Six months and growing

So cliché but... where has the time gone? One year ago we found out we were expecting and now we've got this little baby who seems to get bigger by the day.

Six months with Scraggles

 

James was 15 pounds 1 ounce and 24.5 inches two weeks ago, so he's easily 15.5 pounds by now. He's 15th percentile for weight and <1 for height, however this is on the 'normal' baby curve as our pediatrician doesn't graph on a preemie curve so it's hard to compare. Basically he's about average for a four month old which is what we should developmentally compare him to as he was two months early.

He LOVES:
-His O ball rattle, his pacifier and his newly discovered thumbs, Clarise the light up and singing reindeer from his Great Grandma, movement (being bounced, car rides, swings and bouncy chair), lights (any toys that light up, the TV and especially Blackhawks hockey games), tickles and smiles from Mom and Dad, bath time, and to chat with anyone that will listen (he's getting louder and makes longer noises - he's a real chatterbox!)

He DISLIKES:
-Basically nothing! He's such an easygoing and happy baby, there isn't much that makes him unhappy. He does seems to gradually get crabbier as the day goes on - he's at his best and is the most smiley in the morning. We think he might be starting to teethe which also accounts for some occasional fussiness.

He's getting PT once a week and she has been impressed with the head control he's gained and also his easy going personality. She's working on getting James to roll from his back to his tummy, trunk control for sitting, and also strengthening his arms so he can better support himself on his tummy. She says his endurance is a little low (likely due to the vascular ring?) and that he prefers to be in a ball (lack of extension in his hips) which makes it hard for him to hang out on his tummy as he curls up and either rolls himself over or gets his face planted into the floor which makes for an unhappy baby. We're also going to start weekly OT as well so we'll be getting more therapy. Yes, I'm an OT but have NO experience with kiddos so it's all a learning experience for me but I am enjoying it and like to put James to work when the therapist isn't here.

Last week was James' first experience sitting in the high chair and 'eating dinner' with us. He seems to enjoy it and likes to be a part of whatever we're doing. I've also been putting him in the carrier on me and facing out and he's 'helped' do the laundry, vacuum, and he likes to sit on the bed and watch momma fold laundry.

Nap time in his swing

Holding his own bottle... for a few seconds.

First time in the highchair was a success!

He's also starting to grow more hair which looks like a dark blonde in person but in some photos looks strawberry blonde. His eyes are still very blue, especially in the light. We can't wait to see what the next six months brings!

Chunky man in the tub.