Sam @ 5 months

My boy is no longer an infant! I feel like I can already see glimpses of the little boy he will become. This month more than ever he seems to be learning/growing so quickly (I'm sure I'll say that every month).

I don't have his stats since he doesn't have a doctor appt this month, but I'm guessing he's around 16+ lbs and at least 26 inches long (that's what he measured at 4 months). I know you can't really predict future height until around 2 years, but this kid has big feet and big hands so I'm guessing he'll be tall like his Dad and Grandpa (Bill's Dad).

He is so curious about the world and very aware of his surroundings, dare I say too aware? We were at my parents' house yesterday and Sam screamed each time my Dad would talk to him or try to hold him. Same thing with my brother. When my mom held him he was perfectly fine, but he knows her since she's at my house on a regular basis. He hasn't seen my Dad or brother for a few weeks. Still, I was a bit shocked. I don't know why they scared him so much, but it seems like maybe he has 'stranger' anxiety already? Even though they're not strangers! He is just a very shy, sensitive little guy and very dependent on familiar surroundings and routine. He is not a fan of going to my mother-in-law's house every other week when I'm at work either, so I chalk it up to his need for predictability/routine. Is it too early to worry about that or do we need to help him learn that new places/people are ok and develop some flexibility?

On the other hand, Sam's 'shy' nature is part of what makes him so sweet. He will flash you a smile but then turn away quickly or bury his head in my shoulder. His favorite thing right now is to just lay down, kick his legs, talk to Mom and Dad (well, gurgle), and practice rolling over. He can't quite do it on purpose yet but has accidentally rolled over quite a bit, and seems to enjoy it! Just like most other 5 month olds, he wants to put everything in his mouth, including my face. He also seems to be very interested in what I'm eating and drinking, so I went ahead and bought him a high chair so he can sit at the table with Bill and I, and practice drinking from (an empty) sippy cup. I think he loves it...sitting with the big kids! Will probably start solids soon, though the pediatrician said we could wait until 6 months. He's a little on the conservative side anyway.



We also started putting him in a jogging stroller facing forward, rather than in his carseat facing us. He loves the new view!



Finally, his favorite new buddy is definitely Addie. He seems to have just noticed her the last few weeks, and thinks she's the funniest thing in the world. She's not a big fan of him pulling her fur or tugging her ears, but she puts up with it. I'm sure they'll be inseparable in the future.