Four Months: A Letter

Dear Nicholas,

We've had a busy past few weeks, so I'm late in writing this letter. You are now four and a half months, and getting more active by the day! But your fourth month was full of excitement, too. You turned four months old on May 23rd, and had your four month check up on May 29th. As of your doctor's appointment, you weighed 15 lbs. 8 oz.-- still in the 50th percentile for weight. You've stretched out a bit though (evidenced by the fact that all of your footy pajamas are getting too short) and are now 25 1/2 inches-- the 75th percentile for height. Your head circumference is also in the 75th percentile at 45 cm.

Your fourth month marked a few big milestones for us, including my first Mother's Day. I felt so special being able to celebrate this holiday as a mother. The day started off with you sleeping in until 8:45am, which was a wonderful gift.  Thank you, buddy! Then Daddy took us out for brunch at the Pecan Street Cafe where I enjoyed a mimosa and eggs benedict. Afterward, we all took naps, and then later we made a family trip to Central Market where I selected ingredients for a delicious steak dinner that Daddy grilled. I love being your mom, and I had so much fun celebrating this special new role that you've given me.

In front of the Pecan Street Cafe

The other big adventure of your fourth month was our trip to Oregon to meet all four of your great grandparents. Daddy had to stay home to work, so you and I flew (alone!) for seven hours each way. The travel was long and tiring, but you were a trooper. You hardly cried at all on any of our 5 flights (!) and managed to keep it together until the very last hour or two on the way out and the way back. While in Oregon, you had a great time traveling to Coos Bay to meet Great Grandma and Grandpa Mac. You also dipped your toes in the Pacific. It was chilly, but you didn't even flinch. I suspect you'll be a water baby like your mama.

Back in Portland, you met Uncle Geoff and Aunt Brooke, Uncle Mike, Great Grandma Marilyn, Great Grandpa Don, Great Aunt Ann and cousin Grace, and your Great Uncle Scott and Aunt Mary. They were all thrilled to meet you and marveled over your cuteness. (Your Dad and I agree.)

Too cute not to post again...

During your fourth month, you discovered your legs and you love standing on them. In fact, you are now just too alert and too busy to be content lying down. You only want to stand or sit upright with our assistance. At four months, you also love playing horsey (a fun game Gammy and Grandpa introduced you to), taking baths, going for walks outside, sucking your thumb and/or fingers (sometimes as many digits as you can cram in your mouth), getting kisses on the cheeks or lips from Mommy and Daddy, and getting your face tickled with my hair. You are still sleeping well at night-- usually from about 7:30pm - 7:30am with one wake up for food and a fresh diaper sometime between 4-5am. You do not, however, enjoy naps, and they continue to be a daily struggle. You just don't want to miss out on any of the party, but then you wind up way too tired and fussy at the end of the day. We're hoping we can get this sorted out over the next month or two.

Happy to be using those legs!

Nicholas, it's hard to believe, but I actually love you more and more as each month passes. We are just having so much fun. You are such a smiley, happy little guy, and you bring so much joy to our lives.

All my love,
Mommy