Six Months

My darling Patrick: You are six months old!


Such a cliche, but it really does go so very fast. You are my little baby, my infant, my newborn. You can't possibly be doing all these things that "big" kids do. First you can predictably roll over. Then you roll over FAST, at convenient times, like when I want to change your diaper. Or your clothes. Now that you can roll over, you like being on your belly. Wasn't it just last week that you hated it? That you cried the whole time? But Mommy is supposed to do tummy time so you don't have a flat head. Now I just wish you would stay still, at least while I get you cleaned up.


Of course, it's not enough to be on your belly. You get on your hands and knees, and it's so FUN! You rock back and forth, then you push yourself up on your tippy-toes. You are better at Downward Dog (it's a yoga position, Mom) than I am! Moving...you can do moving. You just can't do moving forward. Backwards, you the man.


Everything is up for investigation, with your hands or with your mouth. You like your toys. In fact, you are able to explore them at length now, not just put them in your mouth. Although you still do that. This means the grabby phase has begun. Paper is always a target, as is my wallet, Daddy's phone, and basically anything within reach.


Including food. Mommy is not ready to start you on solids. I love nursing you so much, as it's the one time I can get some cuddling out of you. I don't want to share you with rice cereal. But while Mommy is not ready, you are very ready. You watch with quiet fascination everything we eat and drink. You reach out for plates and glasses. So solids it is. Daddy wants to give you avocado first. Hopefully tomorrow! We'll take lots of embarrassing pictures to show your future dates.

We are ready for your first Christmas. Daddy and I have talked alot about traditions, family, and how we want to move forward as the head of our own family unit. Lots, lots of talking. We've decided that we want you to wake up in your own bed, walk down your stairs, and discover what Santa has brought to your house. We are not going to subject you to endless car trips back and forth to all the family members who live within driving distance. They can all come to us! And welcome! Come on over! But you get to stay in your jammies, play with your puppies and your new toys, and go to your church on Christmas Eve. When you get older, and you want hang out with friends instead of dorky parents, then we'll drive you all over creation. Daddy and I have decided that you'll get new jammies (to be opened Christmas Eve), a Christmas book, and your own ornament every year. There are so many gorgeous Christmas books, and Mommy found one that you can mouth with abandon! The Polar Express will have to wait.

You are really a great baby. Mommy and Daddy love you beyond reason.

Love
Mommy