I can't believe my big guy is 4 months old. On Thursday I took him for his check up and shots and he was such a trooper. As always....he's seriously a great baby and I'm not just saying that because I'm his mommy. Before he got his shots the nurse gave him a little "sugar water" and he started crying when taking that which I thought was weird because he typically doesn't mind taking medicine and at his 2 month appointment he didn't have a problem at all. I think he's just becoming more and more aware of things these days. After he drank that came the shots which brought on the tears. Ugh, it's so hard having to watch him in pain and seeing the blood on his little chubby thighs. I just rubbed his head and kept talking to him. Soon it was all over and he was asleep in the car before we had gotten out of the parking lot.
My big guy is in the 96th% for height (27 inches) and weighs 16 pounds. His little legs are getting chunkier and I couldn't be happier about that. We are starting our 4th month of breastfeeding and I love knowing that I am giving him all of his nutrients. He hasn't had any formula and I hope to keep it that way. We will be starting rice cereal soon so that will be fun. I've been letting him suck on a baby spoon here and there so that he starts to get use to what that is. I'm really excited for the baby food phase. Brayden is currently wearing 3-6 month and 6 month clothing as well as size 3 diapers. We can still squeeze him into size 2 diapers if needed but 3's are best. Brayden's eyes are still beautiful blue and his hair is slowly starting to grow back after he lost a lot of it. Sometimes his hair looks brown, sometimes it looks blonde and other times it has a red tint to it. I'm really curious to see what shade of hair this kid is going to have :-)
This past month Brayden let out his first little giggle while GaGa was tickling him and he also started getting his two bottom front teeth. The teeth haven't come through yet but they are just sitting there, oh so close. Come on little teeth!! Brayden also has proven that he can sleep through the night for us. He doesn't always choose to but I know he can. I love what our pediatrician says: "We don't go back on milestones." So this month we will be working on teaching Brayden to drink a lot of milk before bed because during the night is for sleep and not eating. Also before anyone thinks I'm a mean mommy, Brayden is considered a big baby and is doing just fine in the food department :-)
This month Brayden made a new best friend and it's name is the Magic Merlin Sleepsuit. No joke this thing is filled with magic. Because of this sleepsuit Brayden has gotten some of his best sleep yet and so have Mommy and Daddy. Brayden never really liked being swaddled. He got to a point where he tolerated it but every single night when he would wake up it was this huge battle trying to get him to stay swaddled after he ate. It was exhausting. Enter Magic Sleepsuit. As soon as we put his arms and legs into the giant marshmallow like suit, he is in Baby Heaven! He gets all dreamy eyed and immediately starts talking to himself or just conks right out. And if he wakes during the night it's soooo much easier getting him to go back to sleep. I seriously wish I could meet the person who invented this thing.
Brayden rolled from back to belly 1 day before turning 4 months. He was pretty proud of himself when he it happened, in fact it happened while at a friends house with lots of girl so I think he was showing off a bit :-) Brayden has also started this new thing where he tries to scoot his knees under him while laying on his tummy. He can't quite get it so I will help him and then he will push up with his arms. He loves it! We were doing that today and he would whine when I would stop. I'm wondering if he might be an early crawler? We'll see!
Brayden is such a happy little boy! He loves music and books and his two favorite songs are "I love you a Bushel and a Peck" and "If You're Happy and You Know It". He gets the biggest grin as soon as I start singing either one of those songs. Brayden also LOVES hearing his name as well as hearing us spell his name. Since he was born I've done this little chant with his name, spelling out his first, middle and last name. He will just stare at me with the sweetest smile as I chant each letter. I can't wait til one day he's saying and spelling his name with me :-)
Brayden is a good snuggler, especially for nap time. He is NOT a fan of his crib at nap time unfortunately but I'm really working with him on this. He's getting a little better but has been going through a phase of only taking 30 minute naps. I'm hoping he'll get better at taking naps this summer since I'll be home with him all of the time to help train him. I would be happy with just one good nap a day. It's hard to start anything around the house with only 20-30 minutes here and there.
I can't wait to see what next month has in store. My favorite part of this little baby growing up is seeing his personality begin to shine through. My heart is full, Brayden Luke, all because of you!
