6 months already?!?

I can't believe it - my baby is 6 months old today!  He is quickly transforming into a little man with a personality and will of his own.  I love seeing his gummy smile and hearing his chuckles (especially at fart sounds and peek-a-boo) and babbling nonsense (I'm trying to bribe him to say "mom").  He is much more interactive and curious now, which is both fun as well as a lot more work than before!  I have a feeling that this will be the theme for all the developmental stages to come... 

We have graduated from the bouncer and swing since he refuses to sit still....not to mention that he has passed the weight limit too (I'm guessing 22 pounds now?)!  Josiah wants to look at, touch, suck, and kick everything in sight.  This includes forceful tugs of my hair, a constant trail of drool, fast swipes at my iphone, fun bathtime splashing, and constant thrusting out of every contraption we strap him in.  While exciting to see him being active and stimulated, it's hard to keep an eye on him 24/7, which unfortunately has already led to some near-accidents :(  Let's just say you should adhere to product warnings and never put a baby in a Bumbo chair on the couch...not even for a second!  I can't imagine what it's going to be like when he starts crawling!  It's time to child-proof our home.  This incident was a reality check for us, as well as a reminder to pray daily for God's protection and grace. 

December was a big month of birthday and holiday celebrations, so it was great to spend lots of time with family and friends.  Josiah is getting majorly spoiled with all the attention...but we don't mind since that means that we are also getting spoiled by the extra hands and good company.  This was also a big month of milestones: Josiah moved out of the infant car seat, successfully rolled over on his own, and tried solid foods (rice cereal, peas, and sweet potatoes so far).  Can you imagine what it must be like trying food for the first time?  I hope he's loving it and eventually becomes a foodie like his parents.  Unfortunately, this also means ickier diapers - blegh!

The one major downside of this month has been Josiah's sleeping pattern.  Now that he rolls around on his own, he's been moving around and contorting himself into weird positions at night.  This has caused him to wake up screaming multiple times at night or us waking up freaked out about him sleeping on his stomach.  So far, it's been a few weeks of restless nights, so we are officially back to zombie-status!  Hope this is yet another phase that will end, otherwise, we will have to attempt some form of sleep-training, which I am dreading :(

Sleepless nights aside, this has been a fun and eventful month with Josiah. I can't believe how much has happened in the past 6 months, and what's to come next.  My 2013 resolutions are to stress less and to rise to new challenges, which are both very difficult for me.  However, both are will be tested as I continue to experience the daily joys and trials of being a mom!

Happy New Year!