These Are the Days!

Our sweet, kissable, squeezable little man turned 6 months last week and I've been itching to write a blog commemorating it ever since. Honestly, I shake my head and wonder where the time has gone since he entered this world on that peaceful winter night....all 6 pounds 10 ounces of wonderful wrinkly newborn.

One hour old

At the same time, I know exactly where the days have gone! They go something like this....feed, bounce, play, clean a little, feed, clean myself a little, feed again, bounce, play, cook with baby strapped to chest (and by then it's only 10:30 am!)...and so the day goes on. Oh, and that has been, of course, running a simultaneous course to a similar but more advanced daytime routine with sweet little man's big sister! This whole hands-on motherhood reality is intense! I wouldn't be honest if I didn't admit that I've found many of these first days intensely difficult, in a majority of them I've felt so very down and unsure of my ability to "do this". And yet, these are the days! The moments of joy are SO FULL that my heart might explode....and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

One month old

Two months old

Our Judah is an absolute JOY. After those first few fussy months (and who could blame the poor little guy with his sore tummy and seeming intolerance to caffeine!), he has emerged as the happiest baby on the block. He has become pure BOY....and loves bouncing, banging, throwing, swinging, hanging upside down, EATING, and being being bare naked. He is a little guy who quite literally smiles to everyone who says hello. 

3 months

4 months

Snug as a bug with Mama at 4 months

Judah sleeps well, although of course he likes to nurse very frequently throughout the night but I've come to expect that from my babies and I just don't let it bother me. With teeth coming in or developmental bursts I like being what soothes them. He is a cuddly, tactile little guy who much prefers to be held over anything else...and there are lots of hands eager to snuggle him. 

While it is apparent that his mama is his first love (and I swoon!), he absolutely ADORES his daddy and Liliana. He could watch Liliana play all day and he laughs watching her. He thinks she is so entertaining. My heart is warmed by already observing the gift that siblings are to each other, and the gift that Joe and I have been able to give them IN each other. When Joe walks through the door from work Judah only has eyes for him, as though he is saying hold me hold me hold me! It is so sweet.  I've had the opportunity to go out for a few hours at a time and leave both babies with Joe. Judah takes a bottle of breastmilk so well from his daddy and settles easily. That is a total blessing!

5 months

6 months

6 months old and his first taste of rice cereal

At risk of babbling on and on about the joys of this sweet little boy, I will finish with the important stats. At 6 months old Judah David is 17 pounds flat and 26.5 inches. He is 40th percentile for weight and 88th for height! He can role over both ways, and sit quite well for a short time. His legs are gloriously chunky and he absolutely LOVES using them in his jolly jumper. No teeth yet!

How I love you, darling son. Your presence in our family has been such a gift, even in the challenging days I've been acutely aware that our lives are so much more full of joy because you are in it. I only pray that we can continue to love you and nourish your heart, mind, body and soul in a way that allows you to thrive. Your sweet smile and exuberant affection bring light to all those around you and make my mama's heart oh so full that it overflows. I am humbled to be entrusted with such a gift as your beautiful life. Thank you!