Ryan is 5 months old!

The only picture I got before he saw the sign

Hmmm... what is this??

It sure looks tasty!!

Picture- post sign crumpling (couldn't get him to smile for this)

Where did my sign go??

Our little precious boy is growing with each day and is now 5 months old! I am amazed at the changes and growth he's made just from month 4 to 5. Here are some of the highlights:

• He is now in size 2 diapers and will quickly be moving to size 3
  
• He weighs about 17 lbs now and is almost 27 inches long

• He is wearing mostly 6-9 mo clothing now, although some 3-6 outfits still fit- particularly the two piece ones. His footed sleepers now are 9 months though b/c he's so long!

• He is now scooting to get to toys on a blanket. I have to watch him constantly b/c he goes from one side of the blanket to off the blanket across the room quickly if he wants something (aka the cat)

• He rolls both ways- esp loves rolling from his back onto his tummy so he can move around better
  
• Turns in circles on his tummy especially in the direction of a voice or the TV

• Loves to grab at our faces especially nose, mouth, and ears. He giggles when you pretend to "munch/eat" on his fingers
  
• He has the most precious laugh I can't get enough of it
  
• He likes when we blow on his belly or kiss his belly and giggles when we tickle him- he is sooo ticklish!!

• Sometimes he will giggle or smile after he sneezes when I say "Bless you"

• He is trying out new higher pitched sounds that make US laugh b/c they sound so funny

• He has a new smile that he does sometimes with his lips pursed that we call his "grandpa" smile- I'll try to get it on film to show you it's too funny

• He is still having some 1am feedings to add to his 4:30-5am feeding, but we're slowly seeing more days where he is back to going down around 8:30pm at night and sleeping until around 5am which I obviously like much better! When he wakes up he just eats and goes back to sleep and is up for the day between 8-8:30am

• Ryan is still breastfeeding every three hours during the day, 4 hours in the morning due to his long nap, but last month I let him start trying rice cereal and oatmeal a handful of times. I plan to gradually start a few fruits and veggies during his 5th month to be ready to eat solids a little more regularly when he turns 6 months old. This is something I keep going back and forth on b/c the pediatrician recommended starting him on solids at his 4 month visit, but the AAP recommends no solids until 6 months. However, at 6 months babies iron stores start depleting so I figured starting a little cereal and teaching him how to take something other than nursing wouldn't be too bad. I plan to make his foods because I think it will be fun and it is a cost effective and nutritious choice for him. So, for this month I am planning apples, peaches, avocados and sweet potatoes. One new thing each week.

Ryan is such a joy and we love him so much. We feel so blessed to have such a happy, energetic and busy little boy! He has his fussy moments and definitely seems to have an idea about what he wants and the way things should be (Can we say type A personality shining through already??!) I know he'll keep us running after him in no time at all. We love you, Ryan!!