Dear Jillian - Month 4

My dearest Jillian –

You are now a 4 month old baby, and still continue to steal my heart every single day. I want to be with you every waking moment, you are so infectious. People comment that you are now a little person. It’s so true. You are trying so hard to be independent. You no longer need the comfort of laying in the crook of my arm and shoulder; you prefer to be on my hip sitting upright and taking in the world. You’re eyes sparkle with excitement when you see new things, colors, and people. You are constantly smiling your toothless grin at strangers, but I know you save your biggest grins for me. We have been on so many adventures together in this past month. We spent 1 week with Grandpa and Grandpa B in Pismo, and although it rained for most of the time, we got in some quality time with family. We can tote you out to restaurants with us, no problem, and the only time you got fussy was at Applebees, but it was only for a few minutes. Grandma held you tightly in her arms and cooed you to sleep. Not only are you winning over the love of your family, you have a TON of baby friends. We are part of a mom group, which is so much fun. We have at least a couple play dates a week, and not only are you making new friends, but so am I. I have introduced music into your daily routine, and you are instantly aroused by the soft voices. Pandora, my iPhone and portable speakers are now a must in your nursery. We spend so much time in your nursery, just hanging out. You chat with all your animal friends, your favorite is still your sophie the Giraffe and your lion friend. They go everywhere with us! Daddy still gives you the occasional bath, and once he is home from work, you can’t take your eyes off of him. You gravitate towards his voice and love to touch his beard. I still tuck you into bed at night, after I read to you in your rocker. Sometimes I will put the book down and just hold you there, taking in every single second. You are truly the best thing that has happened to me.

SLEEP:

Between 3-4 months, you had some inconsistent sleep patterns. For about a week you were waking up every 3 hours. I couldn’t figure out if you indeed were hungry or just fussy. In the past week, you have been getting 8-9 hours before awaking for your first feeding.

We still put you down between 8:30 – 9:00 pm every night.

We bought you a larger size swaddle sleep sack. You need to sleep with your arms and legs swaddled. You use a pacifier when we first put you down, but once you are asleep, you spit it out. You also love your sleep sheep and the ocean sounds.

Your naps have changed a bit. Your morning nap is a solid 2 hours now. This means your afternoon nap is shorter at 1 hour and then you have 1 more evening nap for about 45 minutes. At 3 months we moved you into your crib. You have been there every single night since and it’s worked out wonderfully!

Daily Routine:

Our routine is really based on when you decide to wake up. It’s different every day, but I would say you wake up between 7:30 and 8:00 am as of late.

8am: You wake up and I feed you. I still sing to each morning. We have two favorite good morning songs that you absolutely love! I also give you a wipe down with a wet rag, and lather lotion on your face. Once you have a fresh diaper, and a new outfit on we go straight into play time!

8:30-10:00: Usually we start your play time on your activity mat. Sometimes this is all you need in the morning. Other days we move you to the bumbo or just bounce you around in your rocker.

10:00 - Noon: Nap time!

Noon – 4:00: You have more play time, more eating, more diaper changes. We usually have an afternoon play date, or we run errands. You usually don’t take a nap until around 3 or 4, just for 45 minutes or an hour.

4:00 – 8:00: Daddy comes home and we walk Bacon. Or we will let you play in your bouncer or swing. I cook dinner, Daddy plays with you, we feed you more and give you one more nap. You get a bath in the evening every other day.

FEED:

We made it 4 months with breastmilk, but I am done! You are strictly on Emfamil formula, premium with Lipil.

You eat 7-8 times a day. You cry for food every 2-3 hours, and now drink 6 ounces every time. On a good day you get 40 ounces of food. When you are picky, you only get 35.

You would win an award for best belcher if there was one. You know to burp right after and you still can burp yourself even if I don’t bring you to my shoulder.

Weight:

At birth: 8lbs 2 oz2 weeks: 7 lbs 15 oz

2 months: 10lbs, 8 oz (50th percentile)

3 months: ?? 4 months: 13lbs, 2 oz (50th percentile)

Length:

At birth: 19 3/4 inches

2 weeks: 20 3/4 inches

2 months: 22 3/4 (75th percentile)

3 months: ? 4 months: 24 ¾ (75th percentile)

Diaper Size:Size 1

Clothes Size:

3 month onesies.

3 month sleepers (some 3-6 months)

3 month clothes

3 month pants

Hair Color:

At birth: dark brown and lots of it

Currently: Super blonde, with blonde eyebrows! Still very bald.

Eye color:

At birth: Deep blue

1 month: Light blue

2 months: Light blue

3 months: Light blue 4 months: Light blue

Funniest moment :

You love to lick things. If you can put it in your mouth, you usually do, including other baby’s hands. You love your friend, Oden’s hand, and usually grab it and put it in your mouth.

Milestone:

Your hands can now work to grab things.

You can bring what you hold to your mouth.

You giggle all the time now.

You rolled over from stomach to back, but I missed it. You have only been able to do it once. You also rolled from back to stomach, but again, you haven’t repeated it. I am waiting for these “rolls” to become a regular thing.

Your favorite toy:

Your activity mat and your bouncer.

Firsts:

Giggles First time in your bouncer First time going out to dinners First time in the baby bjorne (which you hated at first, but now like) First time we had an all day outing. We did okay, but the day was too long. First time going to a studio and getting professional pictures!