Friday, January 09, 2009

Six Months Old!

I can't believe it has been 6 months since Gabe was born! Sometimes it feels like it has been longer, but for the most part, it feels like the time has just flown by! I am amazed at his development, his growth, and the host of little changes that have turned my little newborn into a baby boy with personality!

Gabe is now sitting up almost completely by himself, he loves jumping in his jumperoo, and playing in his walker, but doesn't like laying down or reclining back much. He loves his rice cereal and baby applesauce, carrots, and sweet potatoes. He doesn't like prune juice much, or having his rice cereal mixed with baby food. He loves it when we play peek-a-boo with him or patty cake. He loves being tickled and he thinks low growly voices are hilarious. He is still pretty cuddly, but definitely wiggly and curious. If he can get his hands on it, he will try to put it in his mouth (it doesn't matter what "it" is). Gabe has 2 teeth, and boy are they sharp! He has recently begun taking some naps, which is a relief for me. Sometimes he falls asleep when I vacuum or when I blow dry my hair. Gabriel does pretty well in the car, but he doesn't really like being alone in the back when it is dark. He wants to be entertained. If he is crying or fussy, we can almost always calm him down by making "the elephant noise". He likes getting bundled up and going for walks in the stroller even when it is cold outside. He is starting to be a little wary of strangers, but he loves watching other babies. The people Gabriel knows best are his Mommy and Daddy, his Grandma Sue and Grandpa Ron, and his Aunt Marissa and Uncle Richard. He would like to get to know all his other family members and friends too! He is learning how to use the webcam so he can talk to his far- away family (with the help of Mom and Dad, of course). His vocabulary consists of the sounds "d", "g", "da", "aguh", "ha", "yuh" and grunts and squeals. Bathtime is one of Gabe's favorite times, especially now that he has toys he can kick and splash in the tub. Gabe seems to be going through a growth spurt, because he isn't sleeping quite as long at night before waking up to eat, he is hungry more often, and he is growing out of his clothes at an alarming rate.
I love this little boy more than I can express, and I treasure every smile, laugh, slobbery "kiss", and even the diapers and feedings, and comforting him when he cries. We are so glad he is part of our family.