Our little four month old

Jamesy-boy,

I am in total disbelief that you are four months old.  Where in the world has the time gone?!? This has been a fun week for me because I've been able to think about exactly where we were this time last year.  January 2nd -- just home from Orlando with no idea you were on your way.  January 3rd -- our life and family totally changed and we began anticipating your arrival!  What a week it was last year and how glad that you're here with us this year!

You have started coming into your own this month and making your likes and dislikes known!  It's fun to see your little personality start coming out in more ways.  For instance, while you are a happy and laid back baby I'm afraid you might have gotten more of your mother's pessimistic nature than your dad's optimistic one due to the times you give us the following face where you furrow your eyebrows...

You're either in disbelief that we're making you do something, concerned, or just plain annoyed but we see those little eyebrows go together quite a lot!  The good news is that your facial expressions aren't really affecting your happy disposition.  You are a smiley boy and love being where the action is.  You give all of us, including Charlotte, big toothless grins and we love every second of it!

You have also become so aware of your environment.  Like in this picture...

You are mesmerized by the fan in your room.  You love watching fans go round and round!  Your desire to be included and see your surroundings has gotten to be a little bit of a quandary though because you were spending time in your activity gym in your pack and play while I would take care of your sister (fixing lunch, etc) but now you don't like being where you can't see us.  I'm still trying to figure out how to juggle both of you but we're putting you in your bouncer a lot more so that you can see but still be secured.  If I'm there next to you you'll hang out in your Bumbo too.

This month did see some firsts for you.  You spent your first night away from us the entire night.  This ended up not too well with you keeping Memma up most of the night and you ending up with your first ear infection.  You also had your first Christmas which, lets me honest, you basically slept through.  But you have some very generous family who have you stocked on toys for the rest of your first year!

Our schedule is still looking the same.  Feeding at 7 or 7:30 am, 10:30, 2 pm, 5:30, and 8:30.  You're staying up for an hour and a half total including the time that you're eating.  You are still somewhat flexible in moving you back and forth between the car and your crib but I can see that ending pretty soon and that will make my day a lot more difficult!  But for now you still fall asleep in the car and will fall back to sleep quickly when I move you to your crib.

We tried to weigh you tonight but couldn't get a good reading.  Your four month appointment is next week so I'll get your stats then.  But I know that we've moved you to size 2 diapers.  You are wearing some 3 month clothes but once they've been washed a few times they're too small.  So you are mostly wearing 6 month clothes and while they are a tad roomy on you (see your sleeves in this outfit) they fit you for the most part.

James, I want you to know how much we are enjoying you.  This transition to two kids has been difficult but we wouldn't trade one second with you.  You and your sister are my favorite and I cherish every second that I get to spend with you.  We love you so very much!
love, Mommy

*James at months one, two, three

*Charlotte at months one, two, three, four, five, six