The things people tell you over and over again at the grocery store about your baby really are true. The time really does fly. They really do grow up too fast. And each one really does seem to grow faster!
So, note to self, stop to listen to those wise folks who have been in my shoes and are just trying to remind me to cherish this time.
Wills is 4 months old. He is 75th percentile for height and weight.
(Fast fact: Trip was the exact same height and weight at his 4-month check up. Anna Kate was smaller, but approximately the same percentile for a baby girl at 4-months.)
Wills still seems like such a tiny baby to me in so many ways, but he also seems to be working hard at catching up with his big brother and sister.
Developmentally - Wills is very strong. He has great neck strength and body control. He rolls easily from front to back, but has yet to go all the way from back to front - he just hangs out on his side typically chewing his hands. He has been using the bouncer for quite some time and that always seems like a big milestone. He seems most advanced socially compared to my big kids at the same age. He smiles, laughs, and "talks" all of the time. And he doesn't know a stranger. I can tell already that he will be the life of the party. I have visions (maybe nightmares!) of his teenage friends calling him "Wild Wills"!!
Loves - Wills loves baths. He loves his brother and sister. Just seeing their faces makes him smile and laugh. He loves the typical baby things ... lights, fans, chewing on his hands. When I looked back on the 4-month updates for Trip and Anna Kate, I mentioned that they both loved to chew on their fingers despite my best efforts to force the pacifier. It's good to be reminded of that because in the end they both chose the paci over their hands. Only time will tell what Wills will pick.
Hates - Not much in this category. He has a love/hate relationship with the pacifier. He screams at me when I give it to him, but once he is sucking on it he will fall asleep much more quickly.
Sleeping - So, compared to Trip and Anna Kate, Wills is my worst sleeper. However, by this age, I had already had Trip and Anna Kate cry it out and that helped teach them how to self-soothe and helped them to sleep through the night very early on. We follow the Babywise books, and have had a lot of success with the Parent Directed Feeding (PDF) method. We have yet to try "crying it out" with Wills because his crying tends to wake the other kiddos up at night. It's a losing battle. Do I want a baby that sleeps through the night, or a toddler and preschooler to get a good night of sleep? The good news is that he has not needed to nurse at night for at least a month now. So, when he wakes up, I just rock him briefly or re-swaddle him, and he falls back asleep within a minute or so.
Memories - I think my favorite memories revolve around the "every day" of life. Doing things with three kids is definitely a challenge, but there is so much joy in it. I'm sure that is easier for me to say because Wills is so laid back and joyful. Anywhere we go, people comment on what a happy boy he is. And his smile really can brighten any one's day. I am learning to slow down and enjoy the baby that he is. Even when we are rushing through the grocery store making quite the scene, people will stop me to talk to the kids and see the baby. I try and be mindful that children really are a blessing, and taking the time to let them bless someone else ends up blessing us all int he end.
Wills, you are precious to us. You brighten our lives and bring joy that I know comes from the Lord. You are loved by your Dad, your Mom, your Big Bubba, and your Sissy.
So, note to self, stop to listen to those wise folks who have been in my shoes and are just trying to remind me to cherish this time.
Wills is 4 months old. He is 75th percentile for height and weight.
(Fast fact: Trip was the exact same height and weight at his 4-month check up. Anna Kate was smaller, but approximately the same percentile for a baby girl at 4-months.)
Wills still seems like such a tiny baby to me in so many ways, but he also seems to be working hard at catching up with his big brother and sister.
Developmentally - Wills is very strong. He has great neck strength and body control. He rolls easily from front to back, but has yet to go all the way from back to front - he just hangs out on his side typically chewing his hands. He has been using the bouncer for quite some time and that always seems like a big milestone. He seems most advanced socially compared to my big kids at the same age. He smiles, laughs, and "talks" all of the time. And he doesn't know a stranger. I can tell already that he will be the life of the party. I have visions (maybe nightmares!) of his teenage friends calling him "Wild Wills"!!
Loves - Wills loves baths. He loves his brother and sister. Just seeing their faces makes him smile and laugh. He loves the typical baby things ... lights, fans, chewing on his hands. When I looked back on the 4-month updates for Trip and Anna Kate, I mentioned that they both loved to chew on their fingers despite my best efforts to force the pacifier. It's good to be reminded of that because in the end they both chose the paci over their hands. Only time will tell what Wills will pick.
Hates - Not much in this category. He has a love/hate relationship with the pacifier. He screams at me when I give it to him, but once he is sucking on it he will fall asleep much more quickly.
Sleeping - So, compared to Trip and Anna Kate, Wills is my worst sleeper. However, by this age, I had already had Trip and Anna Kate cry it out and that helped teach them how to self-soothe and helped them to sleep through the night very early on. We follow the Babywise books, and have had a lot of success with the Parent Directed Feeding (PDF) method. We have yet to try "crying it out" with Wills because his crying tends to wake the other kiddos up at night. It's a losing battle. Do I want a baby that sleeps through the night, or a toddler and preschooler to get a good night of sleep? The good news is that he has not needed to nurse at night for at least a month now. So, when he wakes up, I just rock him briefly or re-swaddle him, and he falls back asleep within a minute or so.
Memories - I think my favorite memories revolve around the "every day" of life. Doing things with three kids is definitely a challenge, but there is so much joy in it. I'm sure that is easier for me to say because Wills is so laid back and joyful. Anywhere we go, people comment on what a happy boy he is. And his smile really can brighten any one's day. I am learning to slow down and enjoy the baby that he is. Even when we are rushing through the grocery store making quite the scene, people will stop me to talk to the kids and see the baby. I try and be mindful that children really are a blessing, and taking the time to let them bless someone else ends up blessing us all int he end.
Wills, you are precious to us. You brighten our lives and bring joy that I know comes from the Lord. You are loved by your Dad, your Mom, your Big Bubba, and your Sissy.
1 comments:
This is so sweet. :) I really love that you keep record of these things!
Post a Comment