Christopher boy, you are now five months old! This has been a very busy month for you, Vacation Bible School, family vacation, meeting family, and you were just happy to be along for the ride! You really are such a fun little sidekick and we all just love having you around!

• Your biggest news this month is that you are now on the move! You were rolling and just scooting a little bit last month, but now you are up on all fours (sometimes knees, sometimes hands and feet) and moving fast! The only problem is that you can only crawl backwards! You usually go all the way until you get yourself stuck under the couch or the ottoman, and then yell for help!
• Because of all these new skills, or maybe due to a growth spurt, you haven’t been sleeping extremely well at night. You seem to be waking yourself up more often trying to practice your new skills. Of course, anytime you wake up you want to nurse! You have been taking some good daytime naps to make up for it!
• You met three family members this month: Mimi, Papa, and Aunt Allison. You had a wonderful time showing them your sweet little personality. They were all smitten with you!
• Along with Mimi and Papa’s visit, you went on your first vacation. We rented a beach cabin in Roja (a town a couple hours from here). You loved hiking in the Ergo, sitting on the beach, and sitting by the fire in the evenings. 
• You also participated in your first Vacation Bible School this month! You mostly hung out with Mommy, helping to translate for some volunteers who were helping, but on the day where I was in charge of the Bible Story rotation, you helped Daddy lead the sports and games outside. It makes it easier that everyone loves you and always wants to help entertain you. The kids just thought you were the best thing ever and were constantly visiting with you!
• You have enjoyed lots of time sitting in the sand and sunshine already this summer watching your sisters swim. On warm days we often go with friends down to the river by our apartments, and sometimes on pretty evenings we will head to the Baltic Sea to watch the sunset (although we don’t always make it until 11pm!). You’ve dipped your toes in the water a couple times, but mostly you are content to just sit with Mommy or Daddy.
• You really are so fun to “talk” and play with. You have the greatest big open-mouth smile and laugh and we just can’t get enough of it. You have also started babbling a little bit more this month. I have definitely heard the “Mah” sound, usually when you are upset, and the “Da” sound when you’re happy. I won’t call them your first words quite yet, but you’re getting there!
• You also really love to see yourself in the mirror. You just crack up and think you’re hilarious. Of course, then we laugh at you and you laugh all the more!
• You now definitely know what to do when you see a camera. You immediately give us the biggest grin and truly pose for pictures!
• Mommy and Daddy tried to go out on a dinner date for our anniversary this month and leave you with a babysitter for the first time. But you would have none of it. Our sweet friend Inga said that you were ok for about 45 minutes, but that was enough! Luckily, we had only gone to a restaurant about 3 minutes away, so I just drove back to pick you up and let you come out on our date with us. Maybe next time?

Little one, we are so thankful for each and every new day with you. I know that sounds cliché, but I mean it. I mean, literally, the moment I walk out of the bedroom with you each morning, you have at least two sisters clamoring for your attention (it would be three, except Eleanor likes to sleep later than you!). But really, every day with you is a gift and we are so thankful that we have you in our lives.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy