Alex's 1/2 Birthday

Alex is .5 year old today! 

He is such a happy, sociable, smart baby.  He smiles at pretty much anyone who talks to him and even reaches for complete strangers sometimes!  He likes to touch faces and pinch, too!  He still likes to use my hair as a handle and pulls it constantly--drives me bonkers!

I'm pretty proud to say that I taught him to say "mama".  Most babies say "dada" for their first word.  So, I've been saying "mama" over and over to him and a few days ago he actually said it back!  Now he stays it quite often, mostly when he is getting tired and upset but he still said mama first.  And I won't lie, it melted my heart.

Alex is learning something new all the time.  His newest thing is starting to think he needs to be mobile.  If there is something he wants, he can make his way to it by pushing himself forward and army crawling.  Just this last week, Alex started getting up on all fours and trying to use his arms with his legs to actually crawl.  He will be motoring around the house in no time. 

Alex at 6 months:

• started formula.  My milk dried up so luckily he took to a bottle really well.  We aren't too happy with having the new expense, but I'm so glad there is formula so Alex has something to keep him nourished so he can continue growing.
• loves peaches, bananas, and applesauce.  We tried a few other foods such as prunes (and he was very  regular the next day, yikes), sweet peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes.  He ate them all really well.
•  has two bottom teeth that popped through.  They aren't all the way up, but they are kind of up and causing him to be a little cranky.
• is becoming mobile, as mentioned above.
• can sit with some assistance.  It won't be long until he can sit up on his own.
• says "mama" and likes to babble
• starts to get tired around 7:30-8pm so we put him to bed around 8:30pm.  Since starting formula, Alex has been pretty good about sleeping through the night until about 7am or later.
• likes to grab his toes
• is a massive drooler! If Alex is leaning on my shoulder, he will drool down my entire arm!  He also keeps the neck of his shirts good and wet.  I'm sure this has to do with cutting teeth, but he's always been a bit of a drooler.

My little 6 month old babe!  

He is leaning over because his cake is next to him and he wanted to grab it so bad.

I just happened to catch Alex's face at the right moment, but doesn't it look like he is thinking, "Give me some cake!"  Too funny!

Alex with his 1/2 birthday cake.

Alex's 1/2 birthday cake.

I'm no baker so don't look too close.

Who do you think had the first piece?

Jake, of course! He is my good eater and was first in line for a piece of cake :)

Happy 6 month birthday Alex!