.:Andrus Family:.: .:Jabren

Half a year old!

It must be because Jabes is our last, but time is flying even more than usual for me with this baby! Maybe because I am not ready for each stage/month to end or change. I'm really trying to savor this little guy, but time is stealing it from me!

This sweet baby is changing so much lately! For one thing, he has a new trick: sitting! He rarely rolls over, but sits independently for significant periods of time. He is still wobbly and hasn't always learned how to catch himself, but he is getting better everyday. I think he likes having a new perspective!

Jabes is also getting super busy. He is so grabby! I feel like it happened overnite, he just wants to be touching and grabbing anything and everything that is in sight. I love how curious is about discovering what is around him. It is so fun to watch him discover everything!

I finally moved Jabren into his own room. And I should have done it sooner! He has definitely been sleeping better in there. The first couple of nites, he woke up around 2ish, but was easily put back to sleep with his binky and a little rocking. Now I usually get a solid 5-6 hour stretch every nite. I'm hoping that will extend soon, especially once we start food.

Jabes is also starting to take naps! It is so glorious to be able to get a few things done around the house during the day without him being upset at me for not entertaining him!

Jabren continues to be a slobbery mess most of the time. Those dang teeth have been moving around for months now! I really think it has to be teething. Luckily it doesn't appear to phase him too much, other than he is starting to get rashes on his neck and chest from all of the slobber. His hands are constantly in his mouth, unless he is holding a toy that he can gnaw on. I know babies discover things using their mouths but this is for sure more than that.

Jabes still loves being changed, still loves being on his changing table, and still loves his baths. I know changing him is going to start getting more difficult really quick here; he is always rolling up on to his sides, and I know as he gets more mobile it's going to turn into a wrestling match. I am excited for him to be more sturdy with sitting so that he can sit up in the tub. He is going to love splashing around even more!

We are going to be starting food now! I have been holding off because it wasn't really necessary when he is such a great nurser, but he has definitely been showing an interest in food for over a month now. His pediatrician said that we could basically skip baby food altogether if we want to. Music to my ears! I don't love the baby food stage at all. The doctor said that anything that we can mash up is fair game, even eggs and peanut butter. The only off limits food is honey. I always love when my babies are on table food, and I love that we'll be able to integrate that earlier on now. Jabes is still supposed to have cereal or oatmeal once a day to make sure he is getting iron, but other than that, we are on our own as to what we want to give him. I think he is going to love it!

Jabren has really found his voice. He spends a lot of time squealing and screaming happy sounds. He loves to listen to himself, and also let himself be heard. It is fun to hear all of his happy sounds!