6 months down...

How is it that you turned 6 months old 2 days ago when I can still clearly remember bringing you home? I still remember our days at the hospital and our first few weeks at home. Time is flying by when I wish it would slow down. I am really trying to take it all in and loving every minute of watching you grow and learn. This was a really tough month for mommy…it was the month I stopped breastfeeding you. It’s funny…I always thought I would breastfeed my child(ren) for their first year of life but sometimes things just don’t work out the way you want them to. I can honestly say I did everything I could to make it last. I gave it my all but after I came back to work, it seemed almost impossible to keep up my supply. I am definitely proud of myself for making it that far since so many mothers can’t breastfeed at all but I was still emotional about it. You make it easier when I see you thriving and when I know that you still love me no matter what. In the end, it was more important to me to make sure you were getting enough nutrition. It was one heck of a ride and definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do but I’m proud of us for keeping it going for as long as we did.

You had another big milestone this month. We welcomed you to the solids world! I started you on rice cereal at 5 ½ months! Like I imagine most babies do, you hated it at first. Now it’s quickly become part of your breakfast routine. In addition to that, I’ve started making you your very first baby food! It was such an exciting step for me. Making your food is something I’ve always told myself I would do…not only is it fun for me but I know it’s the best for you. I love it and so do you! You’ve tried carrots, sweet potatoes and peas so far. I love expanding your little food palate and I look forward to keeping this up for as long as I can. So with the 28-29 ounces of milk you’re having every day, coupled with the solids you’re now enjoying, you are growing like a weed and getting heavier by the day. It’s adorable!

You had your 6 month doctor appointment on Friday. That meant more vaccines but like you’ve done from the very first set you received at 2 months, you were a little trooper. I did better this time around too. You now weigh 15 pounds, 12 ounces and are 26.5 inches. That puts you at 50th percentile in weight and 75th percentile for height. We need to work on you sitting up but like everything else you’ve accomplished; I know that will come in no time.

You are rolling over from your tummy to your back now! You are a little ball of joy and your daddy and I have SO much fun with you. You are always smiling. We cherish our evenings with you before it’s time for bed. You are still sleeping through the night but some nights are harder to put you to sleep than others. Sometimes all it takes is for me to be by your side and you’ll fall asleep in minutes. You just don’t like to be alone. I’ve been telling you what I hope you dream about every night since you were born but now we also include bedtime prayers each night. You are still teething but I have yet to see your first tooth break through. I am praying that when it does happen, it's not too painful for you.

You still scream when you’re excited but you also know how to show us you really do not like something. I love that little fire in you. You celebrated your first Easter and boy were you spoiled. You love spending your days with Mom and Ieo (when he’s not working) and they love spending their days with you. Your daddy’s family is also crazy in love with you. We are so lucky that you are loved by so many people. Strangers come up to us at church all the time to tell us how adorable you are…I’m sure it helps that you are a little angel at church (at least so far!) and most of the time, don’t make a peep! We celebrated daddy’s birthday this past weekend. He says it was the best one ever.

Mita and the kids are still grieving over the loss of your Tio Henry. It makes me so sad to see Mita hurting so much. There is just an emptiness and sadness in her eyes every time we see her. You can always make her smile but I know she will never be the same. I always tell myself that if Tio Henry was still with us and had never been diagnosed with brain cancer, life would be darn near perfect. Just like I wish your cousin Diego had never gone to heaven. But you will learn that in life, nothing is perfect. As much as our hearts are hurting, we need to learn to live a life without our loved ones but we always, always carry them in our hearts.

Thank you for making these past 6 months such a joy Abbie. We love you more than words can say.