Graesser Family Journal

Peter turned five months old on Tuesday. By our non-official calculations he’s 19lbs and 26.5″.

We’re still not feeding him solids yet and plan to start that at six months. His tongue thrust reflex is still pretty active and I’m hoping he’ll stop spitting up so much this month (it IS constantly getting better). I don’t relish the idea of cleaning spit-up carrots and peas off of everything. Ick! All the new studies say six months is the ideal time anyway…and it means one month less of stinky diapers

He’s getting better at sitting up but can’t pull himself into the position quite yet. His feeding and sleeping schedules are so out-of-wack at the moment because he’s inbetween stages that it makes it a bit harder to plan things, but it seems like he’s slowly getting better.

Soon he’ll be eating every four hours and will drop his late-evening feeding (he’s been doing that about every third day or so). If we can just get him to nap more consistently we’d be home free I think!

He’s still teething like crazy but no eruptions yet. I think he’ll be right on schedule with his first teeth at 6 months. Too bad he won’t have any for thanksgiving turkey (just kidding!).

More photos and several videos are up at the album, so go check them out!

5 months old today!

Peter sat for the first time last night! I propped him up and he was able to hold his balance on his own for about 30 seconds. I can’t wait until he can pull himself into a sitting position on his own, but he’s doing pretty well to sit at all so early!

He’s also starting to go longer between feedings - between three and five hours, usually closer to three and a half. I think that may be helping with his nap schedule too - today he’s taken two two-hour naps! Perfect!

He’s also showing more initiative in scooting towards objects and can “tell” us what he wants to play with by grabbed at it or gesturing near it. It’s funny how he already has favorite toys!

He’s also starting to babble some and it’s very weird because he’ll look directly at you and “talk” to you. He seems to think he’s really communicating. So adorable!

There’s a few new photos and videos up, including one of him playing with his feet, so go check them out!

Fit time sitting on my own!

Peter is having more fun with his toys and is starting to get favorites now. He’ll reach for his toy keys if he sees them nearby and likes his sippy cup enough to grab for it across the table. The sippy cup has a silicone top that he likes to chew on and he barely drinks any of the water we put in it. I don’t think he’s even gotten a full ounce out of it since we gave it to him a few days ago, he just likes the double handles and how the water swishes around inside.

He’s started to show surprise more and always turns to see where noises come from, whether it’s a voice or music from the computer. He even listened to Grandma over the phone a few days ago and seemed interested in the speaker.

Daddy’s found his ticklish spots and Mommy can make him laugh by repeated “bah” at him and pretending to scare him. He’s really becoming so much fun now that he can interact better!

Last Sunday we went to watch the Cowboys game up at the church and Peter spent the whole time rolling around on the blanket we’d brought. He’s gotten so that he can move pretty well when he wants to! He can almost sit up on his own now and can “tripod” sit, where he leans over on his arms. You can see him doing that while playing with his hedgehog below. If anyone would like larger versions of any of the photos in the album (print quality) let me know and I can email them to you!

Sitting with Sonic

We’re getting ready for a Halloween party so this will be a short entry, but I wanted to share Peter’s Halloween photos! Check out his Fifth Month Album for more!

Peter with his loot

Peter turned 4 months old on Saturday and had his 4 month checkup on Tuesday. He now weighs 17lbs, 6 oz and is 26.5″ long. Can you believe he’s in the 98% for both? The doctor wasn’t worried though because he’s perfectly proportional. What a big boy!

He’s also starting to get his two front bottom teeth which explains why he was having trouble sleeping last week. The doctor said we could start rice cereal whenever we want but that he doesn’t need to eat it until he’s 6 months. I think we’ll hold off as long as he’ll let us - he’s already so intent on watching us while we eat!

The doctor also told me that it’s not unusual for babies to start having separation anxiety at this age, so that explains his dislike for child care. It seems he’s doing everything he should plus a few things!

Since he’s started to recognize people and objects so well (even some words it seems, like his name) we’re starting to use sign language around him when we speak for certain words. Hopefully he’ll be able to copy us around 6 months or so and let us know when he’s “tired", “hungry” or wants “mommy” or “daddy.” I hope it’ll teach him manners too like “please", “thank you” and “all done". My favorite though will be if he can catch on and say “Love you".

I’ve seen other older infants and toddlers that use the sign language and they always seem less frustrated since they can communicate their needs and wants better. Hopefully he’ll catch on!

We’re looking forward to Halloween and a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Johnson this week. What fun! Don’t forget to check out the 5th Month Album

Yes! I’m 4 months old!