What a difference a month makes! Every day Eko develops some new skill, encounters a new experience, and evolves more into the little boy he will become.
Earlier this month, we upgraded Eko from the sink bath to the bathtub. He loves to kick kick kick in the water! Eko has also been sneak-rolling—balancing high on his belly, then rolling over the moment we look away! He can grasp all of his toys and handle them carefully...before shoving them into his mouth.
Truly, the teething has begun. The big milestone for month 5 was the appearance of TWO teeth in Eko's lower gum. It was such a relief to finally understand why he was so fussy and having so much trouble napping. We hadn't expected teeth so soon! We've spent the month experimenting with different teethers, from frozen cloths and cold teething rings to a rubber gummy bear, but really, any object will do. He's bitten Jade a few times, but she's learned it only happens when he's 'hanging out' on the breast. When he's not eating, he is promptly disengaged!
Eko really likes to stand, so we bought him a johnny-jump-up (doorway harness) and an excersaucer (activity center), each of which allows him to stand on his tippy-toes and turn around 360 degrees. He loves the independence, and we love being able to do things in the kitchen when one of us is on our own with him. 
Eko loves playing peekaboo. Jay might jump out frog-style from around a corner, or simply glance at the ceiling before making eye contact and crying "Boo!" Jay can give Eko giggle-fits by hiding behind him and tickling up his legs to his belly. Eko looks back during pauses in anticipation of the next tickle round. He loves anticipating surprises and never fails to squeal with delight during a game of “I'm gonna getcha” or “erratic elevator.” He also seems to enjoy watching Simon's Cat on Youtube.
Eko is a social baby and loves when we go to parties or potlucks. He was the center of attention at a birth circle meeting (everyone but Jade was pregnant) and he has many fans when he visits Jade at work. He also attended a library staff meeting where he sat mostly quietly in the back with his daddy. At the end, when they asked if there were any questions, Eko answered, "oooo" and ended the meeting.
Another big step taken this month was his first babysitting experiences. Jade's former manager, Graham, his wife, Lee, and their son, Gavin, spent about two hours with Eko while we had breakfast in Keene, NH. Eko fell asleep on Lee not long after we left, but was happy and awake when we returned. A week later, we treated ourselves to a hot tub and dinner while Eko hung out with our friends Seth and Julia. The three of them took a walk around West Hatfield, MA, and Eko fell asleep on Julia in his carrier. Later, he become fussy, fighting off another nap, but Seth began dancing, much to Eko's glee. 
He conked out after we came back and slept all the way home as well. We're so happy to know such kind and trustworthy people. It's hard being away from him, but good for all of us.We're ending his 5th month by trying to get him acclimated to a napping schedule. Shortly after Jade returned to work, we discovered that Eko could nap for hours on Jade's lap, but resisted his daddy's many creative efforts to get him rested during the day. He's adapting to the new routine really well and constantly surprising us with what he's capable of. We fall more in love with him every day.
Enjoy the new Eko Song Two below:
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