Five Months with our Daniel Boy

Daniel Thomas Schulte is five months old. He is a chunk of joy and giggles. God knew we needed Daniel in our home. He is such a treasure and a delight. Even on the long days of fussiness and sleeplessness, one look at those big blue eyes and that precious mohawk and I'm reminded what a gift I've been given.

Not much has changed since Daniel's four month update. He's still not really into rolling over, but does seem to enjoy lying on his back and looking at toys more.  He's finally discovered his hands and is fascinated by them! I often find him just sucking his pacy and staring at his sweet little hands. What a wonder it must be when the world is so new, fresh, and unknown. He is getting really good at grabbing toys and immediately sticking them in his mouth and can even gnaw on things for a little while without dropping them. Pacy is still Daniel's best friend. Seriously, I'm not sure how we would survive without that thing. He sucks constantly! 

Daniel is a big boy. He's wearing 6-9 month clothes, but mostly 9 month. He wears some outfits that John Hudson was wearing at 8 and 9 months...at five months. I can't wait for summer so I can see his sweet leg rolls every day! Daniel is still wearing size two diapers, although when this box is finished we will need to move to size three. During the day, both boys wear cloth diapers which helps the budget tremendously!

We're still nursing about every two hours, but probably not because he's actually hungry. My theory is: If I'm there and he's there and he'd like to nurse, then why not? Its relaxing for both of us and mutually enjoyable.

D is enjoying his play bouncer! Jumping is so fun!

Sleeping has still been a struggle, although there have been momentary times of improvement. Like last week, he slept a 7 hour stretch two nights in a row, which was amazing. But after that he was back to his usual 4-5 wakes a night. I'm seeing a pattern though. Just when I am so weary and depleted and feel like I absolutely cannot do another night of no sleep, the Lord gives us a good night. He is so kind like that. Its still a struggle to trust Him when I feel so exhausted, but day by day (and night by night) he is teaching me.

I remember your words in the night, O LORD, and keep your law (Psalm 119:55)

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. (Psalm 119:147-148)

Naps have been much better, though. Daniel has been taking a few (up to three!) 1-2 hour naps a day. Some days are not so good (15 min naps), but some days are great. For naps, I just lay him in his bed with his pacy and he usually falls asleep! Sometimes I have to put the pacy in a few times, but it usually works. This is a blessing because rocking him to sleep in a peaceful environment just doesn't happen with a two year old in the home! 

Daniel, we love you sweet boy! Every day, we are so thankful God chose to put you in our lives. We pray that as you grow and learn, you will understand the great, great love that Jesus has for you. We love you, but He always loves you more!