Five Months

 This happiest of boys is just now five months old.  The funny thing is, I can't remember life without him. 

 He hasn't been measured or weighed lately, so I don't have any stats of that nature.  He's growing like a weed, and well he should be, since he's eating like a horse. 

 This guy has been working on some big things this last month.  

Like sitting up all by his big self.

Oh, and does anybody know of a market for earwax or drool?
Between Sarah and Teddy, we could make a killing.
Teddy burns through about 5 bibs a day, but he hasn't popped a tooth so far.  

Even though the kids were a little disappointed initially to find out that we were having a human instead of a puppy, the way this guy chews on EVERYTHING, it's kind of like we do. 

Sarah and I have learned to wear our hair back since those fat fists grab at any stray strand in his orbit.  Watch out: he steals noses too.

Though Teddy is a laid-back, go-with-the-flow kinda guy, he's no doormat.  You mess with his food, sleep routine, or fail to change a dirty diaper, and he will let you know.

Like his siblings, my T likes to talk.  In addition to coos and grunts, he's got a whole retinue of sounds ranging from squeaks to growls. 

Unfortunately, little dude inherited my legs and my gourd-shaped noggin.  But they look good on him.

So, what does he like?

Music: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" is his favorite lullaby, but he loves to do a little "If You're Happy and You Know It" as well.

Toys: he loves his grape chew-toy and his banana teether, and he's wild about his exersaucer.  Until he's not.

Food:  Mostly milk, but he's trying some big-boy foods.  Rice cereal is out, but bananas straight out of the peel are in.  He's super-interested in what we're eating, and last night he snuck a lick of my French fry.

Play:  Teddy loves to splash in the water!  We've taken him to the pool a few times and he's splashed in our paddling pool at home.  During bathtime, he stretches out his feet to kick his feet in the water.

Hand-holding:  If Will is a champion hugger, his little brother is a gold-medalist in holding hands. When he's in the car, when he's eating, or when he's snuggling down for bedtime, Big T likes to wrap his chubby fingers around any hand that's available.  And that's A-Okay with me. 

I present Exhibit A for your perusal. 

Teddy takes his first swim in a pickup truck turned into a pool. 

So, let's talk about turn-offs.  There aren't too many, but my wee man has strong opinions just the same.

• That sun hat.  Hates it.
• Rice cereal.  So much hate.
• Smacking himself in the face with a toy.  Rage and hate.

And...

That's about all the time I have for this.

I have to get back to snuggling this sweet baby.