Perfect Lil Baby Legs

Since Leah was a baby I have absolutely loved baby legwarmers. I was given my first pair by a customer at Starbucks and at first thought "Huh?" but all it took was using them one time to realize what a perfect everyday accessory they are-especially when cloth diapering or with potty learning and ECing (elimination communication-diaper free). None of our kids have ever been big on wearing clothing while at home and I've never cared either way as long as they are warm/cool enough. Now that Gabriel has started to crawl though his knees need the extra protection from rubbing against our carpeting all day. Louis has gone back to wanting to use the potty so the legwarmers make that easier as well, the lack of pants to pull down is great. Leah's warmers have been used by both the boys AND she still uses her own for dance or as arm warmers. Love the versatility.

Standing Tall

Not long after Gabriel showed us his new crawling skill? He started to STAND! We cannot keep this boy still. Off he goes.

As soon as he figured out he could stand and hold onto things? He immediately attempted to cruise over to something else. He does not yet have the coordination to do it but that doesn't stop him from trying. He is also trying to let go and stand on his own.

Happy 6 Months!

For his 6 month old trick? Gabriel decided to show us he can now CRAWL! I suspected this was coming after I noticed his desire to army crawl from one place to another over the past week but I was still completely unprepared for his full on crawling.  Matt has some video of it that I need to get from him and post.

He's a pretty happy baby overall. Laughs and smiles when he sees Leah and Louis. Loves to be read to and enjoys playing with blocks. He does not care for being stationary much unless he is being worn. He is showing some signs of separation anxiety whenever I am out of sight but nothing that is unexpected at this age. We haven't introduced solids really-not in the traditional sense, he shows little to no interest in food at this point. He continues to nurse around the clock and from his rate of growth? I'd say he is doing well right now on mama's milk.

6 Month Milestones (according to BabyCenter.com)


Mastered Skills (Most kids can do)
-Turns toward sounds and voices
-Imitates sounds
-Rolls over in both directions


Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)
-Is ready for solid foods - He meets all the developmental milestones but at the moment he's content playing with his food, exploring it rather than eating it. I'll continue to give him opportunities until he's ready to actually eat it. 
-Sits without support - he can get himself from crawling to sitting on his own and stay in one place.
-Mouths objects
-Passes objects from hand to hand

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
-Lunges forward or starts crawling - He's crawling, mostly on all fours rather than dragging/army crawling though he does switch back and forth at this point
-Drags objects toward himself - if he wants it? He's going to get it. 

Winter Snow 2012

Finally had some snow and took the kids out in it. Gabriel was happy to head out for a bit. I was concerned the snow falling would bother him but it turns out he's just like his older brother and sister-LOVES the snow.

Exersaucing

Gabriel in the exersaucer for the first time. He seemed to like it enough as long as I wasn't in view.

5 Months old plus 1 day

Happy 5 Months!

One day after Christmas and we have reached the five month mark! Cannot believe it. Gabriel has had quite the growth spurt over the past month or so. He's grown about 3 inches and gained nearly 2 pounds. He is filling out and not quite the long skinny limbed baby. I get a lot of mixed comments about who he looks like. I think right now he's a pretty good mix of both families.

So what is the little guy up to these days?

He's mastering sitting up on his own and trying to keep himself in one place while he sits. He has excellent eye sight. Can spot me from across the house. He loves to listen to him big brother and sister sing to him. Laughs at the sight of Leah and Louis. He has his cranky baby moments but overall he is just a really happy baby. I get a lot of comments about Gabriel being a 'mama's boy' but what baby isn't? Also separation anxiety is developmentally appropriate for a baby his age.

There has yet to be a day where I am asked about whether or not he is eating food yet. He shows very little interest in food so we'll be holding off until 6 months and go from there. 

5 Month Developmental Milestones

Mastered Skills (most kids can do)
Distinguishes between bold colors
Plays with his hands and feet

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)
Recognizes own name -- not quite
Turns toward new sounds
Rolls over in both directions

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
Sits momentarily without support -- not there yet
Mouths objects
Separation anxiety may begin -- He has had his moments.