4 Month Letter

Dear Nikos,

Another month has flown by once again, and you are now one-third of a year old. You are hardly the same baby we brought home from the hospital! I can still remember after you were born, when I kept having to look at you to remember what exactly you looked like (we had just met, after all). It's funny to think that we've really only known each other for four months, and yet it feels like I've known you my entire life.

Unfortunately, the theme for the past month would have to be "sickness." You recovered from your bout with croup just in time to come down with a nasty cold, followed by a minor case of pinkeye. The doctor said we were doing an excellent job of front-loading your immune system, and we'd have to agree! At this rate, you will never miss a day of school due to illness (sorry about that, Buddy!). Your daddy and I would also like to formally apologize for all the torture we've put you through in trying to clear out your nose so you can eat and breathe at the same time. The mere sight of a tissue, a bulb syringe, or saline drops now sends you into hysterics, and I don't blame you one bit!

In between dealing with your various sicknesses, however, you are still the same amazing kiddo that we love so much. You are constantly smiling at everyone, and making your happy shrieks and squeals. You're becoming more adept at grabbing things, like my hand as I try to put the pinkeye ointment in your eye. You enjoy the "super baby" pose when we put you on your stomach, and can sit up for long periods when you're propped against a pillow. You've started drooling like crazy and sucking on your hands and fingers, which we think might be the first signs that there are teeth lurking down inside your little gums. You can't roll over all the way yet, but you often roll from your back to one side, then all the way to the other side. It's only a matter of time before you roll over completely!

Your biggest accomplishment this month, though is that you've made huge (HUGE!!!) progress in the sleep department. I used to feed you until you were asleep in my arms, or Daddy would sit with you in the rocking chair for an eternity until you drifted off to sleep. You are now completely capable of putting yourself to sleep in just a few minutes. You no longer use the crib positioner OR a pacifier, so we just plunk you down in the crib, cover you with a light blanket, kiss you on the head, and then you're off to dreamland. It's the same story with naps, too, which is a very good thing-- we used to put you in the swing at naptime, but you've gotten so heavy that it barely moves! Now we can put you in your crib or your car seat, and you'll fall asleep in less than a minute. It has made us all so much happier!

Now that you're able to soothe yourself to sleep when you're tired, outings have become a breeze! Last week, we went to the mall, where you cooed and squealed at everyone until you decided it was time for a nap. Even a month ago, I wouldn't have thought you could handle a long shopping trip like that! Since then, we've been to the county clerk's office to get your birth certificate, and to lunch at Chevy's with Grandma and Grandpa (see the picture of you asleep in our booth!). You hardly fussed at all, and made your daddy and I grow bolder about taking you out in public. I can only imagine what adventures await us in the coming months!

As always, you continue to be the light of our lives, and our love for you is endless. Way to grow, little man!

Love and Kisses,
Mommy

P.S. Last night, you slept for 9 hours straight! You never cease to amaze us! :)