This was a huge month for the two of us. I finally feel like I know my daughter. I think most moms feel like this a month or so in. Me? I'm pretty dang slow to figure my babies out. I'll never forget when one of my friends heard her daughter cry and said, "Oh, that's her hungry cry." There's a hungry cry? It's different from a sleepy cry? I thought babies just cried.
But now I understand. While I'm still not sure I believe there are different cries (hmm), I know how she likes to be held when she's tired, I know she hates to wake up on her stomach but also sleeps the best that way, I know she's never going to eat well if someone else is in the room (especially daddy - she only has eyes for him). It's the best feeling. Holland Claire, you're just the best!
E A T
This has been a big month of eating. And I don't mean big changes, I just mean she still loves to eat all of the time. In fact, I'm going to admit it right here & now... we don't do the Eat/Play/Sleep routine. We do the Eat/Play/Eat/Sleep/Eat/Sleep routine. I should be ashamed of myself but at the moment it's what's working best for both of us. She hates to be put down awake in her crib so I have two options: I can let her cry and check on her every minute or I can feed her before she naps and she's out like a light. I consistently choose door two. Mama needs a break.
She's now wearing size 3 diapers and 6-12 month clothes. It's still warm in Texas but most of her 6-12 month clothes are for fall so we have a select number of outfits that are on constant rotation.
Holland had her first cold a week ago and it made eating (and sleeping) pretty hard. Her poor nose was so stopped up. She handled it like a champ and is feeling much better.
Holland had her first cold a week ago and it made eating (and sleeping) pretty hard. Her poor nose was so stopped up. She handled it like a champ and is feeling much better.
P L A Y
Holland is so curious right now. She loves to people watch and is so content just sitting in my lap and watching the world in front of her. When we go to ballet & gymnastics she is happy as a lark with all of the commotion and attention. Yesterday I took her grocery shopping while the kids were in school and she was fascinated with the balloons at the checkout counter. She has a squeal that (unfortunately) sounds a bit like a witch's cackle, very much like her big sister. And, funny enough, Sloane can get her to laugh more than anyone else in our house. The sister bond is intense between those two and it is absolutely precious to watch.
She really loves bouncing in the exersaucer and prefers it over the playmat. After staring at the ceiling fan for the last few months she was more than ready for something new. She can't sit up on her own but her core is getting much stronger and I don't think it'll be too much longer. And while she's nowhere close to crawling, she pushes her legs against the ground and inches herself to where she wants to be.
She is such a great mix of her siblings. Jude was our happy baby and Holland is very much the same. If she's crying it's because she's by herself or has been in the car longer than she would like. Otherwise, she's all smiles for family and strangers alike. Sloane was our curious baby and from a very young age you could see the wheels turning in her head. Holland does this as well - future engineer like her Uncle B, perhaps?
S L E E P
Meh. I should stop including this category for now. Holland is just now starting to take longer naps during the day. Yesterday her morning nap lasted an entire 90 minutes and I checked her breathing about 12 times. Nights have been inconsistent as well. She wakes up at least once a night, sometimes twice, sometimes (dear Lord) thrice. I know this is temporary and I'm trying so hard to savor those late night feedings. I'm so tired most days but my goodness she is sweet.
This past week she has consistently slept on her belly. She's so angry when she wakes up and is positioned this way but it doesn't stop her from immediately rolling over the second I put her in her crib. Other than the occasional nap on our bed or in the car, all of her sleep occurs in the crib. We're moving in a few weeks and I'm curious to see if the new room will affect her sleep at all.
Lastly, the pacifier seems to be a thing of the past. She never showed much interest in it but now it's rarely used. She occasionally sticks her thumb in her mouth when she's really tired but never for more than a minute or two.
Dear Holland.
My sweet little sidekick, I can't believe you're five months old. You are at that perfect age where your personality shines but you're still not mobile. It doesn't get any better than that - ha! Now that the big kids are back in school, you and I have had a few days to ourselves and I think it's perfect for both of us. Neither of us care to be alone so we definitely have each other's backs.
One of the biggest differences between you and your siblings is how much I hold you. I wasn't able to hold your big brother or sister much but you are on my hip or strapped to my chest constantly. The second I put you down your face says it all... Not acceptable, mom.
We're still trying to figure out who you look like. Most say you're a good mix of your siblings and/or favor your dad. Your hair continues to come in slowly but surely. It's so soft and looks to be a light brown. No teeth yet but you're quite the drooler and your hands or feet are in your mouth constantly. It'll be interesting to see if one pops out in the next month or so.
You are quite the chatty Cathy. Your dad and I laugh at your constant stream of "words," even when you're alone in your nursery. Your smile is the sweetest and you're so generous with it. Strangers are drawn to you and you can't get enough of it. We've had lawn guys and painters over at our home and these macho men have all turned to mush thanks to you.
Holland, we can't get enough of you. Your dad and I know how fast these early months go and we have both tried to make every moment count. You bring us so much joy and I get so excited when I think about all the fun times ahead. I adore you, sweet girl.
Love - Mom
