Six Sweet Months

Can you believe it?  Our little man has reached the half-year mark!

We have so much to be thankful for:  His health and happy disposition.  His growth and development.  The joy he brings us each day!  It's incredible realizing how very different our lives were just six short months ago, and I'm not looking back!  We've come a long way since those early months of pure exhaustion, never-ending diaper changes and feedings.  (Don't get me wrong, there are still plenty of days where my teeth aren't brushed and I haven't showered until 3p.m.--yesterday was one of them!) Seriously though, God has graciously sustained Dave and I as parents, given us wisdom in moments of cluelessness, as well as some great friends and family with whom we can share the ups and downs of parenthood.  I am thankful for the "village" of people that are helping us raise our boy.

Six Words to Sum up our Six Month Old's Life:

Solids, Sitting up, Sleep + Schedule, "Speech", and Stats

(You liked that, didn't you?...I HAVE to pretend I'm using my English degree somehow!) Here's the lowdown on the latest daily happenings with Cam:

• He's showing more of an interest in eating solids, but we are still taking it slow.  So far he's sticking with rice cereal mixed with breast milk and a couple times with mashed bananas.  I bought avocados that went bad (they didn't look great to begin with), some jarred carrots that we'll try soon, and I'm going to bake a couple sweet potatoes to try as well.  Speaking of feedings, Cameron is now completely weaned.   I'm glad that I made it to the six month mark because we had some troubles early on, but now that it's come to and end (like many things) it feels bittersweet. I cherish the memory of those sweet and quiet middle of the night feedings, but am happy to have more freedom during the day now.  I enjoyed the feeling of knowing that I was providing the perfect nutrition for his growing little self while nursing, and now have some concern about formula, but all that aside, I know that I'm doing my best and am looking forward to giving him some more healthy and yummy solids!

 his favorite part of eating: 

• Cameron is kind of sitting up by himself, but only for a little bit before he topples in any direction.  He enjoys being propped up against pillows, the Boppie, or on Dave's or my lap.  He will play with toys sitting in the Mamas & Papas seat and still enjoys playing in the Jumperoo....although...lately he seems to be showing some signs of separation anxiety.  Previously, Cam would happily play with toys in the family room while I went back and forth from there and the kitchen or ran upstairs for a minute, but now he's vocalizing his dislike for that.  I continuously remind him "Mommy's right heeeere" and try to make it into a game, but he's a smart little guy!  

 first time sitting in a cart like a big boy:

Protected by pillows:

• Aaaahhh--the feeling of a good night's sleep is something that I'm really getting used to.  Cameron is settling into a nice new schedule that consists of 2-3 naps, about 5 feedings (6 oz bottles), and one "meal" of solids.  He goes to bed for the night between 6-7 p.m., wakes up btwn 4-6 a.m. for a quick feeding, and then gets up for the day around 7 or 8 a.m. :)

On the way home from a nearly sleepless morning at church:

 Watching him play with his washcloth (it's dry in case you were wondering...and it has somewhat helped with the separation anxiety when I leave the room for nap time)

The bib says it all:

Playing with shapes:

• Cam continues to explore the workings of his vocal chords and provides Dave and me with entertainment from his growing repertoire of squeals and babbles.  It's hard to explain all the various noises he uses in attempts to speak with us, but Dave has classified one as the "Pterodactyl" (Jurassic Park ring a bell?) and just last night while getting him ready for bed I named one of his giggles "Tarzan" because it sounds like the noise you imagine when Tarzan is swinging through the trees...."aahhhh aaaahhhAAAAAAaaaaaahhh"  Ok, maybe I'll have to try and get that on video, but in the meantime, use your imagination or just trust me that it's super cute!  Here's a video of him babbling some other words:

Playing a game of "Where's Mommy?"

• His check-up at the doctor is on Tuesday and I'll be sure to update with the latest stats.  I'm sure he's put on some weight as he's fitting easily into many 6-9 month clothes and he went through a simultaneous eating rampage & sleeping spree a few weeks ago.  I'm gonna guess he's up to 16lbs! 

Looking back at the hundreds of pictures we've taken since his birth, it seems there have already been so many sweet moments that have come and gone.  I can only imagine what is to come, and I'm eager to see what plans the Lord has for Cameron and us as the months and years go on.  I pray that we'll be faithful to seek HIS will above our own.  Happy SIX months, baby!