February 23, 2009 - Dear Alex,

Dear Alex, You've always been described as a happy baby and at six months that's exactly who you are. Every time we went for a prenatal check up, the midwife would check your vital signs and day "this is one happy baby." The day you were born was no different. Mama went through 36 hours of labor and lots of pain and pushing. Through out it all, the midwifes would say "your baby is happy" or "that sure is one happy baby."

Six months later you are still full of smiles. The other day you and I were sleeping next to each other. We seemed to wake up at the same time. And after a quick gathering of our senses, you looked at me and smiled. What could I do but smile right back? Your face glows when you smile.

You're also a big baby. Despite being born a month early and having a mama who is barely 5-feet tall, you're now in the 90+ percentiles on size and weight. You weigh 20 pounds!

As much as we hate to compare you and your brother, you two are so much alike: you're both big, happy, strong boys. We called Max "bam bam" when he was little because he was so strong. You're the same. While Max would pick things up, you seem to push things around and move everywhere. The other day mama said "what other six-month-old boy could wiggle out of his Bumbo chair."


Speaking of your brother, you've also brought out a side of him we never would have known. He's the most passionate, loving big-brother you can imagine. "I love Alex," he says over and over. On his own he goes to hug you and kiss you. Of course, sometimes he's overly anxious to start playing with you. He throws balls to you and talks about playing ping pong and chutes and ladders with you ("You just watch, papa. I play with Alex."). We all look forward to seeing the two of you run around and play your real and made up games.



You've started eating solid foods. Mama has you on the same begininng diet as your brother: organic brown rice cereal, avocados and sweet potatoes. You're a true Bernstein: you gobble it all up! And you're like your brother, you drink from a glass! Max nevre used a sippy cup. And the way you grab the glass to get sips of water we doubt you will either.

You've made our life more hectic and more fun. Admittedly sometimes I'm so tired I just want to run off and spend a couple days alone in a hotel. But then I see you smile or discover something new or hear your brother say something totally silly and I realize how lucky I am to be in a position to be able to spend so much time with my two sons. Happy Half Birthday!