Happy 5 Months!

Riley is a happy and healthy five month old...yes 5 months old already...and she is growing up right before our very eyes. The milk she drinks has made her very strong, as she is already beginning to sit up on her own...sometimes she will still wobble and topple over like a roly-poly, but she is persistent and seems to prefer to sitting up to laying down.

She is also reaching further than ever, reaching for favorite toys and books and noses. I remember when she first discovered how to put her hands in her mouth, which she still loves her hands in her mouth, but now she reaches in all directions...grabbing with her hands and fingers. Watch out though, because when she grabs hold, she doesn't like to let go...and that goes for hair too!

This month, she has discovered that she not only has fingers and hands, but also toes! She is thrilled to just sit and grab at her "piggies" or roll her legs up and grab her toes in the air. She hasn't tried to get her toes in her mouth on her own, but we have teased her a bit with this and it will get her giggling every now and then.

Her appetite continues to grow. She still has about 24 oz. of milk every day, plus cereal for breakfast and veggies for dinner. She has been introduced to sweet potatoes and squash and carrots will be coming her way soon. We have also given her some pears for breakfast to introduce some fruits. With the New Year, we have started supplementing formula, as we wanted to ensure a long transition period. Riley's tummy seems a little uncertain with the changes, as she has been spitting up more than usual.

Riley seems to have adopted JD's laid back personality and his serious nature. However, she is rather intense, especially when it comes to drinking her milk. She will make little fists with her hands or hold on tight to her bottle or your hand that is holding her bottle. Every now and then, she will let her guard down, especially when she is tired...and then the smiles and giggles are non-stop. We notice this more when it is just the three of us together, as she can be a bit shy.

Only time will tell, however, Riley may just end up looking more like her Mommy after all...She keeps losing her hair, as I find more and more on her sheets every day. But, her hair is also lighter than ever...and no, she hasn't had any highlights! It is either changing color, or coming in more blond/light brown. I just pray she doesn't go completely bald!

Every day, Riley makes new, wonderful discoveries, which we will cherish forever! Hopefully, the pictures and videos help you feel closer to her as well! Enjoy!