Claire at Four Months!

Things haven't exactly been coming up roses for Claire since she's turned four months.  She HAD been enjoying the nice weather and going on special walks all week, but now she's got quite the stuffy nose.  She also got three shots at her doctor appointment, and I'm pretty sure subconciously she's holding it against us.  She doesn't remember why she's angry, she just knows it has something to do with us.  

Her eyes are still looking gray--I'm hoping they'll turn more blue.  We've got a 50/50 shot at blue eyes.

The good news from the doctor is that Claire is doing well.  She's caught up on weight at 13.3 lbs, she's a little short for her age, but her head size is also average.  She's able to roll from front to back and back to front, but she's been having trouble.  I read somewhere that since babies figure it out "by accident" first, there's a learning period where they have the physical ability, but they don't have it figured out.  She did get it today, so that's pretty good for being such a crabby baby while we were playing!

Claire can also grab her feet (she doesn't always remember they're there, but when she catches sight of them, she goes for them).  She started blowing raspberries (and making a ton of bubbles).  She also is getting more conversational.  I like that she moves her voice up and down and sounds like she's really conversing, just not making sense.  

She's also started eating cereal.  She actually does really well with it!  She grabs the spoon and helps me get it in, then she holds it in or pushes it out and sticks it back in (which makes her angry, because it's empty).  

Holy cow...

I've had to learn the right texture for her.  The "first" feeding directions made the cereal too runny for Claire.  She more prefers the thick stuff.  I don't care for it at all, unfortunately.  I guess when you've never had any food, that's probably super exciting.  But if I was going to eat cereal, it'd have to be Cinnamon Toast Crunch or something.  Elmer's glue comes to mind quite frequently, not that I've eaten a lot of glue first hand.

You know... ONE packet of Splenda, a splash of cinnamon, this COULD be delicious.  Just saying.

 Claire has also been having good play time with other members of the family.  Grandpa came over today to watch the race so she spent some time high flying!

Seriously the only even half smile we got out of her all day.  She had to be sick, Grandpa is her favorite and she goes gaga over him when he's here!

She also has been getting more Wally-time!  Wally has taken special interest in Claire.  He almost always follows to her bedroom for one last check before bedtime.  He also likes to sit with her when she's having a bottle.  She will rub his hair or put her hand in his face looking for licks, which she likes.  

Hey baby, I think I wuv you, too!

Well, maybe she doesn't like his kisses as much as me:

Wuv you Mom!  Remember that baby doesn't give no stinkin' kisses!

But Wally definitely doesn't like when he's not included in the kisses!

Dang mom!  What happened to me being the baby??

So this month we're still fitting in 0-3 outfits (no more are outgrown, but some are retired because I'm sick of them or they're looking a little rough).  Claire has started eating rice cereal (rice only for two months, per doctor's orders).  She's sleeping through the night now, well, except right now she's sick so we've been getting up with her since it's not a "I'm bored" cry. 

Claire and I discussing something really taxing.  Look at the thought on that face.  The good news?  She knows her comma rules now!

She can sit up in her bumbo seat for an extended period of time, and she really prefers sitting up more now to laying down.  A lot of the time she looks like she's doing crunches trying to see around.  She grabs her toys, holds her toys, shows preference to certain toys (Elefante and her lovey blanket).  We've also started letting her sleep with a blanket, which I know some people frown on, but she is fairly wrapped up in it, they're small, and we check on her and have watched her sleep with it enough to know she's safe.  She rubs on it like I did as a child.  Like I still do as an adult.  We have a blanket addiction.  The first step is admitting it.  

Angelic Claire

We still feel so lucky to have Claire.  As she grows more aware of things around her, it has become a joy to share experiences and do activities together.  Who would have known cereal time could be something to look forward to, or that I could walk with a four month old and learn so much about the absolute wonder of spring.  We enjoy each day with her and are excited about so many exciting milestones to come!  Our little girl is so loved!