Brier Leigh Sims: Your Fifth Month

I am well aware that I will sound like a broken record. But, you must know, there is no place else I would rather be than with you. I pause often and wonder what I did before you. You have given me purpose.

You're a growing girl. This month began with another trip to see Dr. Leung. You had to get two more shots to keep you healthy. This time, you took the shots like a champ, not crying much in the office, but the aftermath really hit you hard. You got sick for the first time this month and we think your illness was related to your shots. You had a stuffy nose and a fever. Your stuffy nose was the most difficult to deal with, because you can't blow your nose yet. Daddy and I had to use a suction tube and you fought us like crazy every time we used it. You can see from this picture that you're sick because you usually sleep with your mouth closed, but it was open here so you could breathe.

You were sick for about a week, but after you got well, Daddy and I were so excited to take you on your first trip to the Fort Worth zoo! You fell asleep for most of the time, but you did really enjoy looking at the fish, alligators and penguins that were swimming around at your eye level.

We also took you to Bishop Arts District for the first time and we tried Emporium Pies! I can't wait to take you back there when you're old enough because it's quaint, unique and the pies are nothing short of incredible. We can share some coffee and a (couple pieces of) pie.

Our family at Emporium Pies

My favorites = Coffee + Pie
Your favorite = Your blue, crinkly, elephant

This month, Larissa went on vacation for a week. Guess who came to stay with you? Neena, Grammaw Sally and Gigi! You had such a wonderful time staying home, playing, and bonding with your favorite ladies!

You and your Great Grammaw Sally

Playing outside! You LOVE your bouncer.

Another special thing that happened this month introducing you to "real food". Since you've been born, you've eaten only soy formula and rice cereal. I just knew you'd be elated to try something else and add to your diet, but to my surprise, you're coming around to it slowly. I make you homemade, baby food so that it's healthy and fresh for you. So far you've tried apples. We are practically force feeding you right now, but every night gets better. Dr. Leung says not to give up on a particular food after just one time of trying it because your palette is getting used to new flavors. I'm surprised you don't love them since your daddy and I love food, but I'm not surprised that you're being a little stubborn about accepting the food.

You also LOVE your sippy cup. Watching you drink from your sippy cup is kind of hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time. All is well with the cup unless you can't get the spout situated in your mouth properly. You get REALLY frustrated with it sometimes and will bang it on the ground instead of trying again. We are having lots of conversations with you already about not giving up and about how facing challenges is a great way to learn.

Finally, pickles are your "thang". You can TEAR UP a pickle! We gave you one because we thought you'd make that cute face that babies make the first time they taste something sour, but you LOVED it. It's so cute to watch you gnaw on it. We think it feels good on your tender gums and you like the flavor, obviously, so it's a win-win.