You're amazing

I can't believe how fast you're doing everything now! And if I ever doubted that you knew what you were saying, when you say "nana" - all doubts have been removed. Today you were in your crib and fussing because I was taking too long to get in the room. As soon as you saw me, you yelled, "nana, nana, nana" as loud as you could. Yep, that would be me you're fussing at.

And how you do love your baby food. You even like prunes and peas! I felt sure you would balk at those. Nope, you love all food. And especially your sippy cup with watered down juice. Your eyes light up and you begin kicking your feet when you see it coming!

We're going shopping today for your first Easter outfit. Hope you like the mall!

new developments

Found Luke's first tooth yesterday!

In the last 2 weeks, he's managed to:

1. Sit up by himself for a few moments at a time
2. Scoot around on his tummy using his arms
3. Drink from a sippy cup for the first time, and do remarkably well
4. Have apples juice for the first time - thinks even very watered down juice is just great!
5. Have a bit of separation anxiety when someone walks away with him - when he can no longer see me.
6. Socialize more with other babies - he's always been a talker - just can't figure out why other babies don't "talk" with him
7. Throw his first temper tantrum - happens when he's eating baby food and I can't get it into his mouth fast enough. Also happens when he gets put in his car seat. Arches his back, screams, and even kicks at his high chair.
8. That reminds me, also has his own high chair now and just loves to sit there like a big boy.

Former list of Likes/Dislikes for Archive

Dislikes:
Bassinet
Infant seat
Infant bouncy chair
Infant swing
Shots
Spitting up
Too much noise or stimulation
Being put down

Likes:
Christmas tree
Watching children
Pink light from Nana's curtains
CD with heartbeat
Warm bottles
Soft blankets
Being held

6 months already!

Luke is growing so fast! And into such an incredible, lovely child...

At 6 months, he is

1. Saying "Nana" - well, he has been making the sounds for a few weeks now but I couldn't quite believe he was referring to me. Yep! I believe it now, he's calling my name.

2. Almost sitting up by himself - does for a few moments at a time now.

3. Eating in his very own high chair.

4. Started eating vegetables about 2 weeks ago. He's had carrots and sweet potatoes. Going for the green beans this week! His favorite fruit is mango.

5. Was sleeping throughout the night. On a growth spurt the last week or so and wakes up for a bottle at least once a night now.

6. Starting to use his hands to grasp objects. Can hold his bottle up a bit.

7. Still very social - will stop almost anything to "talk" with someone - even a stranger in the grocery store when he's crying!

8. Notices the pets - follows Drake the cat by turning his head and watching him.

9. Still likes to "stand" by being held up - very strong leg muscles!

10. Likes to hear his Nana sing, "Baby it's cold outside" when we're leaving in the mornings. And, baby, it HAS been cold! Coldest day in 5 years yesterday.

Stats

08.21.2006
Length - 19-1/4"
Weight - 6 lbs 12 oz

10.13.2006:
Length - 21-3/4"
Weight - 10lbs 5 oz

11.30.2006:
Length - 24"
Weight - 13lbs 2 oz

Solid foods

Baby Luke started cereal last night! I know, rice cereal (without fruit) is not so exciting. Unless the only other thing you've ever had to eat was predigested non-milk protein formula. Yumm..

I know he's ready for a lot more. He watches me eat and makes chewing motions with his mouth. Well, what else would he use for chewing motions?

I'm just a bit nuts right now. Despite the appearance of the cereal, Luke hasn't slept. Been up since 3 or 4 this morning. I don't remember which because I'm sleep-deprived.

Before that, his cousin woke up (he slept with me) and had wet the bed. Got him cleaned up and relocated and just then, Baby Luke wakes up. Took one solid hour to drink his bottle. Almost expired before he finished it.

Now he's helping me type. Thought he would give me a minute, but nope.

Coming home

Luke left the hospital after 4 days and came home to live with his Nana, his Auntie, and his cousin Nick. Not expecting the delight of having him, we scrambled to find items to meet all of his needs. Fortunately, Auntie had saved many of Nick's baby things. Added to that, friends gifted Luke with diapers, clothes, and other goodies. Soon our home took on the fun look of a baby nursery.

Luke only slept an hour or so at a time. He drank about 2 ounces of formula every 2 or 3 hours. Very tiny, he did everything in miniature. A very cuddly baby, he always enjoyed being held and talked to or sang to.

In fact, his Nana spent so much time with him, that she didn't have time to begin a baby book so she's just now blogging about how great he is!