Five Months

Dear Lena,

You are five months old.  We've almost traveled through half a year together and it feels surrealistic because the newborn "survival mode" hasn't worn off yet in our house.  Dear baby girl, you have had such a rough start.  I've come to see God's gracious hand protecting you in the womb and now outside because of all the struggles you have had with some normal baby functions.  We spent two days in the hospital this month, trying to figure out what has pained you so.  We've had test after test, which you courageously put up with. You have been so tired- going 3 days straight without any sleeping and we're trying so hard to figure it out. We can only trust you to the Great Physician who formed you and loves you better than we ever could.  

In spite of this Lena you are making remarkable strides.  Though you're still a wee little lady, you can roll over, hold your head up and sort of scoot around a bit. You can pass objects from one hand to another and put them into your mouth. We think teeth are on their way.  You just discovered you have ears and think it is quite funny to hold them.  You also discovered the fortissimo volume in both your speaking voice and crying.  You sing when you are happy and Emmie thinks you are singing "Oly Oly". Maybe you are. You weigh 13 pounds, are 24 inches long and have light brown hair (we think) and deep blue eyes.  You have long fingers and a sweet little chin.  The only way to calm you is by bouncing and walking.  You slept longer than 4 hours at night two times in your little life and they both happened after not sleeping 3 days in a row. You are strong and like to stand and push up.  You seem laid back and happy underneath all the troubles (at least we think). But you also seem really interested in the world around you, sensitive to stimuli and a people person.  You adore Emmie, Papa's Emery Brothers Logo on his shirt, ribbons, music, applesauce and your fingers. You can't sleep without them. Happy Five Months Lena Sue. How we love you. How about some happy, sleepy days this next month, ok?

Momma and Papa