Five months have surely flown by. When I really stop and think of the fact that we are only 1 month from half a year, it really hits me how fast the time is going. How fleeting these moments with you as a baby really are. It makes me want to stop everything and just appreciate the now. Which isn't really possible. But I am trying to improve on that where I can, even though I'm rather bad at it.
So what is the now with you, my Katherine? Well, I'll tell you ;).
You are strong! You can pretty much "stand" on laps while holding onto the person's hands. You can even stand tall even when just being supported at the hips. Your grip is powerful (just ask my scalp!) and you will grab anything within reach and shove it right into your mouth! You're also starting to sit up on your own quite well, supported by pillows or the Boppy.
You've found your toes, which are your favorite thing to reach for when you are sitting. And yes, you even want to put those in your mouth! It's always one of the cutest things.
It's not just toys and feet that you put in your mouth these days, though. We are still nursing before bottles, and you've also started on solid foods! You're not a super-big fan of this whole eating off a spoon thing, but you are getting better. True, if Mommy was a little more consistent with you (as she was with your older siblings) you'd probably be a bit better at it by this point. But you're learning, and it's all good. So to this point, rice cereal and squash are your newest food experiences. But you'd really prefer to stick to the bottle. And when you're in a particularly grumpy mood, you're not hesitant to let me know about that!
You are so full of smiles (except when I try to catch them in a picture -- ha!) and you also have super cute giggles. Your tummy is ticklish and so is your neck. And there's nothing quite so sweet as your little feet turning inward toward each other, as though you are clapping them, and your toes grabbing each other. It's my favorite!
You still enjoy bath time, and you really get upset when I take you out and put you on the diaper changing table to change you. It's almost the only time you fuss on the diaper changing table. Usually it's one of your happy places. Outside is another one. You love being outside looking at the world around you. If you're tired, but fighting sleep, we take you out and walk around with you and you usually drift off without fussing.
Unlike your siblings, you have not really taken to a schedule. I think this is more because you have older siblings who have play dates and activities and you simply learned that naps were 20 to 30 minutes long. So you take about 4 or 5 short naps a day, though on occasion you'll sleep for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. You make up for it all though by being a good night sleeper. You won't go to sleep before Lynnaea and Corbin do, so you're up until about 9:30. But then it's just you and I in the glider for a bit, and I love that time. I love the feel of your little baby body against mine as you sleep in the fetal position against me. This won't happen much longer, really, so I am trying to really soak that all in. And you sleep all night long (until at least 6:30).
You're very intrigued by your reflection. I can tell you're trying to figure out what the deal is as you look from yourself to me and then at the real me. Your facial expression is pretty hilarious as you contemplate why there are two of "that Mommy lady."
There's so much I want to say, sweet Katherine. But instead, I'm going to go pick you up from your swing where you are watching me and smiling and telling me it's time to get you. I love you so very much. You are such a beautiful blessing, and I'm grateful you are mine.
Love Always,
Mommy
