Happy half birthday, baby!

Dear Luc,

I can hardly believe it! You are six months old today! When I look at you I still see the tiny, beautiful newborn you were on the day we met. But I guess it will always be that way... you'll always be my beautiful baby boy!
You are such a big boy now! You are almost an expert sitter-upper, only occasionally do you lean too far when reaching for a toy and end up toppling over. But when you find yourself unexpectedly on your back or your side or your tummy, you usually just keep on going from there, reaching and squirming towards another object of interest.

You aren't crawling yet, but I think you're close! You sometimes scoot backwards, or inch forward like a little worm, especially when there's something you want that's just out of reach (my cell phone is your favorite). I bet it will happen all of a sudden like rolling over did. You were only 11 weeks old when you rolled to your side for the first time (you made it all the way over about a month later), but for months you rarely performed this new skill. Now, you are constantly in motion, rolling this way and that, and really enjoying yourself!

I can already tell that you're going to be a dare devil like your Daddy. You are fearless! Oh boy, am I ever in for some gray hairs! You are becoming so mobile already, but you are far too young to understand the consequences of your actions. So, sometimes when I see you about to take a spill, I'll cushion your fall, but still let you do it. I would never let you get hurt, but I'm trying to teach you what happens when you let go, and let you learn from your mistakes. Perhaps that's too advanced a concept for a six month old? Hmmm...

Occasionally you do scare yourself or bump your head a little, and you'll look at me with a big frown and tears welling in your eyes, searching for comfort or validation (like the other day when you rolled off the bed and into the cosleeper, landing on the sleep wedge, and you didn't hurt yourself, but it freaked you out). Instead of making a big deal out of it, I'll say "oh, bummy!" which usually makes you laugh. But there have been more than a few times when you didn't know I was watching, I've seen you bang your head pretty hard and not make a peep!

You hardly ever cry. But when you do, oh it is just the cutest thing ever. You have the same high pitched little scream you had when you were first born. It always makes us smile!

With you around, it's easy to smile. I think you may just be the happiest baby ever. You are always smiling! Every time we look at you, you smile at us. It's so rewarding, and it just makes my heart sing! You also love to give hugs. It is the sweetest thing in the world. You grab around our necks, usually grabbing a handful of hair in the process, and squeeze.

You are starting to show real signs of separation anxiety lately, wanting to be with the people you know. And when we play peek-a-boo (still one of your favorite games), you don't like it at all when I disappear around a corner.

Still, everything goes into your mouth, but only rarely does anything resembling speech come out of it. You are continuing to focus on your motor skills instead of your verbal skills. You do love to scream though. It's your signature sound. It's kind of like a screamy, squealy, squawk... it's loud and high pitched and it means the following: I'm tired, I'm happy, I'm bored, I'm enjoying the sound of my own voice, I'm cranky, I'm hungry, or on occasion, I'm Luc, what's your name?

During the day, you have quiet time and naps in your crib, but at night you are in the cosleeper or in Mommy and Daddy's bed. I don't know how much longer you'll be able to stay in the cosleeper. You are so strong and just on the verge of being able to pull up by yourself. You can already pull up into a standing position with a little help! The other day I went into your room while you were supposed to be having quiet time and found you with your arm through the slats of the crib pulling with all your might, about half way to a sitting position.

I usually nurse you to sleep, but you also fall asleep on your own very well. When you aren't in the mood to nurse to sleep, Daddy and I get in bed next to your cosleeper and read books to you before turning off the light. You like to roll from side to side and sing yourself to sleep. You are most comfortable sleeping on your side these days. And I think since you've been sleeping on your side, your head looks a little less flat. You aren't sleeping through the night (I wont say "yet" because you do seem to do it on occasion). But I'm okay with that and we're just letting things happen as they happen. When you wake, I either nurse, cuddle, or pat you back to sleep.

You love it when we read to you. You like to look at the pictures and really seem engaged in the stories. One of your favorite books right now (especially when Daddy makes the animal noises) is Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?. We have a lot of books for you, mostly board books. I think they might have a chance of surviving for future siblings to enjoy too.

You also have a lot of toys! About a month ago we made a play area for you in the "office" with a foam mat. You are already outgrowing the mat and often end up rolling onto the carpet! These days, you prefer toys that you play with while sitting up. One of your favorites is the Drop and Roll Dinosaur that your buddy Niko gave you. You love anything that makes noise or lights up, like this star stacker (which does both). You grab it and bang your hands on it and pick it up and shake it until all the stars fall off (maybe someday we'll work on teaching you to put them back on). You are definitely going to be a hands on, get messy, take it apart kind of kid (just like your Daddy still is).

You never used to take the pacifier, but since Granny has been using it to delay bottle feedings, you are getting pretty used to it now. You like to hold it and turn it around in your hands, suck a little, then chew on the back side. You also like to hold your bottle. Of course you do! You have always been such an independent little boy. On the day we brought you home from the hospital, you were already determined to do things on your own. Every time I tried to latch you on, you'd pop off and relatch yourself!

Lately when you're tired, you actually want to cuddle! This is new for you, and I love it! You've been nursing very frequently (cluster feeding) from about 5 until 9pm, and it's nice, especially on the days you go to Granny's house because we get to reconnect after being apart all day. And sometimes you are so busy during the day, playing and exploring and learning, you don't want to stop to eat (it is still incredibly difficult to feed you within ten miles of any distraction). You'd rather wait until things slow down and you're sure you're not missing anything, and then get caught up. And it's okay with me, even though it means I can't get anything done in the evenings. One thing I've learned is that just when I think something is the norm, you up and change it on me. So, I'm just enjoying this phase while it lasts.

I love to wear you in the sling, and do it as often as possible. Our favorite is the Moby Wrap. It's a nice way to carry you close and you really do seem to enjoy it.

You are about 19 pounds now, and are a very long and lean baby, especially your legs. You have really long legs! I wonder if you are going to be tall? You are wearing 9-12 month clothes, and are beginning to grow out of some of those already. You have lots of clothes, and I love to mix and match cute little outfits for you! Some of our favorites are corduroy overalls and striped shirts. You also wear blue jeans a lot. Like Mommy, like baby.

You love your furry dog, and she loves you. And while you may not understand Mommy or Daddy yet, you know exactly who she is. Whenever I ask you about her (I'll either say "where is Kelly?" or "where is furry dog?"), you imediately look around and when you find her you reach out with a huge smile! She usually obliges, and goes right to you so you can grab her nose or her ears. You two are so cute together!

You have a lot to look forward to this month, starting solid foods, drinking from your first sippy cup (no juice yet though), and graduating to a big boy car seat! I can't wait for each new milestone!

I love you so much, baby Luc. You amaze me constantly, and you fill my heart with such immense, indescribable love. You make me the happiest mommy on earth, every day.

Love,
Mama