Dear Chief: Four Months

Dear Chief,

Happy four months, little buddy!  We just adore having you in our family. Thank you for choosing us!

You are such a happy little man child. You hardly flinched at your doctor's appointment when they gave you those stinky shots. A couple whimpers and then you were happy again. Even Jen, our awesome nurse, was impressed. My little Superman, band aids and all. (Or, "band aches" as your Big Sis calls them). At your four month check up you weighed 14lb, 12 oz (55%) and grew 2 1/2 inches to 25 1/2" (75%). I keep reminding myself you are only four months old - still a little baby. Your length and that crazy hair sometimes fools me into thinking you are older. As I am sure you will hear me say time and time again - stay young, stay little. There will always be time for growing up.

This month has been fun. You learned to roll over (both ways!) and have been quite proud of yourself. We are, too! You have always been a very strong baby and are putting those sweet legs to good use. You love your swing, but lately seem to be itching to MOVE! Soon enough, little man. Right now we are working on your sitting skills, rolling over and of course tummy time. You have also taken an interest in your toys. It is fun to see you moving them around and eating any toy you can get in your mouth. You are still getting the hang of how your hands work, but thankfully we are close by to pick up those rascally toys when they fall down.

I think the best part about this season is your laugh. A few times a day we get a big hearty chuckle out of you and it is the BEST! Sometimes it's a tickle on the neck, a little bouncing up and down or a fun "scooby-dooby-doo" sing-song (thanks, Nana for that one). You just chortle and shake with joy. We are in love!

You watch our mouths as you learn sounds and begin to babble on your own. You especially enjoy Daddy singing Twinkle Twinkle to you. You also love your Sister. She hugs and kisses you, calls you Peter Rabbit incessantly and is always there to cheer you on. A couple days ago you were playing with a ladybug toy and Cricket said, "Good job, Chief. Mommy, did you see that? He did a good job." It was sweet because you were just playing, but she saw you excelling and wanted to cheer you on. I pray you both will cheer each other on for the rest of your lives.

Love you, little Chief! To the moon and back!
xo, Mama