Riley's Blog: 6 months old!

Yep, that’s right; I had my half birthday on November 26th! I’m almost all grown-up! So much has happened in the last month…. First I want to tell you that as it turns-out… 2008, the very year I was born, is a very historic year! On November 4th, Barack Obama became the first African American to be elected President of the United States. I was asleep when the election results came in but Mommy told me all about the excitement the next morning. She said that I am so fortunate to be born in a country where babies of all backgrounds can grow-up to be anything they want if they work hard enough. I’m not sure what a President is but I think I might rather be a professional jumper when I grow up. I’ve been working REALLY hard at perfecting my jumping technique so I know I can do it. Is jumping in a bouncy an Olympic event? If not, it should be! Especially since somehow Curling made it in…

As you can see from the photo, I finally got my DOC Band. It is a custom made helmet thingy, that shows my head how to grow round. I had a flat spot in the back of my head because of sleeping on my back. Wendy, the nice physical therapist lady at Cranial Tech said that lots of babies have this problem, ever since their mommies and daddies were told that it is dangerous for babies to sleep on their stomachs. I have to wear the DOC Band 23 hours a day for around 8 weeks. The first couple of days it was a bit uncomfortable because my head would get hot. But I got used to it and now I forget that I’m even wearing it! Joy, the artist who painted my room, came by and painted characters from Daddy’s favorite childhood book, “Where the Wild Things Are.” It looks awesome! Joy is so talented!

I also had my first Thanksgiving! Most of our family drove down to Aliso Viejo to our cousin Sarah’s house, but we stayed home. Mommy and Daddy didn’t want to disturb The Schedule (capitalized to emphasize importance), which has been working so well. Grandma and Grandpa stopped by to see me on their way down south. Then Papa and Aliki and Eric and Heather came over and Daddy grilled the turkey on the rotisserie. I didn’t actually eat any but I heard it was yummy! I ate milk and sweet potatoes and apple sauce and yogurt. Yep, I’m eating all kinds of fruits and vegetables now and I love everything! I’ve even grown quite fond of the previously hated peas! Mommy says I’m a good eater just like Daddy. The following Saturday we went to Grandma and Grandpa’s house to see Sarah, Kerry, Paul, Grandma Libby, Donna and Phil. I was so glad I got to see everyone since we missed them at Thanksgiving.

And speaking of The Schedule, on November 28th I slept from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM without waking-up for a bottle!!! Mommy and Daddy were so proud (and well rested!) Now every night I sleep 12 whole hours! And during the day I still take 2, 2 hour naps and a 40 minute siesta in the evening. Because I sleep and eat so well, I am a happy, happy guy! Mommy and Daddy are happy too.

Mommy has been taking my out to the stables at least once a week so I can visit our horse Eduard. He is HUGE and furry and black and has whiskers that tickle my face when he kisses me. I like to pet his fur and once in a while Mommy lets me sit on his back. There is a trail there too and Mommy and Daddy sometimes take me for a walk in my off-road stroller. There are so many things to look at out on the trail. Daddy said someday I will be able to run and jump and climb trees out there, and Mommy said someday I will ride Eduard on the trail. I can’t wait!

I had my 6 month Doctor’s appointment with Dr. Wollaston last week. She said that I’m growing-up just right! I am now 22 ponds and 27.5 inches long! I also had another shot… and this time I barely flinched at all – Mommy and Daddy couldn’t believe it! Yeah, I’m a pretty tough guy. My motto is, “Smile though the pain!"

Last Saturday Mommy and Grandma and I visited great grandma Nani. I chewed on her glasses and gave her lots of drooly kisses. She was so happy to see me and I was happy to see her too! And on Sunday... I cut my first toothie!!! Finally, after all that gnawing and drooling one elusive little toothie decided to make an appearance. It's on the bottom right. Daddy says now I'm ready to eat steak with him!

Next weekend is Mommy’s birthday and we’re going on our first trip away from home. We will drive to Morro Bay on Thursday and guess what… We are going to stay at a beach house! That means I’ll get to see the ocean for the first time! LaVonne, Eric, Heather and Stefani will be there too, so I know we are going to have so much fun! I’ll write all about it in my next post.

Also in next month’s post, I answer the question, "Santa: Friend or foe?"

Happy holidays everyone! May your tummies always be full of milk and may your hearts always be full of love!