Jef! Jef! Jef!

I learned a good number of things in graduate school, not the least of which was the ability of bad television to bring people together. What started as a weekly viewing party in Nashville, has morphed into a cross-county texting affair on Monday evenings. I confess, I watch The Bachelorette. And I'm kind of really into it. And I'm not alone. Once I fessed up  to watching the show, I learned that the majority of my local friends are into it too. Church friends, work friends, everyone. I've also learned of a good number of fellas who have watched the show with their lady only to get sucked in themselves. Sadly, my own husband is repulsed by the whole thing. 

 Since Peter fails to see the value of the show, he will be staying home with Cole while I attend an oh-so-serious-no-talking-allowed-other-than-during-commercials finale and After The Finale Rose viewing party Sunday night.  I'm sure I'll make a snack to share. Probably something really cheesy.

For the record, I'm a fan of Jef. He seems kind and genuine. And self confident- I think you have to be with that hair- but not arrogant. Go Jef!

The Examiner

Cole :: 5 months

Baby girl is five months old today.

In the last month, Cole has cut two new teeth and become a rolling maniac. She's now very intentional and thoughtful about her rolling. While in previous months her rolling seemed almost accidental, not anymore! Cole spent last week concentrating while rolling onto her belly and now she's a master. She's rolling over in her crib which is interrupting her sleep ever so slightly.

Cole's previous nighttime sleep problems have been replaced with some very early mornings. Typically Cole goes to bed around seven then wakes up for the day eleven or twelve hours later. Toward the end of the last month, however, Cole started to play in her crib around 3:30 am ready for the day. She'll babble to herself and chat with her mobile for about twenty minutes before deciding that she'd like some company. Or at least a snack. 

As for solids, Cole has been eating sweet potato, avocado, and banana. Girlfriend is loving her new foods! She likes to help her daddy by assisting with the spoon and lunging toward each bite. I'm still nursing her though we introduced formula this month in an attempt to help her sleep longer. Despite initial success, it didn't really work.

Cole's becoming more and more fascinated with the dogs. She's taken to reaching for and talking with them. They show their over-the-top affection to Cole with excessive licking that I'm hoping is boosting her immune system. Frankly,  I think her interest in the dogs stems from a larger interest in different textures. She's been squealing with joy as she discovers different textures around the house, from coarse fur to smooth board books to soft knit blankets.

Cole displays a predisposition toward introversion. Being that I'm an extreme extrovert, I've had to be diligent about giving Cole her own time when she needs it. After playing with me or a friend for a bit, she'll fuss until I put her in her jumper or activity chair to play solo. She's perfectly content to interact with her toys by herself.  She's started to enjoy more of her toys which is fun for her and very helpful. Her tendency toward introversion has also manifested in her preference to be around people she knows well rather than new people.  I was initially surprised when a friend told me you can usually tell if a child is introverted or extroverted by the time they are six months old but now I absolutely believe it. Seeing Cole's personality take shape is so amazing. She can be a real chatterbox once she's comfortable around a person but she's stone cold until then. Reminds me quite a bit of her daddy.

And she's starting to look a whole lot like him too.

Favorite Baby Item: Teethers

After weeks of excessive drooling and other indicators of teething, Cole cut her first tooth on Tuesday! And then her second tooth yesterday! They are the top and bottom left central incisors, for any of you taking notes. She's done well handling the pain without medication by using her teethers and chewing her hands. I registered for and received two Life Factory teethers with the hope that they would be as perfect as many reviewers described. They are! Being made of silicone means there is no risk of anything leaking. Cole loves it when I stick them in the freezer to chill a bit. They are dishwasher safe, which is absolutely necessary in this house. Prior to teething, Cole used her Life Factory teethers as a pacifier of sorts. While she rejected all pacifiers- despite diligent efforts to make her a believer- shes been holding and gumming her teether since she was 8 weeks old.

The other teether Cole's been using is her Tommee Tippee Chewther. While wandering through The Red Circle Boutique I spotted the Chewther. We're already a Tippee family after discovering that Cole would actually take their bottles. Out of utter frustration that Cole wouldn't take a pacifier, I decided to give the Chewther a try. I figured I could pop it into her mouth like a pacifier but it would be good to chew like her favorite teether. She likes it. Not as much as her Life Factory ring but enough that I'll call it a favorite. While it's a bit silly looking and quite reminiscent of the mouth guards I used in my lacrosse playing days, it does the job. And, I think it's more sanitary than my finger.