Five Months.

There is this invisible line that all babies cross. It is the line seperating them from newborn infanthood to full fledged baby. No longer that itty, bitty, teeny, tiny, helpless baby, but instead an almost mobile, personality filled babe who you continue to fall more in love with every single day.

Do you have any idea what I'm talking about?

That line that they cross when all of a sudden you realize they've got rolls. And cheeks. And they are not as fragile or breakable but instead a miniature person that you are responsible for.

Miss E has now crossed that line. And while I can't pinpoint the day or the moment that she crossed it, it has happened.

She is no longer that petite, tiny, newborn infant who only sleeps and eats and lounges around making a noise here and there. She is growing and changing and becoming more present and active and moving and shaking to give us warning of what is up ahead.

And while she's always been engaging and oh so alert, there is more and more of this that we see as time goes on.

Five months is no longer "I just had a baby" mode. There is a rhythm and method to all the madness. Schedules and routines are full fledged even when they aren't exactly by the book.

E's hair remains. Spiky and crazy as ever. I can see spots of it beginning to lay flat that once were pointed straight towards heaven and I have to admit, I'm a little bit sad. I knew she'd eventually have hair that didn't arise around her head like a Chia Pet, but it sure has been fun. The color is lightening more and more each day.

This past week two bottom teeth popped through. And it's another step forward.

For the most part, she is still a twelve hour night kind of girl. (Which is exactly my kind of girl!)

I've probably said it before but I'll say it again; we are cherishing the baby in her. So in the above picture she's still bathing in the sink.

While she's started on rice cereal and now oatmeal too, we are not in a rush. And just in case you're curious, she is still not a fan of the bottle. We have tried everything. Different bottles. Sippy cups. You name it, we've done it.

This means that her and I are just about always together. (Thank goodness for an early bedtime that allows J and I to still get out kid-free.)

But I do know this is all just a chapter, a season, a quick blip on the screen of life. I need to enjoy each day of nursing and the time I get to hold her close. I'll blink and she'll be walking.

Miss E, you have changed all of our lives for the better.

Not just mine and your daddy's. But T, who becomes a big softie when he lays his eyes on you. And M, who's practicing all of her little mother hen tricks and tactics on you. And of course, H, who loves you with a reckless abandonment and doesn't realize his own strength much of the time.

Your sunny smile that seriously could light up a room. Your giggles. Your coos and your caas. We are savoring every moment with you.

They will say that I am biased, I know that much, but I have yet to meet a happier baby than you.

Oh yes you can cry. When you're hungry. Or tired. Or things aren't just so. (You are, after all, a girl.) But you are so happy.

You exude a heavenly joy that many spend their entire lives searching for.

Your eyes, oh your eyes. They are so big. So distinct. And so telling.

You have no idea how much you are wanted. Or how much you are loved.

Five months, such a small amount of time in the grand scheme of life isn't it? But long enough to wonder what we ever did without you, sweet girl.

Happy Five Months, Evelyn Nanette!