5 months.

Jackie,

You are now in your own room. You left me! We moved you from the bassinet to the crib about two weeks ago. It seemed too soon, but I think it ended up being the perfect time. I was getting anxiety when you were in our room. Each move we made stressed me out. Door creaked by accident? "SHHHH!!" haha I hated when your sleep was disturbed. Now we can jump and skip around and you are as still as can be. It also helps you put yourself back to sleep because you aren't aware of mama next to you. You do seem so tiny in that big crib.

You are doing everything like before except ten times better. You are better at rolling over, at holding things, at putting your paci back in your mouth, at standing. You sit up pretty good now, except when you move your head, the weight of it sends you toppling over one way or the other, so we always have to keep a pillow behind you.

We fed you rice cereal just once. You weren't all that thrilled about it. You ate it just fine, but you were way more entertained by the bright green plastic spoon I was using to feed you, so I don't think I'll do it again for a while since you are still nursing like a winner. I'm eager to put your teeth to good use, but there's plenty of time for that, I know.

Your fake cry has morphed into what dad describes as a sick bird sound. It's this screech that ends in a low pitched...thing. You make it when you are fake fussing, and it's hilarious. You are also using a different version of the screech when you are excited. Lots of high-pitched sounds this last month. You are laughing all the time now. Your favorite thing is when we grab your arms and wave them about. We wave your arms to songs like "wheels on the bus" and "ants go marching" and you have a fit of giggles. You also get that way right before bed when I tickle your stomach and neck.

You hate hate hate the car seat now unless someone is sitting back there with you. I think you assume you've been abandoned if you are in the back alone. I don't like to give into it, but I've sat back there with you while dad drives us to and from places. You really seem to love people. You love when there is a lot going on around you.

On our way into Costco the other day, the lady at the door said what a pretty little girl you were. When I corrected her she exclaimed "he's just so pretty, I just assumed." Haha. I think it's your eyes--they are getting really big and pretty and your lashes are really long. When you bat them at strangers, it's an easy mistake to make.

Your favorite toys at the moment are a lion that cousin Nicholas lent you and a soft book with crinkly pages. We have a basket full of toys in the living room now, but these are the two you like spending the most time with. You are still loving books, and you concentrate on them with a furrowed brow. You like to close and open them while we are reading.

You still love being outside. It's always been a magical cure for you. Lately, after I get off work, we both go outside and sit out on the deck. I put you in your high chair with a few toys and I read my book on the bench and we listen to the birds and our fountain and just take it in. I hope you always like the outdoors.

You and Mickey (the pup) have gotten really close this past month, which has been fun to watch. He likes to just lie next to you, or he will sit himself next to you if you are in your high chair. He will stick his nose in your hand occasionally, and it puts a huge smile on your face.

I love that we are such buddies now--wherever I go, you go. We laugh all the time at each other and hold each other's faces, and cuddle. I feel like I'm raising one of my best friends.

I love my Jack!

Mom

You can see your two teeth here

Sitting up like a champ