I haven’t been this thrilled with Kiwi getting older since, well, she was born.
Six months marks a watershed in her short life.
Sweet, sweet sleep
Most important in her development, of course, was the sleep training. Kiwi transformed from a sleep-shunning infant who never slept longer than two hours at a time to a Ferber-ized champ who puts herself to sleep (no more bouncing!!) and snoozes for up to six hours at a go.
Getting more sleep means I feel less like a hollowed out shell of myself—and means I get to enjoy this dumpling much, much more.
Kiwi is happier getting more sleep, too. She wakes up babbling to herself and playing with her toes. And when she sees me, a she breaks into a giant grin. Sometimes she grabs my cheeks and pulls my face to hers, as if she’s saying, “It’s so good to see you!”
More firsts
She has hit some other milestones, too. She ate her first foods. She’s still not too sure about this whole solids thing, but she does love to gnaw on carrots, nature’s teething toys.
And she has mastered sitting up. She still tips over (the other day she fell onto Peeper, who said, “Don’t smoosh me!”) but overall manages to stay upright. She looks quite proud of herself.
The higher vantage point also allows her a better view of everything that’s going on in the house. She watches Peeper build magnet towers on the fridge, Finn chase a tennis ball and Nana whip up dinner. I imagine all that input building new connections within her brain. She’s getting smarter and smarter.
Kiwi loves looking at the mirror on her changing pad but hates getting dressed. She laughs at leg massages and nibble-tickles. She kicks her legs in excitement when we go on walks outside. She plays with Sophie and rattles but would rather you pass her the wipes package, please: It makes such a satisfying sound when she crumples it!
Bond of sisterhood
My favorite part of her recent changes, though, is that she and Peeper are growing closer. Sure, Peeper still gets frustrated when her little sister pulls her hair or tips over her milk, but those annoyances are overshadowed by their mutual adoration.
When I put Kiwi to bed, I take her around to everyone to say goodnight. When it’s Peeper’s turn, she hugs Kiwi, plants a kiss on her face, pats her head and says, “Good night, Kiwi. Sweet dreams.”
And just the other day, Peeper wrapped her arms around Kiwi and said, “I love you”—completely unprompted.
Kiwi can’t talk yet, of course—that first is months away. But I can understand what she’s telling Peeper. Her dimpled smile, outstretched arms and jiggling legs are unmistakable. They say, “I love you, too.”
How precious! Love that they’re bonding. I’m not a parent, but I know my experience is that six months is prime baby time. They’re just much more enjoyable humans LOL. 🙂
I’m with Kiwi, I don’t like getting dressed for the day either. Pjs all day every day!
Sounds like a wonderful family life and love that Peeper and Kiwi are forming a loving relationship that will get even closer when they can communicate
I get dressed—but usually in leggings or yoga pants. Does that count? 😉
Happy half-birthday, Kiwi!!
Thank you, Meredith!
Such a face !! What a beauty. I think this might be one of my favorite ages for a child. So alert and fun….and they still can’t walk/crawl too far away from you. Adorable pics. ?
Haha, that’s a good point! I should tell my dog to enjoy her non-mobile stage while he can.
The photo where she’s wearing the blue jammies! Her expressions are priceless!! I have to say, watching the sibling love as they grow up together is so emotional and makes me tear up all the time. Even though mine are at the age where they fight constantly, I know how much they love each other and will always have each other. You can see that love between your two cuties so clearly in these photos!!
Being one of four kids, I totally get the fighting/love relationships between siblings. Having made it through the teenage years, I promise you your kids will come out the other end closer for all those skirmishes!
Cute photos!!! Glad you are getting more rest too.
Thank you Melissa!
I’m sure it is hard seeing your babies grow up so fast but it must also be a lot of fun witnessing all the growth and change. And seriously, they are both just so cute! And like you said, despite the day-to-day annoyances siblings might cause each other, it is wonderful they have each other in their lives and it looks like they’ll be great friends!
I think so too! I don’t mind them growing up, really, because I love each stage even more than the last. (usually. ha!)
What a cutie! Happy 1/2 birthday Kiwi!
So sweet. Love watching sibling bonds develop.
Ohhh, these pictures! She is just so precious!
It seems like you just had her! When did this happen lol! She is just precious!