MIA AT 5 MONTHS!

Current stats: 15 lbs., 25+ inches.

Mia is growing and developing so fast! She is going through a crazy growth spurt--almost out of her 6-9 month clothing already! Mia has done so much this past month ... where to begin?

During her fifth month, Mia enjoyed the traditions of Christmas, Hannukah and the New Year. For Christmas (and Hannukah, actually), we traveled again to San Francisco for a visit with Tutu Jackie and Grandpa Art, plus all the aunties, uncles, cousins and friends. She & her cousin Eleanor (3 hours younger) interacted a bit more this time. This visit, Mia was much more relaxed and adapted much more quickly than at Thanksgiving. Phew! She also did great on the road trip, sleeping most of the way.

The general theme of month five was getting everything and anything in her mouth, to soothe her gums. That included rattles, toys, all of her stocking stuffers, plus the gift wrap she pulled off of her presents, not to mention other peoples' fingers, ears, noses, toes and chins. Mia is also babbling up a storm, starting to hold her bottle, belly laughing out loud (the best sound ever!), and making raspberries. She seems pretty happy most of the time, and has become a very good communicator (or maybe Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, etc. have gotten better at deciphering the fusses and cries). Either way, she seems to be enjoying life, and that's a wonderful blessing.

On New Year's Eve, Mia unexpectedly woke up just before midnight to drink the remaining ounce from her 11pm bottle, and toast the new year with Mommy & Daddy, then went right back to sleep. On New Year's morning, she got up and watched the Rose Parade with Mommy. She loved the marching bands! Later that day, while Mommy was at the grocery store, Mia rolled over for the first time (front to back) and gave Daddy quite a surprise and a treat! This was great, because Mommy has been home with Mia since she was born, and has seen many subtle milestones over that time. It was nice for Daddy to be there for a BIG one, but of course, Mommy made Mia roll over about 10 times once she got home!

Mia also began eating rice cereal on her 5th-month birthday, January 4th. She was a little surprised at first, then swirled it around in her mouth, swallowed, then smiled. She ate about 7-8 spoonfuls the first time, and proceeded to devour an entire serving the next night like it was crack or something. (Her appetite for rice cereal was waned a bit since then.)

See new pictures in Mia's PHOTO ALBUMS, under "5th Month" and "Chrismukkah 2005."