This post is a bit tardy, since she’s now 6 months, but whatever. Better late than never.
Stats & Talents: Not sure how tall she is, but she is about 14 lbs at 5 months. I feel like she’s really long, but she’s only in about 6 month clothing, so I know she’s not giant. She is now rolling over on her own, which is always a fun milestone. And from her determination to get toys on the ground by pushing with her feet, I predict crawling is around the corner. Yikes. Here is a video of her rollin’ dirty.
Food: We have started rice cereal once a day in the evening. I was hoping this was help her sleep better at night, but no dice. She is also still doing 6 oz bottles every 3 to 4 hours. I am still trying to keep up with the pumping 4 times a day and so far I haven’t had any drop in supply yet. I figure, if I got it, I’m going to use it. And while C can be fussy when it comes to nursing in loud or busy places, she still loves the boob and reaches for it when they are close. I started making baby food this weekend (post coming on that later). Its so much more work, but I can feel so good knowing I’m feeding her healthy food that is preservative free. I made one attempt at it with Alex, but I’m really going to put forth a better effort this time. And who knows, maybe I won’t wind up with another picky eater because of it.
Sleep: This is a touchy subject right now. When Alex was about 2 months old, he slept about 8 hr stretches with maybe a pacifier fix now and then. This baby sleeps like shit. Plain and simple. I’ve never been more tired in my entire life and when she goes to bed at 8:00, and starts rousing just as I’m about to go to bed, its nothing short of torture. Especially, when you are waking up at 5:45 to fucking pump. I’m pretty shocked I haven’t lost my shit yet. I have no clue what will help her sleep. I’ve tried food, noise machines, heavy blankets, putting pillows in her crib to simulate sleeping next to me….none of it worked. So the plan now, is just to power through. As my Mom tells me, “One day, its just going to stop.” And holy bejeezus, I can’t wait until that day. Until then, I will probably just look really tired and be a crabby, sarcastic, bitch to everyone I encounter. Oh ya, and swear a lot. But don’t worry…one day I’ll just stop 🙂
Her hair is just starting to come back in. I can’t tell if its still dark because in the light, its looking golden like her big brother’s. Most of her hair is around the crown of her head and she had one long strip down the middle. It does seem to have a curl to it so I’m going to hold tight that she gets my hair. We don’t have any teeth yet, but the gums are swelling and I can clearly see where they are under the gums. Thank god we don’t remember teething because it looks pretty painful. And not surprisingly, she continues to gnaw on everything within her reach.
But as much shit as she is putting me through right now, the redemption comes when Alex and Chloe are interacting with each other. Honestly, there is nothing more awesome. She thinks he the greatest thing since pureed food. Her face lights up, her arms reach out to him, and my heart just wants to explode. Just last night, she was laying on the floor, and Alex went to give her a hug/lay on her while shouting, “Bay-beeeeeeee!” Then she grabs his head and pulls his hair. Which makes Alex laugh and he tells me, “Baby pull mine hair.” Whenever she is upset, if I can send Alex over to talk to her, she immediately calms down. To watch her laugh at his silliness, to hold both of them in my arms at night, its all pure magic.
