Six Months

Riley is officially halfway to being one year old. I’m not sure I can handle it.

He saw Dr. B last Friday afternoon for his six month check-up and for yet another round of shots (4 sticks total: same as at his four-month visit, minus the oral rotavirus and plus a flu shot). His half-year stats were as follows:

• Weight: 19lbs 6oz (87%)
• Length: 27.5 inches (84%)
• Head circumference: 17 inches (36%)

Again, Riley did good with his shots, only crying for a minute before he calmed down (and then he fell asleep in the car on the way home). Dr. B said we now need to give him 3-4 tablespoons of cereal once a day and baby food three times a day (and also up the quantity). And he prescribed a daily vitamin for Riley. We were also instructed to introduce a sippy cup, to baby-proof the house, and to drop his crib down to the lowest setting, to prepare for our boy to start pulling himself up. He goes back to Dr. B next month for a booster flu shot and then doesn’t go back until he’s 9 months. And he doesn’t get any more shots until he’s one year….woo-hoo!

Here’s what I want to remember from this month:

• He is doing great with baby food. So far we have tried all of the veggies (squash, green beans, carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes) and he likes most of them. He’s not a big fan of the green beans or the peas, but I’m hoping he gets used to those eventually. We have also tried a number of the fruits (apples, peaches, pears, and bananas). He got rice cereal along with one veggie and one fruit twice a day this month, and he took a bottle 4 or 5 times a day.

• He is sleeping wonderfully. We haven’t had any more problems at night, and he’s also taking three naps per day. Some days are better than others, but I really can’t complain. He’s ultimately doing great.

• He continues to discover his voice: yelling/screaming throughout the day, starting to make "ba," "ma," and “wa” sounds, and still does the “evil cackle” at times (videos coming soon!). And I can’t get enough of his cute giggles.

• He started blowing raspberries early this month, which is extra fun during mealtimes. Oh, and Kenny had no idea what a “raspberry” was. That husband of mine…..he continues to crack me up sometimes without even intending to.

• He moves himself all over his crib during the night and doesn’t stay in the same position very long when he’s playing on the floor during the day (video also coming soon). He’s going to be crawling very soon. I can feel it.

• He got his third haircut this month, which was a huge challenge. The sound of the clippers scared him, so Kenny had to use scissors only (eek!). I think he may be destined to have crazy hair forever!

   

• He is getting really good at reaching for, grabbing, and holding onto objects. And he’s VERY close to sitting up unsupported all by himself. He still loves sucking on his hands and feet and anything else he can get into his mouth. As such, most things he gets his hands on are quickly covered in drool!

• He loves being outside. We try to go for a walk around the neighborhood as often as we can, which is easier now that the weather is warmer. And I have stopped using the complete travel system set up on walks, opting instead to strap him directly into the stroller and not his infant carrier. He seems to really like looking out at the world!

He is learning, exploring, and progressing so much every single day. Kenny and I are so proud of him. Here is his official six month pic!