James at Five Months

Jamesy-boy,

I can't believe how old you're getting!  This has been a BIG month for you!  We were on the go and you were knocking out milestones left and right!

We still don't have any teeth but we're guessing they're coming SOON because you will only take your hands out of your mouth if you have something else to go in it.  We think we can feel your top left tooth but nothing has shown up yet.  The amount of drool that you're producing though and your recent fussiness has told us that teeth are on their way.  Sophie the Giraffe has made her appearance this month and you love her!

You started rice cereal a few weeks ago but even after repeated feedings you still aren't a fan.  We even tried oatmeal too since Sissy liked that much better than rice cereal but you didn't like it either.  We'll keep trying and I guess try baby food in another month if you don't warm up to the cereal!

Your jumper came out this month and you love it.  You are great at bouncing and love spinning yourself around to look at things on all sides of it.

We went to Tuscaloosa for the National Championship celebration.  Since you are awake much longer these days you enjoyed yourself more than the football games.

You have developed quite a personality this month.  You are all smiles most of the time unless your teeth hurt (and even then, it's a very mild fussiness).  We love interacting with you and watching you respond to us.  Some of your favorite songs are "Pop goes the Weasel", "Soft Kitty", and "Jesus Loves James".  Most times when we change your diaper we have to sing so you don't get upset.  Singing can calm you down quicker than almost anything.

You have definitely found your toes this month and it's very common to see you in this position when we get you up from bed or when you're on the floor!

The winter weather has been so mild that we've been able to take walks and you have really enjoyed seeing the world.  You aren't a fan when it gets windy but love watching the trees go by.

It was a big movement month for you.  You started rolling over from your front to your back, but you prefer to not do it most of the time.  You have rolled over a handful of times without our help at all (Daddy was watching you and Sissy one night and he was helping her and heard a thump and turned around and you had rolled over!) but you just don't really like doing it.  This picture might show why.  You started sitting up!  This is very recent (only last weekend) and you need help getting into position but once you find your balance you are able to sit for a minute or two by yourself.  It will be very nice when you can master this totally by yourself but we are so proud that you're already trying!

As far as schedule goes, there have only been slight modifications.  As of last night, we dropped your late evening nap.  So right now you are eating at 7:30, 10:30, 2:30, 6, and 8.  You sleep from 9:15 - 10:30, 12:15 - 2:30, and 4:15 - 6.  You definitely decreased your eating amounts to 10-15 minutes total instead of twice that long.  I guess your four month growth spurt ended and you realized you didn't need to eat so much.  You are a growing boy who is wearing 6 month clothes.  There are a few 3-6 month things that still fit but not very many of them.  And there are a few 6-9 month outfits (like the elephant outfit from your monthly picture) but, again, not many of them.  You're still in size 2 diapers and I don't think we'll change soon, but we might!

I also updated this on the 8th after I took you to the doctor for a possible ear infection.  You weighed 13 lbs and 12 ounces!  You are a growing boy!

James, you are a joy in our lives and we are so thankful that you are here.  We can't imagine our life without you!  You are so happy and full of energy.  You make us smile every time we see you.  You are ticklish and quick to smile.  You are somehow all boy already and we can't wait to see what you're doing in a month, a year, and many years from now.  We love you sweet boy! Happy 5 month birthday!

Love, Mommy

*James at months one, two, three, four, five

*Charlotte at months one, two, three, four, five, six