We have a 5 month old!

Lots to smile about

Hard to believe that Toler is 5 months old today and we've been home in Charlotte for over 3 months now, but he is and we have.

As any proud first time parents we are absolutely loving all of Toler's "firsts".  Toler's first smile, his first coo, his first laugh, first roll over, and maybe most importantly his first night of uninterrupted sleep.

Toler had two other "firsts" in the past couple weeks; day care and a trip to the beach!  Mom and Dad had a hard time taking our little guy to day care, but felt fortunate enough to be able to keep him home long enough for his immune system to develop.  Also, Mom enjoyed picking out Toler's clothes for his first day of school.

As previously mentioned, Toler is continuing to move from newborn to infant in his development.  Mom and Dad are unbelievably happy that Toler is a great sleeper and is now successfully sleeping (or peacefully resting) in his crib over 10 hours each night.  Each morning brings joy to whom ever wakes up first as Toler is a happy riser and almost always greets Mom and/or Dad with smiles and coos.

Toler, like all infants, takes his parents on the joys of phases.  Mother's day was about the time Toler requested to be held, for pretty much his entire waking time.  To which his mother enjoyed the mutual cuddle time, but wasn't always eager to be on her feet as Toler preferred to be elevated as well.  As Father's day approaches Toler now prefers to be entertained on a play mat working on gripping his blanket and stuffed monkey.  When held, he kindly would ask that you face him outward to be able to use his developing eyes to see the world around him.

Toler has recently found his hands and now is able to not only see the mobiles and rattles but also interact with them.  Toler enjoys doing "chores" on his "farm" and spending time in his "ocean".  Additionally as Toler has lost his once strong appetite for his pacifier he is slowing trying to figure out if he will be a thumb sucker or not.  Dad woke up in the middle of the night once to the sound of light rain, only to have Mom explain it was Toler licking his hand.

Thumbsucker?

 Toler always makes Mom and Dad smile, but never more than this past week when he continued his communication development and shared a laugh with them.

Besides the known benefits of day care (socialization, immune system development, someone else taking care of dirty diapers) Mom and Dad were amazed at how quickly Toler picked up and excelled at baby yoga.

Baby Locust

Mom and Dad cherish every moment with Toler and are glad to share his development with our friends and family.  More to come in future weeks and months.

Love,
Steve, Emily and our baby Yogi