Five Months Old
Today, Kellen is five months old. It’s amazing how fast he’s growing; he’s getting so big! It’s hard to believe, in just one month, he will have been with us for half a year.
A New Routine
I was fortunate enough to be able to work from home for two months after Aimee’s maternity leave. Initially, we thought this would enable us to ease Kellen’s transition into full-time daycare, but after his health concerns, it became a necessity for one of us to be close to home for a while. In mid-September, with our concerns for his health abated, and him taking to daycare quite well, it was time for me to go back to work.
While it’s been nice getting back into the world of the working, our new routine has taken some getting used to. By the time I get home with Kellen, we have perhaps an hour or so with him before it’s time to wind down for the night and go to bed. He’s adapted to our new routine well, but we cherish our weekends with him now more than ever.
Hands-Free
Since bringing Kellen home, we’ve always swaddled him, arms-in, at bedtime, as it helps him (and us) sleep more soundly at night. Over the past few weeks, he’s gotten strong enough to “break out” of his swaddle, giving us a clear impression he prefers to have his arms and hands free. This presents its own set of problems, as he will inadvertently knock his pacifier, which also helps him sleep, out of his mouth, and he doesn’t yet have the coordination to put it back in. He’s also not quite figured out that his fingers make a good replacement for his pacifier. After working with him a bit, he can now usually sleep through most of the night hands-(and-sometimes-pacifier)-free.
If only we could get him to sleep in on weekends.
Happy Times… Usually
Kellen continues to be a very happy, easy-going baby. He’s usually nothing short of a joy to be around and interact with.
So as not to sound too good to be true, I’ll say he does occasionally get a little fussy, although usually only when he’s hungry or tired. Of course, I have photos to prove my point.
Drop & Give Me One
Seeing Kellen develop his motor skills has been amazing. When laid on his tummy, he can now do a push-up or two, and if he’s in a good mood, he’ll roll onto his back. He’s also showing great head control, which is remarkable, given the size of his head. He has his daddy to thank for that.
It’s especially fascinating to see him take interest in something and want to reach out and touch and grab at it. While talking to him, if you’re close enough, he’ll look at your mouth and reach out and touch your face as if trying to figure out how you’re making those weird sounds.
Boys Weekend
Aimee had to go out of town unexpectedly one weekend, which meant Kellen and I would be on our own for a whole weekend - a first. I’m happy to report, we both not only survived, but got along perfectly. It was a great father-son bonding experience, but we did miss Mommy.
More Time With Family
Kellen’s Nana and Grandpa Derrin (Aimee’s folks) stopped by for a visit. They hadn’t seem him in a while and were amazed at how much he’d grown and changed in such a short time. The rate at which he’s changing constantly amazes us as well.
I also took Kellen over to my folks’ for our requisite weekly barbecue.
During our visit, my dad said we couldn’t have gotten a better kid if we’d custom-ordered one. We couldn’t agree more.
