Jackson's 6 month update

Jackson turned 6 months old on New Year's. This past half-year has flown by. Here are some highlights of his sixth month.

• Weight: 15 1/2 pounds
• Jackson is such a joy. He is such a healthy, happy baby. Our days are filled with lots of squeals, smiles, and giggles. 
• What a little rolly polly! Jackson has mastered rolling! He can now roll over whenever he wants, and uses sequential rolls when he wants to get something, like a toy that's just out of his reach. 
• Jackson now plays games with us for the first time. The first game he learned to play with us is "Where's Jackson?". We put put a burp cloth over his eyes and ask "Where's Jackson?". Then he reaches around and pulls the cloth off his head. His eyes light up and a big smile erupts on his face when we say "There he is!"
• Jackson also likes when we "oomp" him and pretend to bite his nose, cheeks, and stomach. 
• Jackson recognizes his name now. He will turn to us when we call his name.
• Baby's first Christmas was very special. Jackson visited the White House, sat on Santa's lap, helped us put up the Christmas tree, went to a special service at church, and opened presents under the tree. His gifts included lots of books and toys, but he was most excited about gnawing on the shiny wrapping paper. 
• Brent and Jezire came to visit for Christmas. While they were here Brent proposed to Jezire in front of the Lincoln Monument.
• Jackson is definitely going through a growth spurt and stretching out. It must be true that babies grow when they sleep: one day this month he was awake for only 8 hours! His pants in size 3-6 months now look more like capris.
• Jackson is working on sitting up. He can sit up with support, or sit up on his own for a few seconds. We bought him an infant chair called the Bumbo that supports him so he can sit up alone. While sitting in his Bumbo he likes to play his toy piano. His legs are also getting much stronger too. He can support his entire weight on his legs, as long as we hold him up at his waist so he can balance. 
• Jackson is still exclusively breast-fed; he nurses 5-6 times a day. He hasn't eaten any "people food" yet but is starting to look very interested in what Mommy and Daddy are eating. 
• At 5 1/2 months Jackson developed stranger anxiety. He much prefers to be held by his parents than anyone else, and will let his will be known by vigorous crying until one of us "rescue" him.