5 months

I'm a little late here, Ashford turned 5 months on November 5, but he's still 2.5 weeks away from 6 months, so I guess it could be worse.  

He gave me so many cute poses and funny faces this month, that I accidentally took (and had to go through) almost 600 photos.  My eyes still haven't recovered.  The 5 month mark was a big one when it comes to a very important thing: his sleep.  The day after he turned 5 months, he went down for the night at 7:30 without a peep.  His body hit the mattress, he rolled to his side, and lay quiet immediately.  Say what?!

I thought he had dropped off into a baby coma or something.  I think it was just his time, because I didn't do anything differently that night.  We'd been letting him cry for up to a half hour, as long as he wasn't hysterical and was safe, etc.  Lately, we have been watching for his tired signs like a hawk, as soon as the 'eye rub' or 'avoiding eye contact' happens, he is hustled into his crib before you can say "epic meltdown."  

Yep, we are on to his game.  For the past week, Ash has been sleeping from about 7:00pm until about 6:00am without waking during the night.  Again, say what?!  It's so awesome.  He also naps for about 4-5 hours during the day.  Kid likes his sleep.  

On Nov 1, he was 15 pounds 8 ounces, still a skinny little guy for his length - almost 27 inches already!  He's still in some 3 month clothes but is wearing more 6 month stuff.  Heartbreaking to pack things away.  New Ashford activities: rolling front to back and back to front, sleeping almost exclusively on his belly, rocking on his hands and knees trying to crawl, looking for things that he drops, and sucking his thumb.  

What we're still working on: sitting (he just likes to move too much) and laughing.  I do my best comedy routines and I get a big smile and a little 'heheh,' but that's about it.  He only truly laughed continuously one time in September, and we've been trying since then to repeat it.      

Until then, I'm enjoying his smiles.  And some better sleep!