Our baby is six months today. I just can’t believe that half a year has passed since he was born. We just adore our little Anderoo. His high spirited, smiley personality has brought such joy to our family. I did a photo shoot this morning to celebrate his half-year birthday. Enjoy.
Anders has a big personality. I’ve loved having a second child, because it has been such a witness to me that children come hard-wired. With their own personalities, preferences, and life views. Here’s a few things Anders is up to:


-Moving- just this past week he started to push up on his knees and rock back and forth. And yesterday, he pushed up so he was just on his hands and feet! He wiggles and rolls enough to work his way around to the circle of toys I leave for him. I love watching his focus and determination as he works towards grabbing a toy. I’ve found him fast asleep in the stinkbug position a few times this week during naps. He’s continually getting his legs or feet caught in the crib railings. He loves to lay perpendicular to the crib with his feet up on the bars.

-Passionate. People often comment on what a smiley fella, Anders is. And he is. His full body smiles- complete with head thrown back, legs kicking are absolutely charming. But he can also curse like a sailor. Don’t give him his way, and you’ll hear about it- loudly! He’s slowly learning more moderate tones, and I feel that his temper will calm when he can communicate his will, but for now it can be a bit unraveling. This morning, for example, I had fed him a peach with oatmeal (pureed of course.) he gobbled it down, and wanted more. So I blended up a handful of blueberries with oatmeal. He ate it down in short order. Unsure of what more to make, I looked through the fridge. . . meanwhile he screamed. He demanded. He shouted. “I’m not sure what else I can feed you buddy, you’ll need to be patient.” I pulled out some carrots, peeled, chopped, steamed. . . he bellowed, his brows wrinkled his lips tense. Throwing ice cubes in the steaming puree I stirred assuring him that food would come shortly. . . He ate the entire cup and a half of carrot.
-Eater! This kid can eat, and he LOVES it. As the above story illustrates, he can be a bit impatient about it, and I often find it difficult to eat at the same time he does. If it’s not a steady stream, he gets upset! (I now understand why some parents just put it in a bottle! Not that I would ever do that!) He’s broken out in hives after tasting eggs and peanut butter. Which makes me nervous. Please no food allergies! But other than that he’s eaten about anything I’ve offered him: blueberries, peaches, apricots, pasta ala bolognese, pasta primavera, carrots, potatoes, summer squash, peppers, onions, chicken. . .

-Brother. He continues to be completely in awe of Scotland. They are playing together more and more, and Scotland has welcomed Anders as a floor mate- he loves to bring him toys- often asking “Can Anders swallow this?” (One time he brought him his large tow truck, and then, with concern, looked at me and asked: “Can Anders swallow my tow truck?)

-Kisses. He’s been giving me kisses for a while now- big open mouthed ones on my neck or cheek. I love them! He also loves to be kissed, always welcoming my kisses under his ear with bright eyes and a sweet smile. Sometimes I’ll give him teasing kisses all up and down his neck, saying “I’m getting you, I’m getting you. He’ll smile wide and then return the favor gumming into my shoulder with playful eyes.

-Laughing. I can get Anders to outright giggle now. He loves it when I gum my way around his ribs, and under his armpits.

Wide-mouthed boy

-Tricks. Playing with his toes, and occasionally sucking on them, is an old trick. His latest is he can buzz his lips, and spit a little bit. (Which you can see him doing in the very first picture.) The other day he and Scotland were taking turns making the sound at dinner. I watched in delight and shock that the time had already come- when my two boys would crack themselves up making weird sounds at the dinner table.


His six month Dr. appointment showed that his weight, and length are all back on track. (He dipped down two months ago and got us a bit worried.) He’s chunking up, and every time I pull of his pants to change his diaper I coo at his chubby thighs!

-Independent. Now that he can move around more, the amount of time that he is willing to play alone is increasing. The amount of time he’ll play happily without me is even longer if Scotland is nearby to observe. He’s definitely DONE with his swing and bouncy seat. We borrowed an exersaucer which he’s loved so far.
-Sleeper. A couple of weeks ago Anders started sleeping through the night!!! Woohoo!
It’s funny when I had just Scotland, I knew that I probably would have more kids, but I didn’t necessarily “want” them. That sounds wrong, but I’m not sure how else to articulate it. Surprisingly, now that I have two boys I find myself wanting more. I guess the sweetness of the sibling relationship, the joy of caring for a baby while also thrilling with a toddler. I must say, I loving having a baby. I know a lot of people find the constant feedings and the neediness of a baby exhausting. But I love it- mostly because those feedings and changings and snuggle time is accompanied by such love and sweetness. I love being goofy and making him giggle, I love how easily he smiles. I love all the hugs and kisses. We love you Anders. Happy half birthday!