5 Months: A Letter to Isaac

Dear Isaac,

You, my little chub, are 5 months old, and I just love, love, love being your mom! Aunt Jeanette told me Aiden was 5 months old when I held him for the first time. She said I told her, "Five months is the best age." I really didn't know what I was talking about then, but I'd have to say you are cuter than you've ever been-- if that's even possible. Your soft, baby-white skin, chubby cheeks, and wispy blondish hair make you look just like a little cherub-- especially when you only have your diaper on. (Oh boy, is this letter going to embarrass you in 15 years. Sorry, but I have to state the facts.) 

In past few weeks you have been working really hard on rolling from your back to your stomach. One night you tried so hard-- you grunted and stretched and rolled back and forth, trying to get momentum-- but you just couldn't quite make it. However, just a few days later, when we were in Utah visiting Baba and Jiji, and I was changing your diaper in the middle of the night, you did it. Just like that. And this past weekend, you have become a professional. In fact, yesterday you couldn't stop rolling over. This wouldn't be a problem except you don't like being on your tummy, and you haven't figured out how to roll from front to back yet. So about every 5 minutes, after I've let you complain for a while, you finally scream for help. And as soon as I turn you over, you are happy. But two seconds later, you roll over again.

Last weekend, you had your first bites of rice cereal, and you seemed to like it. I was surprised how well you opened your mouth for the spoon. Most of it ended up on your bib, but it was a very successful first "dinner." We called Grandma and Grandpa on FaceTime so they could watch, and you were so excited to hear their voices, and see the iPod in your face, and get food at the same time, that you started flapping your arms like a bird and opened your mouth, panting like a dog. You seem to like to do both these things a lot these days. And we think it's pretty hilarious. 

You also get excited when we read books to you. You love reading books on the floor with Dad or Emily, or on the couch with me. You love to look at the colorful pictures and like to babble. I guess you're just trying to tell the story yourself. 

While we were on vacation, you received so much love and attention from all your aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Everywhere we went, you were the guest of honor. Everyone wanted to hold you and kiss you and touch your soft skin. Its true: you are irresistible. When Uncle Callis held you at my cousin Jackie's wedding reception, he put your drooling mouth over the heads of each person sitting around one of the tables, playing a risky version of duck-duck goose . . . or drool on you. And I saw my Uncle David sneak a snuggle and kiss on your baby cheeks. And let's not even get started with all your aunts. Everyone loved you! 

Now that we're home, you still get lots of love and attention from your Dad and Aunt Emily. As soon as Dad comes home, he practically runs to wash his hands so he can hold you. Whenever we talk on the phone, he asks about you. You really are the happiest thing in his life (besides me). 

Auntie Em helps take care of you a lot so I can get things done around the house. You love watching whatever she is doing. And really you love watching anyone. We've found that you are the happiest when you are in a room full of people casually talking, and you like to join the conversation by sucking on your fist and babbling loudly. 

I would say you are perfect, but you still haven't figured out how to sleep in long stretches at night. Often you will wake up screaming for seemingly no reason and won't stop until I help you wake up enough to open your eyes. Then you are back to your normal, angel self. You love your pacifier, but it's becoming a problem because if you wake up and it's not in your mouth you get really upset. So, it seems like I'm up about every 1.5-2 hours during the night, either putting your pacifier in or feeding you or turning you over because you are stuck on your tummy. (In fact, immediately after I wrote that last sentence I heard you crying and found you in your crib on your stomach with your pacifier out. Way to back up my letter with evidence!) It's a really good night if you sleep for 4 hours together at once at least one time. Thankfully, you let me sleep in a little in the mornings. I bring you in bed with me, where you fall back asleep. It's so wonderful to wake up to your bright eyes and happy voice.  

I love you more and more with each passing month. Being your mom has been even better than I thought it would be. You are my treasure. 

Love, 

Mom