This past month with James has been one where we are starting to find a regular routine with him that will be lasting for several months. He is down to the 2-ish naps a day, which he will have until he is 15+ months old. As much as I understand how important it is to stick to a routine, it is a lot more difficult with two kids who are not on the same schedule. I am learning, as James is to, to be flexible and to try to keep the schedule even when we are out and about.
This past month, James had is first trip to the zoo, I celebrated my first Mother's Day with him, he has been outside a lot with splash pads, beach (lake) trips, and outside water table fun. Can I say that I can't wait until next month when I can (officially) lather him up with sunscreen and not have to worry about finding a piece of shade every place we go. This month, James was also working on going to sleep by himself and is doing a great job with going down for naps and bed by himself.
James is such an easy going baby. That is a comment that I get from a lot of our friends and family who have observed that he just goes with the flow and is content with whatever we are doing. He is very social and likes to be around people and not be left out. He must take after his mom ;) He is so happy and has the cutest little belly laughs and smiles. James is also so sweet and gives the best snuggles. He is quite a cuddly baby, more so than Zach from what I can remember. I love it when he just lays his head on my shoulder and keeps it there. One of my favorite things in the whole world.
Eat
James is still strictly nursing, although was cleared by the pediatrician to start solids. The doctor said I can start between 4-6 months, and I am waiting until closer to 6 months. He nurses about every 4 hours, sometimes sooner, which is about 5 times a day. He still wakes up at least once at night to eat.
Sleep
This past month, we were working on having James fall asleep by himself at nighttime and during naps. He did a great job, a little tears were involved but not too many. He is really starting to get into a normal routine, which will probably stick around for a while. He takes 2 naps a day, sometimes 3 depending on the lengths of the naps and if we are home. His first naps is two hours after he wakes up, which usually ends up being between 8:30-9:30 (nap, not waking up!) and will sleep usually 1 1/2 hours, sometimes more, sometimes less. His second nap is the one I am still working on setting a time. If we go out after his first nap, he usually falls asleep on the go for a quick little nap, so his second nap is usually between 2:00-3:00. This nap can range from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. I am thankful that he is able to go to sleep on his own for his naps, and that they are generally predictable.
James goes to bed between 6:30-7:00 and wakes up between 6:30-7:00. He wakes up once to eat. The time that he wakes up is not really predictable. Sometimes it is 12:30, sometimes 3:00, sometimes 5:00. Eventually we will work on having him to back to sleep by himself when he wakes up, but right now I always find myself second guessing. "What if he's hungry? What if he's hitting a growth spurt? I think he's teething and wants to be comforted!" And sometimes I just give in and go in because I want to sleep and go back to bed as quick as I can. Also, I don't want him waking up his older brother- that opens up a whole other can of worms at night!
Play
James has become a lot more interactive with toys this past month. Some of his favorite toys are the ball with holes in it, letter links, squeaky mushroom toy. He is chewing on everything. The nurse at his last appointment saw his two upper front teeth through his gums. I'm not sure how long it is going to take for them to cut through, but he's working on it. James has also become Mr. Grabby hands this past month. We are over the stage of having him just sit on our laps during dinner in peace. He lunges for everything and enjoys holding/ chewing on water bottles and anything that crinkles. His older brother has also become victim to his grabby hands, which I've had to pry his hair out on a couple of occasions.
James loves to be on the floor and roll all over the place. He is quite a determined little boy and when he sees something that he wants to get to, he will roll and maneuver around until he gets there. He is constantly rolling towards the train table, dining room table, toy basket, and other toys positioned around the living room. I am constantly picking him up and moving him to a safer location, just to go rescue him again in a few minutes. He loves being involved and doesn't like to be alone or out of sight. He likes to sit in his bumbo and try to grab at things around him. His current favorite is to be on the counter while I am giving Zach breakfast or lunch and play with the plastic cover on the kitchen aid.
James is still completely in awe of his older brother and loves watching him throughout the day. Zach loves being around him too and will lay next to him. Zach finds it very entertaining that James can roll over and will try to help him, even though he doesn't need the help. As thankful as I am that they love each other so much, it can also be really exhausting. Zach doesn't exactly know what personal space is, and I don't know how many times a day I have to separate him and give James some space. The two brothers had their first official bath in the tub together. Before, I had James' tub on the floor while Zach was in the bath. (I didn't trust Zach to be in arm's reach of his brother). Then one day, I decided to just go with it and they both LOVED it! There were so many smiles and giggles during the entire bath. Zach even did a great job obeying when I told him to not splash his brother or throw toys.
Likes: Big brother Zach, being kissed a lot on his cheek/neck, taking baths, sitting in bumbo, 'real' objects- water bottles, crinkly bags/paper, grabbing everything, chewing everything, water
Dislikes: Being tired, being alone
Size:
Weight: 20 lbs. [estimate- next doctor's appointment is 6 months]
Height: 29 inches [estimate- next doctor's appointment is 6 months]
Diapers: Size 3
Clothing: Bottoms- 6-12 months, Tops- 6/6-9/6-12 months, Pajamas 6-9 months
Nicknames: Jamesy, Jamesy Boy, Orange Slice, Ginger Snap (given by dad- still not sure if he is a redhead or not), Little Love Bug
Milestones:
Put self to sleep
Celebrated Mother's Day [5.10.15]
First trip to the zoo [5.11.15]
Sitting in stroller without car seat
Note from Mom:
Five months old. How are you five months old, Little James? This past month there was a day when your dad and I looked at you and you no longer looked like a little baby but rather like a little boy. Yes you are still a baby, but you are physically changing and growing so fast. You are really starting to explore and become interested in the world around you.
I am so thankful for your life, James. I am thankful that I get to be your mom. I am thankful for the love and relationship that you have with your brother. You two are going to have so much fun together as you grow up. I am thankful for the way you light up when you see your dad and how he can make you belly laugh so hard. I am thankful for your snuggles and they way you can just cuddle for a long time. I love you so very much, James. You are a precious gift.
Five Month Pictures:
Big brother insisted on getting in on every picture and wouldn't let me take one of just James :)
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