Gabe- Six Months

My sweet Gabriel Clark,

I am writing to you on your half birthday!  I cannot believe you are already halfway to one.  It just doesn't seem possible.  It seems like we just brought you home from the hospital yesterday, but how can that be, when you are such a big boy?

You moved up to the big boy car seat!  Gone are the days when we could carry you around in your infant seat (and who would want to when you are pushing 25 pounds?!).  You sit up tall, and look so grown up.  I don't like this very much- it's happening too fast!- but I do like the groovy cow print on your new seat.  Your daddy noticed how big you look when you fall asleep in there, with your chin resting on your chest, like he used to do in the car when he was a little boy. 

You are starting to sit up.  You are very happy about this!  It gives you a better vantage point to see the world around you, and you love this.  You have almost mastered restaurant high chairs and shopping carts, which makes Mama's life easier!

In the high chair at IHOP

You like to eat.  (Considering your chunky physique, this will surprise no one!)  Fruits are your favorite- especially pears.  You also really like bananas and apples.  You're alright with the vegetables, too.  So far, you've tried sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, avocado, and squash.  You still really love your rice cereal, too.  I love how you open your mouth and pant in excitement, waiting for the next mouthful of yumminess.

You have two teeth!  And I'm pretty sure you're working hard on getting two more.  We have to keep a bib on you at all times to catch all of that drool.  You like this, though, because you think it's fun to put the bib in your mouth.  As a matter of fact, you think it's fun to put everything in your mouth.

Silly baby.

 You are starting to have a tiny bit of stranger danger anxiety.  You are clinging to me a little tighter these days.  Although I want you to know and love your friends and family, I certainly won't complain about the extra snuggles.  They are rare these days, because you are on the move.  My heart melts a little when you bury your "shy face" in my shoulder.

You are rolling and scooting, scooting and rolling.  Not crawling yet, but maybe we could call it creeping?  If you are on the floor and you see something you want, you will find a way to get yourself to it.  You can get those knees underneath you, and you can push up on those chunky arms, but you haven't quite figured out to do them both at the same time yet.  It's so funny to us when you use your knees to scoot while your forehead is flat on the ground.  So silly.

You are laughing.  Big, giant, deep down, belly laughing.  And Nugget, let me assure you that there has never been a sweeter sound.   Sometimes the tickles will do it- you are so ticklish!- but sometimes it only takes a funny look from Mama or a silly sound.  You are so much fun these days.

Gabe, my life is so full with you in it!  I love you more and more with each passing day.  Happy half-birthday, my sweet boy. 

Love,
Mama