Today Hannah is 6 months old! It seems that time just goes faster and faster. I'm happy to report that we've had several changes in the last month some very good and a couple very difficult.
*Schedule: This is one of the very good changes. I don't want to jinx it but Hannah is slowly but surely establishing a schedule. It goes something like this: up between 8 and 9 with a very short feeding shortly after; about 10:30 eat again and take about an hour nap; after this nap is her happiest time of the day; eat solid food for lunch about 12:30; nurse again about 2 and then another nap--this nap varies greatly in length--sometimes it's very short, 30 minutes, and sometimes quite long, over 2 hours; depending on the nap length she will eat two or three more times before we have dinner; one of the most fussy times of the day is when I'm fixing dinner and she is usually in the Moby wrap with me which sometimes puts her back to sleep; she will eat 3-4 more times before going to bed for the night between 10:30 and 11:30; she also will take a catnap or two during the evening hours although I don't let her sleep for very long after 7.
*Stats: I don't know for sure what Hannah's weight is right now. She was 15 lb 11.5 oz at her 4 month check-up so I would guess she's between 18-19 pounds. She has her 6 month check-up with the doctor on Monday so we'll know for sure then. She still wears some 6 month size tops but most of her clothes are now 9 month size. Pajamas are all still 9 months in size but these are starting to get a little snug especially the brands that run small. Her hair is continuing to get longer and there is now enough to actually say she has some hair. It's appearing very light in color and sometimes there is a hint of red. Her eyes are still blue. Hannah now has two teeth as well. The first one, her bottom right front incisor, came in on June 8 and the second one, her bottom left front incisor, came in on June 20. These were very difficult for her especially the first one. It took over 3 days for it to break through and it was a very long 3 days. Her second one was not as difficult although she was still fairly fussy for a few days.
*Food: Hannah is still really enjoying solid food which she is eating once a day although I think the doctor will us on Monday that she can start having 2 solid meals a day. At this point Hannah has added squash, pears, bananas, peaches and prunes to her diet. Her interest in our food is amazing to me. Luke was never as fascinated as Hannah is when we eat. As soon as her body is ready for more solid "real" food I know she is really going to go to town. I could be wrong but I don't think I'm going to have to worry about what Hannah eats like I did with Luke. Hannah is still nursing between 7-10 times a day as well.
*Activities: Hannah's activities haven't changed too much. She still loves to move or be held and move. She spends most of her awake time either on the floor or in her exersaucer. Most activities still have short time spans unless Hannah is an unusually happy mood. One of her most favorite activities is watching Luke play. She delights in seeing Luke at most any time. Another favorite activity is watching one of Luke's big balls bounce around--this causes her to laugh hysterically which in turn causes those around her to laugh as well. Hannah still prefers to be in someone's arms or have someone very close by rather than hanging out by herself.
*Mobility: Hannah is now consistently rolling onto her tummy. In fact it seems that she enjoys her tummy more than her back now although she still likes to scoot around on her back. She has rolled from her tummy to her back just a few times. Also just within the last week Hannah has starting sitting up on her own much better. She will still topple over occassionally but she is enjoying this new way to play with her toys. Hannah continues to amaze me with her strength. She actually scares me at times when she is in the bouncer because it rocks back and forth so hard. She is quite good at standing while only holding onto your fingers for help. It is also very apparent that Hannah wants to crawl. While on her tummy she kicks her legs with all her might and you can just tell that she wants that to move her. I'm predicting she will be crawling within 6-8 weeks.
*Favorites: I would say this has all pretty much stayed the same from last month with some new additions. I am still Hannah's favorite person but she has a smile for anyone that says hello or interacts with her but she is starting to show some seperation anxiety. Other favorites: being outside, playing with my necklace while in the Moby wrap and actually just being in the Moby wrap is a favorite (she lights up when she sees me putting it on), watching the ball bounce around, chewing on anything she can get in her mouth, and playing with Luke. Hannah also really enjoys bath time :)
*Events: This last month has seen several firsts for Hannah--going to the swimming pool; eating several new fruits; enjoying her first "real" bath with Luke; sleeping in her crib on her back for a nap; getting her first teeth; celebrating with Dad on Father's Day and developing a more consistent schedule (aka Mom making her cry herself to sleep more). The next month will bring more food, celebrating Luke's 4th birthday and some alone time with Mom as Luke spends time with Troy's parents.
As a quick side note: we had 6 month pictures taken today and Hannah wanted no part of it. She would not smile for anything. I'm really hoping to be surprised with at least a few smiles when we get the proofs back from the photographer. Most of her expressions probably resemble the first picture below.
And now more pics (I couldn't choose just a few because she has so many different expressions):
No more of this laying on the grass Mom!
