Six Month McKay

Dear McKay,

Today you are six months old. How is it even possible that one-half of your first year has passed? I truly cannot believe it. Times goes more quickly every day and I blinked for one second and you're no longer my little newborn. You're a full-blown baby. A sweet one at that.

You are such a good natured little guy. I feel like this past month has been a good one for you. I know I may have said you were a high-maintenance divo, but I think you're growing out of that. You certainly have your preferences, but I no longer think you are the "hard" baby from a few months ago. I think it was the whole binky thing...I know, I'm obsessed with the binky (or the lack of one). You love sucking on your hands instead. Whatever works, I guess.

You are super smiley and fun to talk to. You love people paying attention to you and get a little stressed out when we walk away for too long. You are grabbing and pulling and squealing and laughing. I have to keep your nails trimmed or else you get serious scratches on your face and feet.
You are consistently rolling over from your tummy to your back. Your head is strong and I can hold you with one arm and not worry that you are going to fall backwards. You love to be held. The world is right when you are in someone's arms. But, you are getting better at playing alone on the floor for a bit. You prefer standing in your bouncer and can stay there while Gavin and I get breakfast. You laugh and squeal the whole time. Loud. Gavin doesn't love your screaming and gets frustrated and tries to tell you to stop. Really, you're just talking to us in your own little language. He's just going to have to get used to it.

Speaking of your brother, he has recently taken a bigger interest in you. He is very concerned about helping you. He's been trying to put a binky in and hold it there for you. He fetches age-appropriate toys for you to play with. He kisses your head constantly.
You were getting pretty hungry and wanting my big people food, so we started you on rice cereal about two weeks ago. Boy, were you ready for that. You love it. You sit in my lap and literally grab my arm to pull the spoon to your face faster. As of today, we are done nursing. It's probably equally me and you, but I think bottles will be better for us. I didn't think you were getting enough. And you were hurting me. Ouch!

You have the cutest mouth. Lately it goes in a straight line and you do this smile or you suck in your bottom lip. Just to die for cute. See??
I have never seen a more ticklish baby. You laugh SO HARD! I love it. Wiping under your chin with a baby wipe is almost more than you can bear. Hearing that real belly laugh - I can't help but smile. I think you will grow up to be a pleasant little thing.

You are reaching and grabbing. Just in the past week or two you have gotten good at reaching out and grabbing what I put in front of you. Everything goes in your mouth. You're just exploring and figuring out your world.
We are so grateful to have your in our family. I hope the next six months doesn't go quite so fast, but I have a feeling it might. I love you to pieces, my little munkin.