Four Months and One Year

Our darling Mary Grace,

Yet another month has passed and we're now celebrating four fabulous months with you in our lives. Today also marks one year since we found out a sweet little gift from above was on the way. It hardly seems like it's been a year since that wonderful day. Then again, it feels as if you've always been right here.

 

 Let's catch up on all your latest happenings....

{Right after you rolled over back-front for the first time}

Yesterday was a big day for you-- you rolled over from back to front for the first time {17.2 weeks}. Mommy, Daddy, and Granny were all cheering you on! I couldn't have been more happy if you had won Olympic gold. You were oh-so close to then rolling from front to back, but you gave up and decided to giggle and play instead. I think you realized Mommy needs a little time between these milestones ;)

 {Your cabinet shelf looks different! Check out all that yummy food}

While stocking up on baby supplies yesterday, Daddy and I picked up size 2 diapers. That's right, you are now in size 2's! We also picked up stage 1 baby foods. Mommy had to try her hardest not to cry in the checkout line. I cannot believe it's time to start you on solid foods! You are going to love those yummy sweet potatoes and I cannot wait to see what a mess you will make with the green beans.

Moments like these- seeing you roll over and watching you taste real food for the first time- are so bittersweet. Knowing that each day you are growing closer to no longer being my little baby makes me sad. At the same time though, I cannot put into words the joy I feel when you accomplish new things! You've helped me see that moments like these are what make a life.

We have had to retire most of your 0-3 month clothes and moved up to 3-6 months this past week...and poor Mommy had a meltdown when I started packing away some of the adorable outfits you were only able to wear once or twice. You're growing way too quickly...can I make time slow down just a little bit please? No worries though, we've got some adorable new frocks in the new lineup so I better get you in them ASAP.

As far as eating, you still never miss a meal. You are now eating 5-6 ounces at every feeding. You are  gulping down an impressive 8 ounces {with cereal} for your bedtime bottle! You still prefer the taste of oatmeal cereal over rice. We plan to introduce you to the world of real food {well, baby food} in the next few days. I cannot wait to see your reaction! I hope you are not going to be a picky eater like your Daddy :) Daddy and I plan to videotape these firsts so we can make sure to capture your first impressions of "real" food.

{Sporting one of your oh-so-cute outfits from Dubai. Thanks Uncle John!}

You definitely take after Mommy in that you love your sleep. We lay you in your bassinet around 8:00 and you fall asleep on your own in just a few minutes {thanks to Sleep Sheep and "lovie bunny"}. I love that you can put yourself to sleep. You have been sleeping through the night for some time now. You usually wake between 6:30-7:30 each morning. Our original plan was to place you in your big girl crib for the first time tonight. You're a little congested and seem to be coming down with your very first cold, so we agreed to let you stay with us in your bassinet a couple more nights. Although I loathe seeing you sick, I'm relieved that I'm able to postpone putting you in the nursery at night. When that night finally comes though, you can bet it will be a hard one for Mommy.

{Another adorable little Dubai dress from Uncle John}

 

Yet another milestone is approaching- your first teeth! You've been quite the little drool factory as of late, and you want to chew on everything! My intuition was correct- big girl, you're already in the early stages of cutting teeth! We've helped combat the discomfort with Orajel, Tylenol, and all the best teething rings and toys we could buy which seems to be helping.

You still love your play mat and could spend all day just chatting away with your "friends". You've started blowing raspberries. Your swing is still your favorite place to nap during the day. Your favorite toys at the moment are your silver rattles and tea time toys with Daddy. You are also hooked on your "lovies". You've never been a paci baby until recently when Granny brought you "lovie bunny". Having your paci attached to a lovie is the only way you'll take it. Even still, it's only for a minute or two. You're thumb is still your favorite. When you start to get fussy or upset, all we have to do is give you a "lovie" and things instantly get better. Bless Granny, she brought you two more lovies {a cow and a puppy} just in case something happens to lovie bunny.

Thank you for being such a remarkable baby and the bestest companion we could ever ask for! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt you know how much you are loved and I hope you know how you complete our lives more than we could've ever imagined. I never could have dreamed it would be this amazing. Our days are better with you in them and I can't seem to wipe off the everlasting smile on my face because we are just so in love with you.


Happy four months, Mary Grace!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy