Sawyer Rose Grows: 6 months

Boy oh boy.

2 weeks ago, Sawyer turned 6 months, and I managed to get his pictures taken, but I’m just getting around to writing down all the feels! Like, where do I even begin putting into words what a joy the last 6 months have been? I keep saying how I want to do it all again. I don’t want another baby, but I want to live Sawyer’s life again, because as much as I wish it would, time just doesn’t slow down. I know that is such a cliche, but it couldn’t be more true. Pregnancy drags on and on and on, and then these babies arrive and they’re like tiny time machines and no matter how tight you squeeze, the moments are like sand slipping through your fingers!

Every stage is so much fun, but seriously, this stage of Sawyer is the absolute best. He is hysterical. Developing a little personality, discovering the world, and bouncing up a storm. He will talk your ear off, stuff his entire foot in his mouth, and bounce in his jump-jump until he literally passes out. (It’s the funniest thing we’ve ever seen)

At his 6 month appointment, he weighed 20 pounds, 27.5 inches long. 90 percentile for weight, and 95 for height. We definitely have a big baby, but we’ve all know that from the beginning J Breastfeeding is still his preferred  method of eating, despite how we’ve tried to get him on solids! So far he eats sweet potatoes, avocados, big spears of cucumber for teething, and he had watermelon once and I thought he would explode from excitement he loved it so much! We’re taking the baby-led weaning approach with solid foods, so we keep offering them to him at dinner time, and he eats, but it’s pretty obvious he’d still prefer to nurse so we’re following his cues. Plus, I’m not in any hurry to experience a non-breast milk diaper. J

The best part of every day with Sawyer is the first time he sees us in the morning. He absolutely lights up and I just melt. He reaches for everything now, including mama and daddy and I would be lying if I say it isn’t my favorite thing in the world. Separation anxiety has started, and it breaks me. He started daycare one day a week and is doing great, but usually starts crying as soon as Jake leaves. He does drop off because there is no way I am capable of hearing that! Luckily, he is with Grandma the rest of the week and just adores her so we only have to deal with one day of heartbreak. I’m sure it will get much better as he gets used to it there, at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

how i feel about working 5 days a week

Being a working mom has become very difficult as I’ve transitioned to 5 day work weeks. I miss my day with him so much it makes me crazy. I was actually doing really well with the transition, however lately it feels like my heart is in my throat all of the time, and I find myself praying that God makes a way for me to spend more time with my baby, and still able to pay our mortgage! I believe in big, bold prayers and a God that answers them, so I’ll continue to pray that and come to work with a humble heart in the meantime. I’m lucky to have a job I love even if I’d be happier with a few extra hours with my kid.

We’re starting sleep training this week, because our darling boy still wakes up 4 -5 times a night and we’re dying. I am so nervous about it, because I am so anti cry-it-out, however, the approach we’re taking is sure to have a few tears and I am NOT good with baby tears. The plan is to nurse him to drowsy, put him in his crib, and get him to fall asleep on his own, going into his room in 5 minute intervals to check on him, reassure him, kiss him, love him, and well, reassure myself if he is crying. I read to say the same script every time we go in, something like “It’s time to sleep, Sawyer! I love you sooo much and we’ll be right outside. See you in the morning, sweet boy.” I’ve read that keeping that incredibly positive tone will help to calm him, and since every other need is being met, my hope is that he quickly catches on to sleeping overnight. Please pray for me, because I know we need to do something, but it is totally going to be rough on us! Update: I wrote this before trying the above...yeah not so much. He cried for 5 minutes, I couldn't take the sad little whimper he gave me when I went in after 5 minutes, and I rocked him to sleep and put him in the bassinet in our room. So yeah, he will be in there until college. He did sleep solid until 5:30 AM, though, almost like "I promise i'll sleep if you don't put me in that God forsaken crib!" So now our sleep training plan is to do whatever works for us which is letting him sleep in the bassinet. Plus, 5:30 AM cuddles in bed is our FAVORITE time of day. I'm not ready to give that up!

On a happier note, Sawyer LOVES his new Lake home. We sit outside or down by the lake every single day and he is in baby heaven. He loves to watch the trees, and LOVES boat rides, even if he hates his life jacket. J Lately, he is completely obsessed with Axl. He reaches for him and pets him, and pulls his ears. He gives us this look like “it wasn’t me!” when we tell him to be soft and it’s hilarious. Luckily, Axl loves him just as much and won’t leave his side.

I never want to forget the way he laughs and plays, his precious voice, and his giant big brown eyes staring across the room at me. Being his mom is truly the most incredible blessing of my life, and I’ll never stop being grateful for every last moment!

Until Next Time,