Jack is 5 months!

Jack celebrated five months of life yesterday.  We had a busy day filled with a play date, baking, lots of books, a few blow-out diapers, and plenty of snuggle time.

Jack and Eleanor Boys
4.12.11

One of my favorite things to do with Jack is to read books.  We've been to the library a few times and I am figuring out which books are his favorites.  Yes, he has favorites!  As much as I've tried to avoid flashy books, he enjoys the lift-the-flap, puppet included, and pop-up variety.  He also seems to really enjoy anything that includes animals.  I am not ashamed to make loud oinks, quacks, and hee-haws to make the books more fun.  It always gets a smile, so it's worth any embarrassment.  

A highlight for this month:  Jack has become more excited about sitting to listen to stories!  We made it through Caps For Sale! and Make Way for Ducklings this week.  This makes me so happy.

Jack's first trip to The Blue Manatee
(We went for gifts, but I caved and bought him a book too)

Jack takes his reading seriously - but not his books.
This one even makes me giggle

This month Jack started reaching out for anything in front of him.  He has better control of his arms and hands now so he's getting better at gripping onto his toys.  Once it's in his hands it typically goes straight into his mouth.  This new skill helps me during car rides.  Now that he can hold onto his toys, he is less likely to fall asleep on trips across town.  

Since before Jacob and I were married, every Sunday night we have had dinner with his family at his parent's house.  In typical Samad fashion, dinner has not been served until somewhere after 7:00.  We arrive early and  hang out as a family while Mom cooks.  It has worked out perfectly for our family up until this month.  Jack just can't make it that late.  We had a few fussy meals before we figured out dinners are going to have to change.  Thankfully, everyone was willing to be flexible and we now eat at 6:00 (gasp!).  Thank you everyone for changing your schedules for us!  

First of many dinners on the deck  

Hopefully this makes all of the rushing around worthwhile!

Jack has been growing quickly this month.  I think he weighs over 19lbs now.  That is nearly two pounds in one month!  He is outgrowing all of his 6 month clothes and many of his 6-12 month pants are too tight already.  What are we going to do with you, Jack?  He has three pounds to go until he outgrows his baby car seat.  Hopefully this pace will slow down soon.  

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His Blue Manatee onesie is from his Aunt Christy.  When I was a nanny I visited this store every week for their great story time.  I promised Ms. Gail that someday I would be back to actually buy books and that I would bring in kids of my own  for her story time.  This local children's bookstore has a wonderful staff and they offer a variety of classes and activities. It is certainly worth visiting if you live near Oakley.

Jack and I went in on Monday to purchase some baby shower and birthday gifts for friends.  We stayed for a while to catch up with the staff and to read our books.  I'm sure this will be the first of many trips to The Blue Manatee.  

For those of you looking for a story hour on this side of town, we are lucky enough to have 'Storytime Sam' at the Grosbeck library.  Not only is he animated and fun (and talented - He sat on the Newbery Medal Committee this year), but he happens to be married to Ms. Gail.  How lucky is their daughter?

Month 5 on the big red chair