inchworm-like lunge combined with a pivot. So while you're not technically crawling, you're definitely getting around. You and your newly developed abs of steel have also mastered the plank, and I'm always impressed by how strong you've become.

You're also starting to sit. You're not yet completely balanced, but you can sit up in your high chair, which has made meal times much easier. And when I set you in a bucket along with a few toys, you can support yourself well enough to stay happy and avoid falling over.

Your sixth month was filled with sickness. Shortly after you finished the round of antibiotics for your ear infection, you came down with another cold which a few days later led to another ear infection. The wheezing also got worse, and over the past few weeks you have endured another round of antibiotics, this time a stronger dose administered by three consecutive daily shots, and 2-3 daily nebulizer treatments. You still continue to wheeze, but you are at least a happy wheezer. Even so, I'm really hoping you fully recover soon!

The sickness has continued to hinder your progress in the sleep department, but you're slowly sleeping for longer stretches. You still wake up at least once a night to eat, but with the exception of the few times when that feeding coincided with the early morning hours of the end of Daylight Savings, you've gone right back to sleep with no problem. As soon as you're all better, I plan to wean you from this final nighttime bottle.

This month you discovered your toes, which you love to play with, and how to smack your lips, which you think is funny. In certain lights your hair almost looks strawberry blonde, and it continues to grow long and straight up. You are a fun, sweet, and adorable addition to our family, and I love you very, very much.

Love,
Mama