Five months.

Dear Hartley,

It's so strange - 5 months somehow feels like forever and the blink of an eye. 

How are you such a big girl already? 5 months ago you were a peanut who was swimming in a newborn size snow suit, and now you are in 12 month clothes! When we're out places people usually guess that you are older than you are. Your size and chatty nature usually fool people. 

You somehow get prettier with each passing day. Many people have told your mama she should put you to work - that you are gorgeous enough to be a baby model, even the Gerber baby. You eyes remain a steely blue. And everyone is always trying to figure out who you look like and what color to call your hair. I think it's a dirty blonde but if it catches light a certain way it looks reddish. 

This month you seem to have grown and developed even more than previous months. You sport two teeth. You can roll both ways - tummy to back and back to tummy. You laugh. You love to smile. You talk a ton. You can sit up on your own if you use your arms in front of you to prop yourself up. 

You are now very interested in written words. You have a wall hanging with words in your nursery that mesmerizes you, and you love books. 

You love being sung to and rocked. You love being held above our heads and looking down at us. 

You also have been on a blowing raspberries kick. You are very interested in your feet.

This month you're into Freddie the firefly, a Lamaze toy. You also are now into soft rattles and stuffed animals. I've caught you talking to your stuffed animals. It is, without a doubt, the most adorable thing I've ever seen in my life. 

You continue to love walks. You have just started regularly having play dates with Lily, the baby in the neighborhood who was born the same day as you. You love going to the mall, and I love taking you there. 

Dad is smitten with you. It is so sweet to watch you two together. 

Nana and grandpa still baby sit a lot. You went through a couple weeks where you forgot who they were a little but that's over. When nana came over the past couple days, you lit up. 

Unfortunately, you seem to have your first cold right now. But your mood is as chipper as ever. 

Napping isn't what it used to be but you remain a nighttime sleep champion. Last night you went a little past 12 hours. 

I'm still so in love with you, and I don't think I'll ever get over the fact that you'll always be my little sweetheart. This month I feel particularly mushy, and I think it's just because each day our bond grows stronger than the last. My little miracle, I love you so. Happy 5 months, lovey!