5 Months, 2 Weeks

Dear Ruthie,

You are in the middle of some kind of big growth, that's for sure: fussy, not sleeping well, clingy... your daddy and I aren't sure exactly what's going on, but according to the book "Wonder Weeks", you are learning about relationships right now and that's pretty much turning your world upside down. You are realizing that mommy isn't always right there with you. And that can be a scary realization.

Two nights ago, we tried to put you down to sleep. You were okay at first, but when you realized you were in your pack-and-play, and no longer in our arms, you started to cry... a lot. Your daddy picked you up to comfort you but you kept crying, crying, crying. I finally went in, cradled you into my arms, and started to run my hand over your head and back... and within just a few minutes, you were sound asleep in my arms. You kept one hand wrapped around your daddy's fingers, as if you needed to know that the three of us were all together, right there with you. We laid you down and you slept for a couple hours before fussing and waking again.

So much has been going on, baby girl:

• We spent a long weekend in Seward (March 11 - 13) walking on the beach, exploring the Sea Life Center, relaxing in our rented apartment above the Sea Bean Café, drinking coffee, and really just enjoying being together as a family. You, my dear girl, LOVED the mirror in the bathroom, "swimming"  in the big claw-foot tub, and watching the sea lions at the Sea Life Center!
• We took an emergency trip to Alabama (April 17 - 23) when your Grandma Brenda passed. We were there for a week, enjoying the heat, seeing family, and celebrating Grandma Brenda's life.
• We spent a week in North Pole (April 30 - May 7) for a mission trip. And the Lord reminded me that YOU are my biggest (and smallest!) mission field right now.
• We hiked Albert Loop Trail in Eagle River (May 14) in the beautiful sunshine. You did great - I carried you in the back pack for part of the time and your daddy carried you in his arms, too. We told you all about the trees, mountains, rivers, and flowers we saw along the way... and it seemed like you were listening and watching, too!
• We are buying a house! We expect to close on June 23rd and can't wait for you to have your own bedroom.

You've been growing and changing, too:

• You have four teeth now (as of April 22)!
• You currently weigh about 13 lbs, 11 oz.
• You LOVE to stand up! We support you around the tummy or by holding your hands. You'll squat your legs then push yourself back up.
• You roll from front-to-back and vice versa with no problem.
• You can sit up all by yourself and like to watch us from your highchair sometimes.
• We gave you a taste of baby cereal (meh), some pineapple (yum!), and some banana (mixed results!). We're waiting until you turn 6 months to give you any more food because you've had bad diarrhea lately and we aren't sure if its because of the food.
• You love to laugh and smile and talk and sing! Sometimes you wake up really early and will screech - not out of frustration, fatigue, or boredom... I think it's just to hear yourself talk!
• You haven't said any official words yet, but it often sounds like you're saying "Hey!" to us. I like that.
• You're in size 2 diapers and 6-9 month clothes.
• You have a diaper rash that keeps returning (but the coconut oil seems to be helping clear it up!)
• You drink SO MUCH MILK during the day, I can't keep up with my work pumping! You're working your way through our freezer stash because you probably drink about 25 oz while I'm at work... plus nursing before work and in the evenings! You need to gain some weight (you dropped to the 20th percentile) so I don't mind... I just want to be able to keep up with your need!
• You sure LOVE your papa! You smile when you see him and love when he babysits you during the week.
• The other day, you went to the store with me and two dogs barked at you from the car parted next to us... and you didn't even flinch! I was so proud of you, you brave little girl!
• We saw your friend Addy on Saturday, after our hike in Eagle River. You wanted to talk to her and grab her face and give her kisses... but she wasn't too sure about you yet :) We'll get there.

I celebrate my first Mother's Day (with you on the outside) a few weeks ago (May 8). Your daddy got me a gift certificate for a pedicure and manicure (which I'm getting this weekend). And we went to the Musk Ox Farm with Memaw and Papa. That was fun - I think you liked seeing the big Musk Ox, especially when they came over near the fence to say hi to you!

Baby girl, life with you is never dull. Whether you are fussing through  most of the night or laughing through most of the day, you are good for us. You remind us to love selflessly, to rely on the Lord for His strength, and to take things one day at a time. Thank you.

Love love love,
Mama