Jess at 6 months
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
Jess is the most delightful baby. Content, full of smiles for anyone who gives her attention, and still such a little bundle – full of baby cuteness. Nevertheless, she’s becoming a proper little person now, with some very definite ideas about what she likes and dislikes. I thought I’d highlight some of her key characteristics as she passes the half-year mark.
A tricky feeder: Jess is definitely not that fond of milk and will jump at any distraction if she’s not absolutely starving. I was used to being able to do all sorts of things while Jon fed (phone-calls, one-handed emails, Scrabble), but with Jess, I’m lucky if she doesn’t object to my reading a book!
I’ve found that the optimal position is lying down (so, on our bed) with limited visual distractions (in the dark would be best), and definitely no one else talking or moving around or making any kind of noise! Even then, once her immediate hunger is appeased (7 minutes seems to be the average time), it’s really hard work to keep her going. Much as I am sad to say goodbye to breast-feeding, it will be a relief when she gets her nourishment elsewhere.
Loves her toys: Show Jess a toy, any toy, and her eyes light up and she immediately reaches out for it. She loves fiddling with things and exercising her fingers.
An outdoor baby: Watching the sky or trees swaying above her, and feeling the breeze on her skin seems to calm Jess more than anything else we can find for her. If she is grizzling away indoors, getting her rugged up and sitting in the pushchair outside will keep her completely content for ages.
A giggler: 
Jess has a great chuckle which can be invoked very easily when she’s in a good mood. She can also usually be persuaded to smile simply by smiling at her – and anyone can do it which is great for making visitors feel special.
A good sleeper: This hasn’t changed too much since the early days. Jess sleeps well during the day (she’s got better at having a long lunchtime nap) and at night with the exception of an irritating habit of waking between 4am and 6am. The waking is easily dealt with by putting a dummy in, but this brings us to another, somewhat random, point:-
Really good at flicking her dummy out of the cot. And of course, finding said dummy under the cot in the dark (or traipsing downstairs to the kitchen) is not the sort of thing one wants to be doing at 4 in the morning!
Pretty eyes: Jess’s eyes are one of her prettiest features and so far they haven’t changed too radically from their earlier deep blue, but have taken on some turquoise shades in the right light.
Loves her big brother: As far as Jess is concerned, Jon is still the most entertaining member of the family. Even when he’s being a bit less than gentle with her, she gets this smile on her face when he’s near her, as if his paying her attention is just the most special thing that’s happened all day. 
P.S. Updated Jess photos now available in the photo album on the right on the main blog page or here.
