5 Months

The weekend Kael turned 5 months old was jam packed with fun (which resulted in a lack of updating). I hate these in between months that don't have well check appointments since I have no clue how much he has grown (although I don't mind dealing with the shots at all!)

Kael is a machine. He is all boy and likes to MOVE. He rarely stays still, and alot of times looks like he should be swimming, the way he moves his arms and legs when he is on his belly. We will more than likely take him to the pool next weekend, and I can't wait to see how he likes it!

But... onto the updates!

One of the most exciting milestones Kael has reached is he is starting to sit up unsupported. He is still wobbly, but he is increasing the amount of time he can stay up on his own, and really seems to enjoy the new kind of view he gets.

We started cereal and food pretty early. He just always seemed like he needed something more to help hold him over. Since adding food to his diet, he has moved from nursing every 2 hours to every 2.5-3 hours (thank God!). So far, he has tried apples, bananas, and sweet potatoes. He was not a fan of the fruit in the beginning, and is just now starting to warm up to them. He loved sweet potatoes from the very first taste. We will be introducing peas, carrots, and pears over the next 2-3 weeks. Sadly, I have given up on making his baby food. I tried... I swear I did! But he refused to eat it! I will admit... I'm not very good at cooking, and apparently I'm not good at mashing/pureeing either! But we are sticking with all organic, and I feel like if I'm not able to make his baby food, this is the next best thing.

We got our first cold front, and Kael was finally able to buy the first outfit his auntie Lauren ever bought him (and just in time, he was about to outgrow it!)

(check out those toes... I just want to eat them!!)

We moved Kael into his own room. :( It was one of the hardest things I have had to do so far! He did pretty good- although his sleep schedule has been totally out of whack. From the picture, you can see that he has learned to roll onto his side while he is sleeping... but more than that, he is now rolling onto his stomach as well. My assumption is that when he startles or wakes a little, and he is on his stomach, he becomes really confused and can't soothe himself back to sleep. He had been sleeping 9 hour stretches, and then this rolling over thing ruined everything! He started waking about every 45 minutes. We thought he had an ear infection- nope. We thought it was teething- nope. So we are back to the rolling thing... last night in pure desperation I stuck a pillow next to Kael's belly/legs (don't worry, it was FAR from his face) to keep him from rolling, and guess what... he slept!!

Here is his typical 5 month picture. It is getting so much harder to get a good picture of him since he is wiggling around so much these days! Never the less, that smile is all I need to consider this picture perfect. :)

The day Kael turned 5 months old, we took him to his first rodeo. It was the Kodiak fair and rodeo, and we had a blast! It made me so homesick, even though the rodeo was pitiful compared to what we are used to. It was a rainy and nasty day (big surprise considering where we live), but it was still worth it. Kael loved the animals (his favorite was the chicken...), I loved watching the rodeo, and Kevin loved to pulled pork sandwiches. It was perfect.

It has only taken me about a week to get this post finished. I am fairly certain we might have a hyper active child. He refuses to sit still, and gets bored so easily. I'm glad that he is so into the world around him, but I never get a break! Anyway... we took him to the doctor this week for a cough that he has had for a while, so we got his weight.

drum roll please...................16 pounds 10 ounces!

How in the world in my little man so big already?!?

And just for fun, here are pictures of Kael giving mommy and daddy some of his famous baby kisses! I love those drooly, open mouth kisses more than anything!

I absolutely LOVE the way he is holding Kevin's face! Heart warming...

Mommy Moment

Tomorrow Kael turns 5 months old. I should be starting on that post, but I can't seem to wrap my head around it. I find myself asking, "how is this possible? How has it already been 5 months?" Which then turns into..."If these 5 months have already gone by this fast, he is going to be one in the blink of an eye!"

I think you see where I'm going with that... As soon as I realize that he is growing (and I can't stop it) and the time is flying by, I start realize that he is not going to stay this little for very long. I know there is lots of fun in store in the months/years to come. I look forward to him walking and talking. I can't wait to hear him say "mama" for the first time, or for him to actually run up to give me a hug and a kiss. But a huge part of me is not ready to let go of this baby stage. I know you probably think I am nuts... he is only 5 months old. But he wont be for long.

I have had 4 friends within the past week announced their pregnancies. On top of the 3 other friends who are further along, that is a grand total of 7! Of coarse there is NO way that Kevin and I would start trying for another baby right now, but it gives me a weird longing in my chest. I miss being pregnant. I miss the excitement and anticipation. I miss the little nudges and listening to the tiny heart beating inside of my belly. I miss having a big ol' belly and being able to watch my baby move across it.

But then I have to stop myself. I may miss the joys of pregnancy, but that whole 9 months led to this... what I have sleeping in his own room for the first time. A sweet baby boy who has his dad's nose and lots and lots of gorgeous hair. A tiny mole on his right shoulder and chubby little toes. A smile that can bring tears to my eyes and a laugh that is contagious.

I look at him, and I can't help but to thank God. I immediately realize how truly blessed I am. He was the answer to my prayers, and it was Kael that we waited so long for.

I have found myself envious lately. I envy my friends buying their first homes, who have good jobs, and nice cars. I am especially envious of those who live close to family and friends. And I have struggled with these feelings countless times. But every time I begin to feel defeated, all I have to do is look at Kael. We may live thousands of miles away from our loved ones, in a crappy military 4-plex, where I work for a little more than minimum wage, and drive an older car... but I have him... and nothing else matters. The luxuries that I once yearned for, mean little to me now. As long as I have Kevin and Kael, I am happy. I am thankful for what God has given us, and I can't wait to see what else he has in store.

On a side note... my cousin is going through a lot right now. A week ago, several tumors were found on her husbands lungs and kidneys. He will be going to MD Anderson in Houston on Tuesday. Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers. They have two kids- a sophomore in high school and an 8th grader. I can't imagine what they are feeling right now, and wish more than ever that I could be there to offer some support.