Month Five

Dear Henry,

Today you are five months old.  At your four month check-up on June 11, you were 25" long and weighed 13 pounds 5.5 ounces.  There are days when I look at you and can't believe how big you've gotten - can't fathom that I carried you in my tummy for almost nine months.

You continue to amaze us.  You have been rolling over now for a few weeks, although we only witnessed the actual roll-over a few days ago.  When I saw it for the first time, I cheered so loudly that it frightened you.  Sorry about that.

Before, we had only seen the aftermath.  The first day your father caught you on your tummy, he debated whether or not he would actually tell me, but then decided that for safety's sake, it would probably be better to let me know.  And, oh, my doodlebug.  I was so incredibly proud, and so incredibly heartbroken at the same time.

Up until now, your milestones have been gradual.  Visually tracking objects, grabbing toys more accurately, holding your head steady, vocalizing.  Up until now, I have been able to witness the gradual progression from emergence to mastery.  Rolling over is different though.  Rolling over is a discrete action.  Before, you hadn't rolled over.  And then, all of a sudden, you had.  And this is the first milestone I missed.

You are also getting your first teeth. Tucked just behind your lower lip, two small white lines breaking through your gums. Easy to miss if you're not looking for them, but unmistakable if your finger happens to be in their way.

You are getting so strong, and love to be held up like you're standing.  You have found your feet and like them almost as much as your hands.  You've developed a taste for finger plays and Little Bunny Foo-Foo is a mainstay.  Your favorite part is the twinkle fingers that accompany the good fairy.

This month also saw your first 4th of July.  I was a little worried how you would react to all the loud sounds - you tend to startle easily.  You took a little time to adjust at the parade and a few of the sirens almost made you cry, but then you nuzzled down and fell asleep in the carrier on my chest.  At the fireworks, you watched for about the first ten minutes, then decided you were hungry, then passed out cold.  Overall, I'd say it was a pretty great day.

Big things are in store for you, buddy.  Each month has brought with it new and exciting developments, but this past month was a real doozy.  You're almost on the move, and I know that once you are, there will be no stopping you.  Now and forever, I will repeat a simple, silent mantra, over and over.  "Slow down, slow down, slow down..."

Love,
Mama