four months

This leap from three to four months brought all kinds of changes - both big and small. When you add them all up, this stage of babyhood seems completely new and different. I'm already having trouble remembering you as a sleepy newborn. It's true. Babies don't keep.

You have made all kinds of transitions this month. You no longer sleep in your bassinet right by mom's side of the bed. But don't worry, you haven't moved too far. You are now in your pack n play about 5 feet from mom's side of the bed. :) I'm just not quite ready for you to be a whole floor away from me. Sometimes after a nighttime feed, you even get to cuddle with mom in the big bed if you are having trouble going back to sleep.

You have also transitioned out of your swaddle blanket. You now sleep in something called the magic sleep suit. It's basically just a thick, cushy bodysuit that helps keep your startle reflex at bay. You look like an astronaut in it, and we imagine you have many space adventures in your dreams.

Speaking of sleep, you had been continuing to sleep well, and we were finally making some good progress on regular daytime naps. Just a week ago you slept through the night twice without any feedings. I was feeling like a pretty awesome parent...but then the four month sleep regression bus hit us full force. I had heard tales of such a regression. Turns out these tales are true. Lord help us. The last four nights have been an epic disaster. You've been up way more than when we first brought you home from the hospital. Your dad has nicknamed you the Monster of Chalfonte Drive, but it's in jest because it's usually followed by "but he's so stinkin' cute." I'm a total zombie, and I feel bad because I know you are sleep-deprived and miserable too. Dad is the only one among us who is well-rested. If only he could feed you...

But enough about that, you are overall such a sweet little fellow that I don't want your poor sleeping of late to ruin your four month update (but if this keeps up, don't be surprised if I dedicate an entire post to your new sleep - or lack thereof - habits).

You are much more vocal and expressive now. When you aren't chewing on your hands, you jibber jabber all the time. I used to want to know what you were thinking. Now I want to know what you are saying. You've learned to squeal and make all kinds of funny new sounds. You definitely smile more, but your resting face is still pretty serious. You have a mean side eye, which I can only imagine is the start of a serious sarcastic streak.

We still have to work pretty hard for laughs, but you certainly let us know when you don't like something. With more personality comes more preferences. This can be both good and bad. It's fun to watch you learn new things and discover what you like and don't like. You get bored easily so keeping you entertained is a full-time job.

Luckily, mom and dad are on your preferred list. You like most anyone that will hold you or play with you, but there is no doubt that mom is the favorite. I mean, we do spend all day together, and I do feed you. I'm pretty sure it's mostly because I feed you. I may be the favorite, but Dad likes to say he is the fun parent and that's probably true. He sings to you all the time, watches Sesame street with you on Saturday morning while Mom naps (bless him), and he gives you rides on his shoulders. This is, by far, your favorite activity. I wish I could bottle the big smile you have on your face while you ride around drooling all over dad's hair.

You are really on the move now. Diaper changes have become more of a challenge now that you wiggle nonstop. You started rolling front to back just after you hit three months, and your newest trick as of this week is rolling back to front. Now we really have to keep an eye on you. Last month, you wanted to be sitting up instead of lying down. Now you prefer to be standing (with our assistance) and often resist sitting in our laps. I have nightmares of you just skipping over sitting up and going straight to crawling. You are more content to play on your back or hang out on your tummy now that you can roll at will. But you are most content being held preferably while on the move. No surprise there.

You've discovered your jumparoo and you've really warmed up to it. You didn't quite know what to do at first, but once you realized you could bounce, you just went to town. You love being outside, and thanks to some great spring weather, we go on walks almost every day. Mom likes to time it just right so you'll take a nice long nap while we stroll.

You have started to discover toys and "play" with things. Much to Dad's dismay, you love anything that lights up and makes sound. Thank goodness for baby Einstein products that play classical music. Naturally, your favorite thing to do with any toy is stick it in your mouth. You like to hang out on your play mat and reach for the hanging objects, but you get angry if you can't quite pull them into your mouth. You still love bath time and just being naked in general. A closeted nudist perhaps? You've recently started to enjoy reading books with us. Mom makes the best noises and voices, but Dad makes up the best stories to go with your picture books.

You stayed home with a babysitter not related to you twice over the last month. You did great both times! You also were a good traveler again this month flying solo with Mom to Wichita. You charmed the socks off everyone on multiple flights. You continue to enjoy being in new places and going on new adventures. Being home is boring, Mom.

This could probably go on for several more paragraphs, and I'm sure I'm forgetting things. There is something new or different every single day. Sure, some of it can be challenging, but a lot of it is just too much fun. It is just such a joy to watch you grow up. It's by far the best job I've ever had. We love you, buddy.