5 Months

Dear Cade,

At the beginning of this month, your Great Grandma Panther passed away.  She was 98 and 1/2 years old.  You got to meet her when we went home for Christmas and were her 16th great grand baby.  You had your first legitimate road trip when we decided to drive through the night to all attend her funeral together.  Both of you boys did wonderful at sleeping in the car and the drive was pretty painless.  

Grandma's funeral was absolutely wonderful.  She was quite a character, Cade.  A funny, outspoken lady who had the greenest of green thumbs and loved the Lord.  She has left an incredible legacy which will be a part of your life even though you didn't get to really know her.  

We enjoyed spending time with our family for a few days and then it was time for Daddy to drive back to CA.  Next, we made our way over to Walla Walla to see your cousins and Grammy and Grandad.  We had a great time minus the terrible stomach flu that knocked us ALL out.  Yuck.  We capped off our little adventure with a few flights back to CA, just you, Jack, and Mama.  

After our 6 hour layover in PDX, we were all ready to get home 

Within the last week, you had started to successful grab things with your hands.  Unfortunately, this also often includes the skin on my neck and the sensitive skin on the back of my arms.  You are so focused as you try and pick up your toys.

One of your favorite new discoveries are your feet.  You don't really bother with them until we take off your diaper for a diaper change.  You immediately grab onto your feet and we are guessing it is only a matter of time before those feet make it into your mouth too.

You are working hard on some new teeth that are just below the surface.  It seems much too early for you to have teeth but then we remember that you will be 6 months old next month and will be close to starting solid food.  No rush, but teeth would be a bonus!

One of the biggest changes this month is you growing out of your gluten sensitivity.  Woot, woot!!  Mama can now eat gluten without your tummy hurting.  We are all so excited about this.  Although, Mama is slightly worried about overdoing it in the carb category making up for all she missed during the holidays.

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Cade, your favorite things include:
Kissing us on the face
Watching your brother Jack do absolutely anything
Sleeping alone in your crib.  You can't fall asleep while we hold you.  :(
Talking and singing
Sucking on your thumbs

We love you, monkey!

Mama and Daddy