Jackson's 4th Month

Jackson,

Your 4th month has been full of so many exciting things. You are learning so much about everything around you, and your little personality is coming alive. You are so much fun. Here are a few pictuers that tell what you've been up to this month.

We just pulled out your jumper this month. So you don't really "jump" in it yet, but you sit around in it and seem to enjoy it. You get excited when you spin around in it.
You have also done a lot of sitting in your Bumbo lately. You are really holding your head up well! "Chick Magnet"...love it. You totally look the part, buddy. And I must admit, you do attract a lot of "chicks".
You and your buddy, Latham, seem to have even more fun together lately. He loves helping you and sharing with you, and you are so fascinated by all the "big boy" stuff that he does. The other day we all went out to eat, and Latham was trying to share his sandwich with you. It was too cute. You just smiled and watched him. He was trying to help you put this little chew toy in your mouth (below).
You are a pretty happy guy... even with spit up all over your face. I'm not even sure you knew it was there!
How cute are you? That bottom lip is heartbreaking.
These are my favorite PJs that you wear. You look so cuddly. And I love when you hold this little binky.
Busted! You started this whole thumbsucking business a few weeks ago, but now you do it ALL THE TIME. You don't even take your paci anymore. I don't blame you, this is easier.
You still love rocking with Dad every night. It's become quite a routine. I love seeing you two like this. So sweet.Playing with Dad is so much fun! He is definitely your favorite playmate! I think he's fun, too. You have started laughing so much recently. Hearing you "belly laugh" has to be my favorite sound in the whole wide world.
Hanging out with Mom is also pretty cool (although you look pretty scared in the picture below haha). We are really enjoying our days together. Now that it is getting a little cooler outside, we go for strolls through our neighborhood more often. Our morning routine is my favorite, and I am really enjoying being at home with you.
You and your monkey are pretty close pals, too. You love holding him, and I'm trying to teach you not to eat him. =)
You are always ready to cheer on the Tigers. We dress you in purple and gold on Gameday. So far, you have been a great good luck charm for the team.
You have made an important discover lately...your feet! You grab onto them all the time. How fun!

Dear Jackson,

Are you really 4 months old? It's hard to believe. I took you to see Dr. Knapick last week for your 4 month appointment. I love the drive to his office. We pass some beautiful trees, and usually you are back there sleeping. Yesterday as I drove, I thought about how far we have come since May 23. That was one of the most special days of my life, but the days have only gotten sweeter. In such a short time you have changed our lives in an amazing way. You are just such a perfect little addition to our little family. We get excited over the smallest things that you do (of course they are BIG things for such a new little person), and you make us proud every day. Your smile is so genuine, and your laughs are really entertaining to us. I am in awe of how you are so interested in everything we have to say to you.

You are not the baby you were a month ago. Now, you are trying to pull up so that you can see everything around you while you're eating or sitting in our laps. (I would kill to have your lower abdominal muscles!) You don't so much like to be cradled anymore. It makes me sad sometimes, but I know you can't stay tiny forever. It's just a reminder to me that I must treasure every moment with you because each is special in its own way but oh so fleeting. It's also time to be excited about all the fun things you'll soon be doing! You are scooting around a good bit when you play on the floor, and sometimes it frustrates you that you can't crawl. Don't worry, it won't be long!

You love when people talk to you, and you have a slight problem with thinking that people are ALWAYS talking to you. I took you with me to my doctor's appointment the other day, and as Dr. White was talking to me you decided to talk back to him. You crack me up. I'm glad you like people. They sure like you!

You have been smacking your lips a lot lately and making all kinds of funny noises with your mouth. You gnaw on anything and everything you can get in your mouth (including people's fingers--nothing is safe that is within your reach!) It seems like you are starting to teethe. No sign of any teeth, but I think they will be coming in soon.

Speaking of putting things in your mouth, we are planning to start rice cereal with you sometime this week. I bet you will love it. You seem to like everything. Last night, you had your first taste of apple juice although it was sort of by accident...We went over to Nick & Jaime's house and accidentally left your formula on the counter. Since we weren't going to be there much longer but you were getting fussy (how dare you...it had only been 5 1/2 hours since you had eaten last!), we decided to give you some diluted apple juice. You sucked it down and seemed to like it.

One more thing...This one little day last week...Yeah, you know the one I'm talking about. The one where we tried to go shopping with a friend and you were really fussy and kept on even after we got home? I really couldn't figure out what was bothering you that day, but you eventually took a nap and felt better. I told your dad how you had acted in the restaurant and store, and he joked about talking with you when he got home. Well, when he walked in the door you were all smiles...acting like a perfect little angel! Funny little man, aren't you??? Well, next time you are fussy all day and then act like a little angel when dad comes home--there will be payback. You can't sail me down the river like that. We're supposed to be a team. Your dad did not believe me that you gave me trouble on Tuesday because you were all smiles by the time he got here. I can already see that I have no chance in this house!=)

I could go on and on about how you brighten up every day. I know there are so many more special moments in store for us!

Your check up went well. You weighed 15-13 1/4 and were 25 1/2 inches long. And...you had to get more shots! You weren't too thrilled and cried your little heart out when you got the shots. Since I couldn't treat you, I decided to treat myself. I've been trying to stay off of Iced Coffee these days (I kinda put on a few pounds in the last year), but I decided since you went through so much getting your shots somebody needed a treat! Why not me? =) When we got home, you slept ALL day, and I snapped this picture of you. My sweet little man.

I love you with all my heart and am so thankful for these last 4 months and so excited for the many more to come!

Love,
MOM