Merry Christmas!

Jordan is 6 Months Old!

On Jordan's 1/2 birthday, I looked at her and just couldn't believe it's been six months since the day she was born. In some ways, I can't remember a time that she wasn't part of our lives. She absolutely completes and compliments our family. In others, it seems like she was just born - coming into the world fast, perfect and with a little bit of attitude (just like she is now!)

With mom at playgroupBundled for Christmas tree pickingLove this - both so happy

Great fall day with friends in Durham

It's been a great month - between Thanksgiving visitors, our Florida trip, Jordan's Baptism and holiday planning -we've been busy! And Jordan is keeping us on our toes, too. Lots of big milestones this month!!

On the Move!
She had been "scooting" on the floor for awhile and while we were in Florida - Doug all of a sudden looked at me and said, "She is CRAWLING!" Sure enough, she was picking up her legs independently and moving across the bed. This was mid-month and it's been fun to see how much better she has gotten the past few weeks. I have a few videos of how she progressed throughout the month. She isn't zipping around the house yet - but the doctor warned me that it will be soon! December 3

December 9

December 16

Sitting
Jordan mastered sitting this month - she also can transition from sitting to crawling position. Not to say that we don't have the occasional "topples" but they are less and less. She is also getting really good about putting down a supporting arm when she feels herself leaning to one side. Sitting has brought around more fun playtime and bath time. Jordan loves sitting up in her duck bathtub.

Intention
This month, we noticed Jordan starting to really "flap" her arms at times. At first, I thought it was excitement - but then I noticed sometimes she did it when she was unhappy. One of my friends characterized it as "intention" which I think is a very accurate description. She seems to make the movement when she wants something - Mom, a toy, etc. So amazing to see her start to communicate in these ways - makes me think it's time to start baby sign language.

Hand Coordination
It's amazing to see Jordan's coordination improve everyday. This month she is doing a lot with her hands. She likes to bend them at the wrist and twist them around - sort of checking to see what all they can do. She is also developing her Pincer Grasp - where she can pick up small items with two fingers. She really likes to pinch at the diamonds in engagement rings - uh, oh. She already likes jewelry?? Another big coordination milestone this month, is Jordan transferring items from one hand to the other. We keep looking for any clue if she is going to be right or left handed but think it's still way too early to know.

Solids
We started Jordan on real food on her 6 month birthday. Rice cereal went pretty well & now we have branched into bananas. She does pretty well eating, although she still sticks out her tongue which means we loose a lot of food in the process. It's still the first week - so it's a slow process.

Sleeping
During this month, Jordan got into a great nap/sleep pattern - 2-3 naps/day and 12 hrs at night - with one feeding around 3:30 AM. However, the past week since her 6 month birthday has been a little rough. I've read that babies can change their sleep patterns after a big milestone (like crawling) because they want to be doing it all the time. It's that or teething - whatever it is has thrown mom for a loop.

Other fun things this month:
Willie's toys - so much more fun than baby toys.
Christmas tree & garland - so pretty, must touch
Sitting up in the cart at the store. Shopping is so much easier because Jordan loves it!
Splashing in the bath - Jordan usually splashes the water with her hands when we say "Splash". She thinks it's so much fun! This video also shows Jordan's favorite toy this month - her hairbrush. Loves it.

Oh, and Merry Christmas!

6 Month Check Up

Jordan continues to do great with her well baby checkups and routine immunizations. She is 25.25 inches long (25-50%), 13 lbs 15 oz (10-25%) and 43.25 cm head circumference (50-75%). If this continues, she is going to resemble a tootsie pop!

In all seriousness, the doctor was very happy with Jordan's stats - not worried about her weight, since she has been steady (not bouncing around along the curve). Plus, we decided to hold off on solids till she was 6 months, so that will start to bump her up. Starting on rice cereal will also help her iron count, which is a little low - one of the only issues with exclusive breastfed babies. She also mentioned that a big head means good brain development - which is nice to hear.

Jordan showed off her sitting and crawling for the doctor - and of course Mom was so proud! I just can't believe she is six months!

Florida Fun

Doug had a conference in Boca Raton, Florida at the first of December and Lil' J and I tagged along for some sunshine. We were happy with our first long road trip - driving through the night so Jordan would sleep. Doug did great staying awake and Jordan did great sleeping. We enjoyed the sunshine, resort and our time away. The ocean was too cold for swimming but we had fun at the pools, beach and just walking around the beautiful resort. Not to mention Jordan started crawling while we were there - but more on that later.

We lucked out and avoided the cold snap that hit right after we left. We made a stop in St. Augustine, FL - for Jordan to stretch out and roll around since we didn't drive through the night on the way home. Now I can say I've been to all three walled cities in North America - Quebec City, Charleston & St. Augustine. Huge dork, I know.

Doug & Jordan chilling at St. Augestine

Family shot on our trip home - the fort

Beach baby. She loves sand but not the cold ocean.

Perfect photo of my babies. Jordan cracking up and Willie looking like "What is so funny?"

Chilling poolside with the cutest baby on the block

Sunrise over the orange groves in Florida. Possibly the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen.

Thanksgiving

So much to be thankful for this year - as usual. My mom, grandfather and aunt visited us in Charleston to celebrate the holiday. What a fantastic visit - from Thanksgiving dinner to sightseeing around Charleston. We loved every minute of our time together!

Dinner downtown on our last night - celebrating my birthday :)

Jordan loves the horsey

After our fantastic carriage ride through the city. The people behind us didn't sightsee, they spend the whole ride watching Jordan!! She was sooo good.

Best turkey EVER!

At the USS Yorktown - sightseeing one afternoon.

Jordan and mom in the jet

View of the bridge from the Yorktown - so beautiful.

Durham Trip - Meeting Ella

Beautiful day at the Life & Science Museum

You are so tiny! Lil' J looking big next to baby Ella.

So cute!!

We made a quick trip up to Durham before the holidays to visit with friends and meet Ella - who was born after we moved away. So much fun to see everyone and get the kiddos together. Fun Saturday at the museum & lunch with the Slubickis - followed by a great brunch on Sunday. As usual, the time went way too fast and we didn't get to do half of what we would have hoped. Learning to plan a schedule on baby time is interesting... Can't wait to visit again soon!