6 Months Old

Baby: He has been a busy one. As you know, he got his helmet, got his glasses and now is cutting his first tooth! (Needless to say, he hasn't been the happiest camper, but gosh darn if he just isn't the most adorable little turd.) He is rolling over easily from his back to his stomach, but can't quite figure out how to go the other way. He gets pretty irritated when he's stuck on his belly. He smiles all the time (sometimes even in the middle of crying he can't help but turn those lips upward). He is laughing at Mommy's silly noises. He is ticklish all over, but doesn't love being tickled. He gets all tense and doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. Enjoys just chilling on our laps once in awhile. We are not going to talk about his sleep (or lack thereof).

STATS:

Head - 17" (25th %)

Weight - 19.5 lbs (75th %)

Height - 26.5" (50th %)

Parents: We are ready to get this guy in a crib or something. Still sleeping in separate quarters, but we're making it work somehow. We know it's temporary, that's how we do it day to day. But I think this weekend we're gonna try letting him sleep in his own area to test it out. After his next surgery, I have the intention of putting him back in our bed if he needs it (although I'll probably need it more). But that's still 3 months away, so we need to get him out to keep our sanity! Since the baby is doing so well, we are a little more comfortable going out and doing things on our own once in awhile. We even saw a movie and a concert last week, so it's nice thinking those kind of things might be more frequent in the months to come. And after all the madness of this year, we are already looking forward to 2012. This year can just be over, thanks.

Mommy's Thoughts: I've had a few friends get pregnant in the time that the baby has been around. And with all the difficulties we've had with our little one, you might think I'd feel sorry for these parents-to-be. I was telling my hairdresser all the little (and not so little) things we've been dealing with and she said "Wow. You're not really selling me on the whole kid thing!" I agreed that I'm not exactly the poster-child for having babies. But as other parents know, the joy these little tykes bring you more than makes up for any struggles they put you through. So even at their worst, you love them. And you never want anything bad to happen to them. So much in fact, that I not only don't feel sorry for new parents, I'm actually excited for them! Stoked, even. It's a journey, that's for sure. And you never know what hand you'll be dealt. But man, what awesome rewards you get for being responsible for these little beings. Seriously. And sure there are days where I don't exactly enjoy being in Mommy Mode, but overall, being a parent rocks. Hard.