Otto Turns 6 Months Old

Happy Half Birthday to our little Sunshine!

Otto Nicholas Richter joined our lives on January 14th weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces. We knew we weren't prepared, but we didn't know how much our lives would be changed.

The first three months were very hard adjusting to all your needs and wants (a.k.a. CRIES). Some days we felt helpless and exhausted and other days we were elated with joy. Now at six months we are overwhelmed with happiness and couldn't imagine our lives without you. If you cry now, we know what to do.

We love your smiles and can't resist doing anything silly to hear your laughter. We continually find joy in watching you explore your world and experience new things each day. Our parental instincts have taken over like everyone said they would. We feel completely comfortable changing you, feeding you, bathing you and entertaining you. We still check on you several times during your naps and at night because you like to sleep with your blanket over your head, which makes us very nervous.

You used to eat every couple hours 'round the clock, now you eat every three hours and have solid foods twice a day (no more nighttime feedings)!

You used to wake up several times during the night, now you sleep from 7:30pm-6:30am and take three one and a half hour naps.

You used to only sleep in your swing, now you sleep only in your crib (with an occasional snuggle nap with mommy in bed).

You used to cross your eyes and stare blankly at things, now you turn to look at sounds and movement with curiosity.

You used to have a serious look on your face with your eyebrows furrowed, you still do!

You used to never smile, now you smile often and squeal with delight.

We look forward to each day knowing it will bring new changes and many more smiles. We look into your face and wonder what you are thinking hoping we are doing everything right. You bring us unexplainable joy!

Happy Six Month Birthday Otto!