4 Months

Dearest Ryan,

You turned 4 months old today. And what a big boy you are becoming! I know I say this every month, but it's hard to believe how much you've changed in just a few short weeks! This was a big month for you, and for Mommy in so many ways.

Towards the beginning of this month (on the 16th) Nana and Pop-Pop babysat you at their house for the first time so that Mommy and Daddy could go out with Auntie Cindy, Uncle John, Auntie Catharine, and Uncle Mark. Daddy and I had a wonderful time. You....well, you did NOT. You cried a lot for Nana. Pretty much the only time you didn't cry was when you were eating, and when you finally went to sleep. Nana said she could tell you missed me so much. While I am flattered, I felt like you were a little young to have stranger anxiety. You're still not thrilled when Mommy is out of sight, but you're getting better and better about being in other people's arms and hanging out with them. Daddy and I have tried SO HARD since you were born to be relaxed and calm about letting other people hold you, snuggle you, and hang out with you. We really want you to be comfortable with all the people in your life who love you and offer to babysit :).

On the 23rd of April you had a special photo shoot with Mommy and Nana for Mother's Day. You did great! We got some fabulous pictures of you in the same adorable outfit you wore for Easter. You're becoming quite the ham for the camera!

This month you also really giggled for the first time. You've laughed before, but this time it was a true giggle, coming straight from your belly. It was one of the best sounds I have ever heard! Daddy and I caught it on camera. We're not sure what you thought was so funny. Mommy was singing the same "Sweetly sings the donkey" song that I always sing, but Daddy started bobbing up and down. You found this HYSTERICAL! I love to hear you laugh. It makes my heart leap with joy!

On April 25th you were Baptised. It was a busy weekend, with LOTS of out of town visitors, and you were a little out of sorts for much of the weekend. But on the day of your Baptism you were wonderful! You let anyone hold you, and you were just such a happy boy. You looked soooo handsome! Auntie Catharine and Uncle Mark became your God Parents and we have no doubt that they will have a very special role for you throughout your entire life.

On the 30th of April we began "Operation No More than 1 Feeding A Night" and you have been doing great! You go to bed at 8:30, wake up around 6:30 (sometimes a little earlier, sometimes a little later) and you usually only wake up once a night sometime around 2:00. We'll take it!

This month also marked the first time you rode in the jogging stroller. You LOVED it! When you're in the jogging stroller you face forward and can see so much more than you can in the Snap and Go stroller. It's a whole new world out there now and you love looking at it!

You also now blow raspberries all the time. You usually do it to mimic someone who is doing it to you. But you also do it for no reason sometimes. It is very cute :)

You'll note that I didn't write anything in here about naps. Those still continue to be a challenge. We're working on it. Hopefully next month I will be able to report that you consistently sleep IN YOUR CRIB on a solid schedule. I know its a loft goal, but I think you can do it!

As for changes for Mommy, I already alluded to those in a letter I wrote to you a week ago or so. Mommy is officially now a stay at home Mom. It is a privilege to get to be with you every day! It is the best, hardest, and most important job I will ever have!

Other than that, you continue to bring such joy to our lives. I love watching you change and grow every day. You are developing such a personality. You are joyful, determined, and strong-willed. I love every little part of you!

Happy 4th Month-day!

Love,

~Mommy