5 Months

Micah is 5 months old today. I truly think this was probably my favorite month. However, it was also probably the most difficult. Micah's been sleeping through the night for quite some time now. He's also never really given us much trouble falling asleep, though he often wakes after 45 minutes. However, this month Micah started waking up during the night again. I had read about "the 4 month wakeful," but we didn't think that's what was going on. Micah often wouldn't fully wake up, but would be crying in pain. It was obvious that his stomach was hurting him because his feet were in the air and you could hear the bubbles. We tried everything: gas drops, bicycling his feet, tummy rubs, feeding him, etc. Finally after a week, I brought him in to the doctor. That's when he was diagnosed with silent reflux. Silent reflux is similar to acid reflux, except the baby swallows it back down rather than spitting up. He was put on Zantac and all was well. For about a week. Then, he started getting really fussy at night and started waking up in pain again. Per the doctor's orders, we increased his dose. He seems to be doing quite well on the medicine. We have a lot less back-arching and screaming at night.

At the same time all this was going on, Micah started getting really fussy at bedtime. He would get himself so worked up that he could not fall asleep, even though it was evident that he was very tired. After a couple LONG nights of walking around, rocking, feeding, and even driving we thought we should try pushing his bedtime up from 8:00 to 7:00. It has been hugely successful! We start getting him ready for bed around 6:00 now (pajamas, book/Bible story, songs, prayers, eat, rock) and he's often asleep even before 7:00. And he stays asleep for almost 12 hours. It has been wonderful. We're no longer dealing with an overtired baby. Plus, he's actually taking better naps during the day.

As you can tell, it's been a really rough month sleep-wise for Micah (and us!), but it's also been a really fun month. Here's what's happened this month for Micah:

*He was 16lbs. 7oz. at list last doctor visit

*He attended his first parade: Irish Fest here in Manhattan. It was really cold so we only stayed for about 10 minutes. Luckily, it was just a block from our house and they lined up across the street from us so Micah had lots of fun watching them get ready!

*Micah learned how to roll over. He knows how, he just doesn't like to do it very often. We think he just doesn't see the need to (why roll when Mommy and Daddy will give me everything I need?).

*Micah found his toes this month! He loves grabbing his feet and putting htem in his mouth, especially when we're changing his diaper.

*Micah had his first solid food. So far he's had pears, peaches, and plums. He likes all three, but I think his favorite are plums.

*Micah had his first trip to the ER for a stomach virus. He looked so cute in the little hospital gown! He handled the whole thing like a trooper!

*He had his first trip to the park and got to go on the swings. He loves being outside. I can't wait for him to be a little bit older because I know he is going to really enjoy trips to the park.

*He went on a picnic with his friends, the Lows. More time at the park and a nice walk.

*He spent a day with Aunt Brittany while Mommy and Daddy went on a date. He was very good for her. :)

*Micah has learned how to give kisses. Well, we call them kisses. He opens his mouth real wide and latches onto your face. He loves doing it and thinks it's so funny when we tell him, "No! Stop!" He just laughs and laughs.

*He has learned how to sit up unassisted. He can do it for probably 30+ seconds at a time. He loves sitting like a big boy!

*His cousins slept over last night for his first sleepover! He loves playing with his cousins and looks forward to many more sleepovers!

See? wasn't it a busy month? But so much fun!


It was very cold and windy, but we made it out for the Irish Fest parade!


Micah with his cousins, Kylie and Abbie.


Sitting in his high chair like a big boy. He loves sitting in his chair--and he loves eating his food!


At a picnic with the Lows. It was beautiful outside!


Micah's first St. Patrick's Day!


In the Emergency Room. They just checked him out, said it was a stomach virus and sent us home.


Micah and his cousin, Lilie.


Getting ready to go for a walk--it was a little bit chilly!


Daddy and Micah out for a walk.