Half a Year

Dear Baby Caleb,

Will you mind if we're still calling you that when you're five years old?  Or fifteen years old?  Everyone in our family refers to you as "Baby Caleb," but especially your mommy and your big sister. 

What a precious boy you are and what a special gift you have been to our family.  You are such a sweet son to your daddy and me and a lovable brother to your big sister and big brother.  I sure hope that you know how we love you so!  It has been so exciting to watch Grace and Carter's love and affection toward you grow over the past six months.  I sure hope you know how special you are since they are both willing to share their most prized possessions, "Bum" and "Bunny," with you! 

Here's what you've been up to lately...

You nurse about 6 times a day, about every two and a half to three hours during the day.  You take wonderful naps, two longer naps and one or two shorter ones.  You sleep anywhere from 10-12 hours at night.  Thank you, sweet boy!

You mostly wear size 3 diapers, mainly because you tend to leak if we don't put you in bigger ones.  We go to the doctor tomorrow for your six month check-up, so I'm anxious to see how much you weigh and are in length!  You still wear some 3-6 month clothing, but mostly size 6 months or 6-9 months. 

You love playing on a blanket on the floor, playing in your exersaucer, or playing in your play gym.  You will sometimes play in the swing.  I think the most entertaining thing for you though is to sit in your bouncy chair and just watch your sister and brother play!  I think your favorite toy is this plush ball that has little taggies all over it that jingles when you move it.  Your grandma gave it to your big brother last year for Easter. 

Thank you for humoring me and grinning so big from ear to ear when your mommy starts singing silly, made-up songs to entertain you. 

You have four teeth!  Everything goes in your mouth!  We haven't started you on any food yet (Ooops!) because mommy hasn't had any time to make any yet, but we're gonna try oatmeal cereal tomorrow!  I hope you love it as much as your brother did! 

You really only cry now when you're overly tired or hungry.  But when you cry, YOU CRY!  Your cry is the most dramatic, ear-piercing sound to Mommy, and it makes me want to take care of your immediate need right away just so that I don't have to hear your desperation any longer!  But I do think that you're a little bit of a drama king and that your life isn't as traumatic as you make it sound! 

I've said this before, and I'll say it again.  When we found out that we were having a boy when we were pregnant with your big brother, I had no idea what I'd do with a little boy.  All I "knew" were girls.  Now, two boys later, I have no idea what I'd do without you. 

I pray that you continue to have a special relationship with your brother and sister and that you grow to have a unique friendship with each of them.  I also pray that you experience your mommy and daddy's love in a sweet way every day.  Most importantly though, I pray that somehow, in your little six-month-old way, you have experienced and will continue to encounter God's love for you, precious boy.  You have so many people who love you: your mommy and daddy, of course; your brother and sister; your grandparents, your aunts, your church friends, and your teachers.  But as much as I love you, my love for you cannot even compare to how much Jesus loves you, sweet boy.

I love you, Baby Caleb.
Your Mommy