6 Months Old

Guess how old this little friend is? Don't be shy.

Ahem. She's obviously waiting for your best guess before revealing the answer...

Six months, people! Thursday, February 7, marked Kendall's half-birthday. Already. Time flies. Extra smooches and snuggles were doled out that day. Six months...

Growth: Kendall had her 6-month check-up on Friday and here's how big she's getting...

Weight: 17 lbs. 4 oz. (75%)

Length: 26 3/4" (85%)

Head circumference: 16 1/2" (35%)

She checked out great but she definitely didn't enjoy the appointment. With three vaccine pokes and an oral vaccine (which her gag reflex "rejected" most of, if you catch my drift), she was not a happy camper. Additionally, Kendall is already exhibiting signs of stranger anxiety - much earlier than Katelyn did - and was nervous about Dr. Tammy looking her over. She started crying when Dr. Tammy began the simple physical exam, so you can imagine the escalation when the shots began. We all recovered from the dramatic visit and most importantly, she's back to smiling...

Disposition: Kendall is a happy, sweet, engaging baby! Most days are spent playing with, admiring, and adoring her big sister. She's generous with smiles and observes the world around her through big, impressionable eyes. She loves seeing Daddy and lights up whenever he's in the room - even just hearing his voice makes her perk up and look around for him. She's happiest in the mornings and seems to be most content riding in the Ergo baby carrier. At times, we'll just walk laps around our main floor - Katelyn pushing her baby in the baby stroller and me with Kendall in the carrier. Our neighbors might wonder what in the world we're doing!

Last month, Kendall started attending the sibling-care program offered during Katelyn's ECFE class and also the child care offered at our church during my Bible study mornings. It's been a transition for her us. She's getting more comfortable in the new settings and with the new faces, but she really does just prefer familiar faces and environments. Dr. Tammy said that exclusively breastfed babies (especially those who refuse bottles, like Kendall) tend to show separation anxiety earlier and with more intensity than other babies. That fact in combination with Kendall's sensitive disposition, make our time apart tough for both of us at times. It's my hope that things will get easier each week as she learns to trust other loving adults and get used to the surroundings, as it's important for me to carve out dedicated time with Katelyn and some reflection time for myself. 

Sleeping: Kendall is still a good sleeper (6: 30 pm - 4/5:00 am). But we're working on weaning her from the swaddle which could throw a wrench in things! Admittedly, we probably should have embarked on this weaning process about a month ago when she started rolling over, but Michael and I Kendall was enjoying her sleep so much. She prefers to have both arms swaddled tightly by her sides in burrito form (which we've done since birth), but we've started to leave one arm out and will eventually leave them both out. She's not sure what do with this freedom and sometimes flails her arm about until she relaxes. She usually takes 2-3 naps a day and most days she and Katelyn take their afternoon nap simultaneously... ahhh, rest for their bodies and rest for my brain :)

Eating: Kendall nurses 5-6 times a day and will be trying infant cereal soon. Given the strength of her gag reflex, we'll have to see how she does! I think she's ready because she's been showing signs of interest like watching intently as we eat. Also, since she's been waking earlier in the morning (around 4 am), it makes me think she's getting hungry and could benefit from some cereal to fill her up before bed.

Development: Kendall loves rolling from her back to her tummy, but hasn't quite perfected the belly to back move. She needs help with that one and she lets us know by squawking and squealing about it. She loves to reach and grab for things once they're within her reach. Along with her hands, she explores things via her mouth by chewing on them. She loves to hold and crunch paper and will play for several minutes with a paper cup. When she comes across a new texture, she scratches it with her  little fingernails over and over. Kendall is getting vocal and has started making repeated sounds like "bah-bah-bah" and "dah-dah-dah." Other times, she'll just smack her lips together making no vocal sounds at all but doing the motion anyway :) 

Likes:

- Okay, this one's a love: her sister. She erupts in huge smiles and kicks her feet like crazy when she sees Katelyn for the first time in the morning or after a nap. My heart practically explodes with joy!

- Baths. She also kicks her legs with excitement when we strip her down and run the bath water.

- Playing in the Exersaucer. We call it her office and Katelyn will ask, "Kendall, do you have some work to do in your office today?"

- Sticking out her tongue. See above photo :)

- To babble and chatter. We all find it especially fun to have a "conversation" with her - she'll say "ahh" and we'll say "ahh" back and forth.

Dislikes:

- Being startled.

- Being tired.

- Getting "stuck" on her tummy.

- The doctor's office.

How can it be that our baby is halfway to the one-year mark already?! If time flies when you're having fun then we must be having the time of our lives! Kendall, we love you so very much and look forward to the person that God has planned for you to become. Having said that, we cherish every single day with you as a baby knowing all too well that you won't be one for very much longer. Thank you for filling our lives with joyful moments and heart-melting smiles. Our cups hearts runneth over!