5 months old (plus a week!)

Little Critter Girl, you turned 5 months old last week. We began our first family vacation celebrating this big day.

You began eating...well, trying to eat, solid food this month. You resoundingly hated all cereals I offered, and honestly, I can't blame you. Gross. You liked sweet potatoes much better, and as long as the texture is thin enough, you like those taters. Still, you end up wearing more than you eat, but it is sweet to watch you learn about using a spoon and swallowing textured things.

You were also weaned totally off the boob this month. We had you down to 2 feeds a day, and you just seemed hungry all the time. So we made the switch, and you are a happy girl. Full and happy. I'm convinced your weight gain will be big at next month's peds appointment.

Teeth, where are you? You are a drooling, chomping-on-anything baby right now. I see a little lump in your gums, but so far, no teeth to show through. Keep chomping on that teething ring (your favorite new toy) and they will come. Sooner than later I hope, for the sake of that poor teething ring.

You have become super-chatty over the last month too. You've always been a chatty girl, but wow, it is all the time now. We have many meaningful conversations, and you tell a hilarious story.

We started you on a new nap schedule, and you are a much happier girl because of it. You go to sleep without complaint these days, and Mommy loves the new-found free time. Keep up the good sleepy work!

You are growing like a weed, and seem more and more like a little person, less like a baby. Your laughter and smiles are constant (unless there is poo!) and Daddy and I love to play and laugh with you. You are our little Gummy Bear, and we love you.