Happy 1/2 Birthday Hank!

Hank is already half a year old. In trying to take pictures and post, I missed his 5 month shots. I did take them a couple weeks later but haven't posted anything. To be honest, besides getting bigger he hasn't changed a whole lot since 4 months. Well, he's had one major milestone that that has been the addition of solids to his diet.

Hank's expression in this picture says
"Geez Mom, I can't believe you're so late taking my 5 month picture!"

At 4 months and a few days he tried rice cereal. He didn't hate it. We kept working with it a little at a time to get him used to taking food from a spoon and swallowing. After a few weeks he tried and loved everything from carrots and squash to peas and all the fruits. First eating 2oz, three times and day and now eating close to 4oz. The only thing he didn't care for recently was the spinach and potatoes. After trying two nights in a row I threw it out. I thought it tasted crummy and didn't blame him. We'll stick with the good stuff like chicken mango risotto.

His naps are getting fairly routine - two decent hour or two naps a day depending on if it's a school day or not. On the weekends he'll wake up for a quick 5am feeding and will then sleep until 8am. Bedtime is still around 7:30pm.

Okay, I thought of another change - he now sleeps in his crib at night. He was far too big for the bassinet and probably ready to get out of it months ago. But his momma just wasn't ready for her baby boy to grow up. Just before turning 6 months, I gave in and let him sleep in his own room. He slept like nothing had changed.

Hank still has just the two bottom teeth but has been drooling like mad the past week and it's almost as though we can see the top two teeth the skin is so thin. But they haven't quite broken through. It won't be long. (Update - top two teeth broke through at 6 months 2 days!)

And as always, Hank is the happiest baby. He smiles and laughs - especially when his sisters are around. He's not big on rolling and stay mainly in one spot when put on the floor. He sits really well with a little support. Of course, still toppling over when reaching for those toys that are just out of reach.

Stats
(9.28.11 well baby visit)
28 inches - 70th percentile
16lbs 12ounces - 20th percentile

Favorite Activities
Johnny Jumper
Getting Diaper Changed
Baths

Favorite Foods
Cereal (rice or oatmeal)
All Fruit Varieties
Most Veggie Varieties

To celebrate Hank's half birthday we sang "Happy Half Birthday" at breakfast and gave him his first few nibbles of bacon. He swirled the bacon bit around in his mouth with pleasure. Boy was his daddy proud!