Here he is! All six months of him. Six months feels like such a turning point to me from newborn to big baby. I think because it’s the month I associate with good sleep (because it’s when I sleep trained Mazen last time) and my quality of life got so much better after we were all sleeping again. The next one is the one year mark when nursing becomes secondary to real food for nutrition and Birch’s dependency on me to be there all the time takes a little dip. It’s kind of a bittersweet relief turning point! I’m getting ahead of myself though…
He’s still little!
I don’t like it when people say “he’s an easy baby” because I don’t think ANY baby is “easy.” However, Mr. Birch is pretty laid back and happy most of the time. (His big brother was a lot more intense/strong willed from the get-go!) Birch has been a decent night sleeper, a great napper, and full of smiles. He only really cries when he’s tired – and on long car trips 
Loves:
- Chewing on EVERYTHING, especially cloth
- Reading books
- All fruit
- Being on his tummy
- His jumper
- Being worn in the Boba
- Stroller walks
- Mazen
Not Into:
- His car seat for more than 5 minutes
- Vegetables and thick textures
- Pacifiers
- Bottles
Fun Facts
- Weight + Height: He’s 16 pounds, 3 ounces (a whole four pounds lighter than his brother!) and 26″ long (Mazen was 28 inches)
- Sleep: Bedtime around 8 and wake around 7. Still nursing once at night but goes back to sleep right away. Puts himself to sleep!
- Naps: Usually three per day, 2 + 1.5 + 1 or sometimes 2.5 + 2 and occasionally 1.5 + 1.5 + 45
- Movement:Mastered rolling; almost mastered army crawl roll; working on getting on all fours
- Food: Didn’t love mashed food but does great with purees (which are basically liquid). Loves all fruit. Is so-so about anything else.
- Nursing: 5-6 times a day; after each wake, before bed, and once a night.
- Talking: Some “mama” sounds, squeals, laughs, coos.
- Teeth:None yet, but the lower ones are trying to come up.
The Brother Bond Grows Stronger
People talk about the bond between siblings and I’d say you can FEEL it as much as you can SEE it. It’s like they have an invisible string connection. Birch’s eyes light up when Mazen walks in the room and he follows him around. Mazen will be in the middle of grumping to us and he will pause, change his tone, make silly faces at Birch, and talk in baby talk, and then go back to his grumping! They bring out the best in each other <3
I have also loved giving Mazen more independence with Birch, such as reading him a bedtime story all by himself. And when Birch does something funny – like laughs at Mazen’s book – Mazen will look at me with total amazement and a huge grin that he got a reaction out of B. This will probably only get better as they both get older! Imagine when Birch can run after Mazen and play games.
He’s our Birchie boo!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Baby Birch is adorable! Love the photos! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Bridget Black says
Oh this is such a sweet, fun update! I can’t get over how much he looks like Thomas in the second and third photo.
KathEats says
Agree! He is looking more and more like T!
Tonya says
Looking at Birch pics are like an endorphin boost. Just makes me smile, all calm.
He’s got a GREAT big brother. Awesome job, Mazie. Teach him everything you know! We remember when YOU were the little snug bug. 🙂
KathEats says
🙂
Denise says
I know I don’t have to tell you this, but definitely keep pushing vegetables. My oldest loved fruit and I was super bad at introducing veggies. At 29 he’s still not a fan!
KathEats says
Haha yes! I will! What’s funny is I was super into vegetables with Mazen and he hates fruit but likes veg!!
Tracy says
He looks like a blonde Thomas! I wonder if his hair will get darker? Such a cutie… those eyes!
Courtney says
He looks like Thomas in the high chair pic! I appreciate you sharing stories of Birch and Mazens interactions. I have an almost three year old and for several reasons my husband and I are not planning on another child for another year or two (hopefully that will happen!) I sometimes worry that a big age gap will hinder a strong sibling bond. Did you ever think of the age gap while pregnant with Birch? Thanks ?
KathEats says
I did think about the gap, and I think every age gap has pros and cons. I know several sets of siblings who have 6 year gaps and are very close with their siblings now (as adults) and have very fond memories of growing up, so I have never been *worried* about it. They always have friends as playmates, which is the biggest con for having them farther apart. But they do play together already so it’s not like they won’t ever play – just not like a 3 and 5 year old would.
Kelli says
Love them reading the book together is so freaking cute! You should link the updates on Mazen – I wasn’t a follower back then and I’d love to read any updates you did with him ! As a first time mom I’m always interested to hear about differences between peoples kids because I wonder how different or the same my next one would be! And re the 6 month turning point yes! Lol because we sleep trained we have an entirely different life now
KathEats says
I will in the next one! Here’s Mazen’s six months. Sleep training is a life saver!
Colleen says
So sweet! Looks like Birch is thriving and Mazen is such a great big brother! It feels like yesterday when you were writing about M’s baby days…time really does fly!
Jeanie Herkomer says
He’s so cute and looks so healthy!
Andrea says
Hi Kath, I thought nursing doesn’t become secondary to real food until the 1-yr mark? Do you follow @feedinglittles on Instagram? They’re awesome! 🙂
KathEats says
That is correct. I do follow them!