Ariana - 5 Months Old

Written by Heather

Sorry all, I have been checking out the blog on occasion, making comments; but it just hit me that I am suppose to be contributing.  Well, here we go.  

There is so much to catch you up on.  I hope not to forget anything.  

On Friday, Ariana turned five months old, and she is getting so big.  She weighs in at 15lbs, and stands tall (for about 30 seconds at a time) at 24 inches.  When she is ready to be heard, she loudly exclaims both vowel and consonant sounds.  She is enjoying blowing bubbles from her mouth, and gets excited when imitated.  She has rolled over 4 times from her tummy over the past few weeks, and turns well from her back to her side. She holds her bottle by herself briefly, a few times a day. 

Ariana has excellent eye contact and is always looking around, taking everything in.  Last night we were going through her signing alphabet book that Mommy, Daddy and Asa gave her.  She was paying close attention and moving her fingers, as if imitating us making the letters.  She had received a musical elephant, for Christmas, to hang on her car seat.  Thursday, while I was driving, she pulled it by herself, and that was after she managed to remove her mittens!  She grasps objects very well, and as expected is bringing everything to her mouth.  Her fingers are a favorite thing to gum on.  Within the past couple of days, Ariana has been able to make her "jumperoo" make music as she jumps.  She is still not quite tall enough, so her feet get propped up on a pillow.  Ariana enjoys Pat-a-Cake but still prefers to keep her hands fisted.  She is also very ticklish, and can really get giggling when tickled.

We are so proud of her daily progress.  She was suppose to start in home, weekly therapy through TN Early Intervention Services, on Friday.  However, we had our first snow storm the night before, and they cancelled.  So next week we will start.  I really do not know yet what all that entails, but I know she will do great!

Daily, Ariana is at home with me.  We eat, and play, and read, listen to music and watch some cartoons.  Bright colors and music keep her attention well.  We have a good time, but I must admit to some jealousy.  Although she will smile frequently for me, her face just lights up when Jim gets a hold of her.  Even if she has been fussy or having a bad day, that hairy face just makes it all better.  She doesn't even mind him kissing on her anymore.  Every Sunday when we go to Mass, she is content to just listen and look at the lights and windows.  The long ride home is changing though, she is starting to need some more entertainment and interaction, no longer sleeping the whole way.  Guess this is just baby getting older.  Ariana still sleeps great through the night, usually about 7 hours, and bath time is still her favorite time of day.

We thank everyone for all of your support, love and gifts.  This new, big family is so full of generous, loving people.  We are well beyond blessed by you all.