I used Aran weight and got down in needles size to 4.5mm and 5mm because I liked the fabric denser than the pattern gage.

Because My gauge was off I made size 8 because I wanted size 6 for a 5 y old boy.

In the shape front and back section I made another repeat as suggested in pattern.

Short row shaping- made an extra section of short row

Picking up sts for neckline band - 6 for each shoulder 22 for back 30 for back.

Wished I picked up the wraps of the short rows so we he will be no holes.