Today you turned 5 months old.
  13 lbs 8 oz
  25.10 inches

Five months old already – time seems to be flying at the speed of light with you. This month has been an expedition of growth and discovery as you embarked on your newest adventure: daycare. Watching you adapt and thrive in this new world fills me with such wonder and pride. Your mom and I often steal glances through the daycare window, marveling at how you explore, learn, and make new friends. Each little interaction, each new encounter, you're embracing it with such an earnest spirit.

The transition, I must admit, was tougher on us than we ever anticipated. We began with baby steps, a few hours at a time, with your mom by your side every minute. And now, you're soaring through full days on your own, no issues at all. The quiet in the home without your giggles and babbles is a stark reminder of the little independent person you're becoming.

Our adventures didn't just stop with daycare. This month took us to the Dallas Arboretum, a place where nature's beauty is in full bloom. Your eyes lit up at the sight of so many pumpkins – a sea of orange, with whimsical houses crafted from them, no less! Your first encounter with the spirit of Halloween was nothing short of magical.

On a more personal note, you're growing by leaps and bounds! Rolling over is now your favorite activity. Just a month ago, it was a milestone event, but now it's a daily delight. You're my 'little spring,' always ready to flip onto your belly the moment you're set down. And with each roll, you're inching closer to crawling; your tiny booty lifting off the ground is a sign of the mobility that’s just around the corner. Yet, with this newfound love for rolling comes the heart-stopping moments at night, as you now prefer to sleep on your stomach. Your mom and I spend our nights repositioning you, hoping for peace of mind. Sleep, it seems, is now peppered with new parental worries.

This month has been one for the culinary books too! We introduced you to your first solid foods. The green apples weren't a hit, but the butternut squash was a definite favorite. Your little face contorts in concentration as you navigate these new tastes and textures. And though we attempted to transition you to regular formula (in the hopes of giving our wallets a bit of a break), you've made it clear you have a taste for the finer things in life. So, the gourmet, premium formula stays. So, we'll wait and try again when you're a bit older.

Your vocal escapades are blossoming. You're not just babbling now; you're experimenting with sounds, earnestly trying to articulate that 'G' as if you have so much to share with us. We're eagerly anticipating your laughter, which I'm sure is just around the corner, waiting to bubble out.

Looking ahead, the excitement builds with Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the bend. These festivities, your first, are sure to be filled with laughter, love, and maybe just a little bit of pumpkin puree.

Every day with you is a gift, my dear Mila, a beautiful, ever-unfolding narrative. Here's to the stories we'll collect in the coming month.

With all the love in the world,

Your Papa