5 Months Old!

And a very fine five months at that! What a cute boy! I know I'm biased and everything, but seriously!

Well he is just moving along...somewhat literally even! When placed on his tummy he does manage to scoot around and push himself into backwards pinwheels. When he is on his back he will sometimes arch like crazy to try and get to his side, and whenever he gets put on his side he really spends a great deal of time trying to get on his belly, though his success rate is still only about 50/50. I figured he would want to get from his tummy to his back first what with his affection for tummy time in the past, but I guess not! He also can sit unassisted for up to 1-2 minutes at a time sometimes when he uses his arms to prop himself up. When he does topple, it is a slow motion face plant that shows both his arm strength and a great range of flexibility!

He is exploring his vocal range with great earnest making a long stop in the 'gargling and gurgling department' (who knew your own saliva could be the source of so much amusement?) and also seems to enjoy the world of babble. Occasionally we will get squeals and shrieks and sounds that would seem better suited to the late Jurassic period than coming from a 5 month old human baby. He enjoys conversations, especially with himself, though he will allow others to get a word or two in edgewise.

He is still huge...I estimate 23-24 lbs, though I'll need to back that up with a scale here shortly and update, but irregardless he is in entirely 12 month + clothes and even some of those are tight and need an upgrade. Thanks goodness for Once Upon a Child! (Childrens resale store). He seems to be going through a lengthening phase and at the same time bulking up a bit where the muscles are. His eyes have lightened, but still don't seem to be going anywhere but blue right now.

If he liked putting things in his mouth before, he downright loves doing it now. Mr. Bun Bun spends most of his time completely soaked and Fletcher is a big fan of any of his toys that will fit in his mouth, though his fingers are clearly the favorite. Anything within range of his lower half is at danger of being pummeled by mini feet, and he has discovered he can pull off glasses, stick his fingers in other peoples mouth's, and...joy of joys...has discovered hair. Other peoples more than his own.

On the food front, he has been getting rice cereal for breakfast and dinner in his bottle, though he isn't very interested in it in any other medium. Tim tried some bananas with him yesterday and I tried again today and the result was the same for both of us. The only way to describe the facial expression is a mix of confusion, revulsion, indignation, and curious delight, all at the same time. Most of it was spit out, but he seemed to enjoy playing with it in his mouth. He also liked biting the spoon. I will try very hard to get a picture of it next time, it is a wonderful face and worthy of sharing.

One of my favorite things is the discovery that he is ticklish. I spend a ridiculous amount of my time and energy in the search for his giggles and chuckles and have found him to have lots of tickle spots. My favorite is underneath his copious cheeks, his neck is prime tickle real estate. You actually have to pick up his cheeks to get to it, but his squeals of delight and mirth induced squirming make the exercise well worth it. He is also a big fan of peek-a-boo type games and bouncing on the bed, knee, anything that will bounce him really.

He is a hot natured little boy and in this heat and humidity he is less than comfortable most of the time when we are away from home unless there is air conditioning readily available. He gets sleepy, grumpy, and sweaty fast so I have to keep an eye on him and make sure he gets extra milk. He really does enjoy going out though, looking around to see, hear, and smell new things. He really seems to like people and will flirt unabashedly with anyone who gives him the opportunity. Just one dazzling smile and another heart is broken!

Well, there was lots to report this time, but consider yourself updated! Fletcher hopes everyone is well and he would like to thank all his aunts and uncles, great aunts and uncles, cousins, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins, grandparents, great grandparents, and of course friends galore for stopping by to visit! He would also like to thank everyone for all the clothes and the toys and baby playthings that amuse and entertain him all day long :0)