My Dear Noah.

As of today, we've made it! It was my goal to make sure you got the best you could get until at least today. Even though there was a second there that I was ready to give up, we pulled through, and we made it.

Your first 6 months have been so stinkin' awesome. That being said...we've had a little bit of a roller coaster with you. For your first 6 weeks, we thought we had the easiest baby in the world, and it was no secret. Then you turned all "high-maintenance" on us, and we had to eat our words! That didn't last too super long, though, and we got our sweet, loving, happy little guy back around 3 months.

Now, I am frequently stopped in the grocery store so that anyone and everyone can check you out. You are constantly flashing that huge, toothless grin at EVERYONE. And I'm not just talking about the grandmas and grandpas. You get anybody and everybody's attention. We can't get enough of those smiles, either. You melt us so completely.

You definitely have a flip side, though, that most people never see. We try to keep your happy all of the time, and we are usually successful, since it's not too difficult to do. But when we stay out a little late and miss your bedtime, Oh Boy...the world comes crashing down! Your daddy and I were talking about how you are always pulling out new ways to scream at the top of your lungs. You are very inventive...

You have been eating your solids full-force for the last 2 weeks or so. We started on rice cereal around your 4 month birthday, but you have clearly chosen your preference to be oatmeal. You have also made your way through squash, bananas, peas, and pears. It seems you would be happy just eating oatmeal, though, so that's what we usually do. :) We typically get 2-3 feedings in everyday.

You just started to sit up on your own. I don't leave you like that, since you're pretty new at it, but sometimes I'll put a few pillows around you and do my hair while you sit! You sure love your new perspective on life. It makes you that much less satisfied when we lay you on your back. You also love being in your exersaucer, and in your johnny-jump-up when we eat at the dining table. You spin round and round and round...

Like I've said before, you've been rolling from your back to your front for about 2 months now, but you haven't really progressed at all in that department. You still roll right over onto your belly and freak out. You hate being on your belly. I have noticed you waking up occasionally on your stomach, and in that case, you are okay with it.

You took a pacifier for me for the first time last night (in a long long time) and actually kinda liked it. I don't think we'll give you that again, though, since once you dropped it (which you did pretty quick because of your lack of practice) you freaked out. Might as well just move forward without it at this point.

Instead of taking a pacifier, you MUST have a blanket with you while you sleep because you love to suck on it. You are starting to show preference for your light blue star blanket, which kinda makes me sad. I made you a beautiful green and brown polka dot blanket just like Cami's yellow one, and I was hoping that would be your blanket of choice. Maybe I'll try to persuade you in the next few months...

Unlike your big sister when she was your age, you love to give hugs and lay your head on my shoulder frequently. I just love this about you. It makes me think of your baby blessing and how your daddy blessed you to be a peacemaker. You bring so much peace to me when I'm feeling down.

I can't wait to see what the next 6 months hold. I can't wait for you to be able to chase your sister around. I can't wait for you to show us more of your personality. But really though, I can wait. Take your time. Be my baby. I love you.

Mom.