Baby vs. Grinch - Five and Six Months

If Howie had a report card for months five and six it would say, "Needs improvement."

He will probably develop a complex someday after reading this, but the truth must be told. The sweet, laid-back disposition he had in months three and four seemed to disappear, and he was as aggravated and disgruntled as we've ever seen him.

Fortunately due to his six-month doctor's visit, things seem to be getting a little more under control. Without going into details that will make you glaze over, we're re-trying reflux medicine, and letting him cry it out at night. I know what you are wondering and the answer is no, I do not miss the swaddle OR getting up 6-10 times a night. I am hoping that his seven and eight (??!) month report will reflect a dramatic change. The past week we already feel like our smiley, happy boy is returning.

We are slowly introducing cereal. He only likes it sometimes. And I only remember to give it to him sometimes.

For awhile I attributed his aggravation to thinking that he was just really anxious to be mobile/upright/part of the action. So we tried a johnny jump up. I'm pretty sure that Maggie likes it more than he does. This also resulted in Howie's first experience with a swing (which is what it is now called).

His real first swing:

The doctor claims that he is only in the 30% for weight and 85% for height, which makes you think that he would be a string bean...but his cheeks are so fat that sometimes I think they may burst when he smiles. And he has at least 10 mini rolls on the back of his thighs. Not to mention his feet - between the ankle roll and the toe rolls they are like little balloons. But oh, he is SO kissable!

He is basically sitting up on his own now. Still a little wobbly, but is gaining control by the day. I was really looking forward to this until today when I had him sitting with the boppy around him and he blew out a diaper. If he thinks that sitting up like everyone else will entitle him to what everyone else gets (coffee), he's sorely mistaken.

He has also started barrel-rolling. Which is keeping me on my toes. I keep forgetting that laying him on the bed or the ottoman are not good options anymore. Don't worry - he's only fallen off the ottoman once.

We call Uncle Paul the Baby Whisperer. He has the magic touch with H.

He chews on everything now. Fingers, toys, hair - really whatever he can get in his hands and pull into his mouth is fair game. His favorite teething item right now is his plug. Probably because it's always in his mouth.

I can't believe how big he's getting. His little personality pops out more and more each day. He is becoming so responsive.

Of all of his fussy moments, he LOVES being outside. Mainly laying on a blanket watching the leaves. Until his sister pounces on him.

He loves to "sing" and squeal and is still gooing and cooing all the time. Maggie thinks it's hilarious when he says "GEEE!" because we tell her he is saying "Ma-ggiieeeee!!!"

I feel like he has crossed the threshold to being a full-fledged baby. When the doctor told me he could start having a sippy cup my jaw dropped open. Then again, we WERE still swaddling him until last week...maybe we were cramping his style. I'm looking forward to watching him grow and develop over the next couple of months. He is SUCH a wonderful addition to our little family.