A Letter: Four Months (17 weeks actual, 11 adjusted)

Dear Bug,
And so we enter the age of everything-must-go-in-my-mouth-RIGHT NOW. Guess what? It's adorable. Slimy, yet adorable.

Om nom nom.

As predicted, your growth this past month has taken off. Not only have you put on over two pounds, but your melon has grown over an inch! You've had a few growth spurts that have been visible overnight, and every time you wake up from a nap, it seems like you spent that snooze gearing up different ways to try something new.

Must. Grab. Giraffe.

Oh little one, you are so curious. I love watching the neurons fire as you put two and two together; it seems like it only takes minutes for you to discover your ability to do new things. Last Thursday morning, you were completely anti-tummy time. That evening, I set you down to try again and you popped your head right up and looked around, happy as can be. Ten minutes later, you rolled over. I was so surprised! And thrilled I got to witness it. Now that you've learned that you can lift your head to watch the dogs, or look at your owl, you've decided tummy time is a-okay. Not to mention that when you're done being on your belly, you know how to flip yourself back over. You're trying so hard to go from your back to your tummy! You lead with your tush and it's the cutest thing ever! Once you get it, I can't wait to watch you roll and roll and roll.

Lily + Gramps

Ooh! Tummy time!

The month of June has definitely been the calm before the storm, as we're moving June 30th. Thankfully your Lolla and Gramps were able to visit at the beginning of the month - they haven't seen you since you came home from the hospital and your head was smaller than Gramps' hand! They were so excited to be able to interact with you more this time! You immediately took to Lolla, and she has a knack for putting you to sleep. You also had a ton of fun with Gramps and gave him lots of smiles. While they were here, you finally decided it was time to start sleeping through the night. I don't know if it was because your days were full, or all the new stuff you're learning, but Mommy and Daddy sure are glad to have you sleeping past 3am. Most nights you make it to at least 4, but sometimes it's even 5 or 6. Then you eat and go right back to sleep until 9! The hand-off for that wonderful 8-10 hours of sleep is that you hardly nap at all, but that's okay. Ample Mommy-Bug time!

Mommy's new supervisor.

Happy Bug in Mommy's dress

Now that you're awake most of the day, we do so much together. We read, play, and talk. You supervise me while I work. You have just recently become interested in toys, so now we play on your playmat a lot and you like to kick and grab your giraffe and go-go bugs. We've also been cleaning out the pantry in preparation for our move to Montana, so in the afternoons, you and I have been baking. I play some country music, put you in your Bumbo and then describe what I'm doing. I sing to you, name different cooking accouterments, and explain the ingredients. You love it - your attention span is just long enough that we can bake, dance, sing, and talk all in the time it takes for something to get done. Then we follow our baking extravaganza with a good snuggle.


You also have a new trick - squealing! It almost sounds like you're trying to laugh, but a short giggle followed by high-pitched squeal comes out instead. I can't wait to hear your first big belly laugh but the squealing is pretty darn cute too. And you, my little one, just love your Daddy; you save the best squeals for him when he comes home from work. I keep telling him he'll get the first good laugh out of you, just because you love him so much.

Daddy squeals

Bug, you are such an easy, happy little baby. I keep saying that but it's because it's true! We are so spoiled by your wonderful demeanor. This weekend will mark the end of our time in Arizona - we are moving you, the dogs, and all of our stuff back to Montana so that you can grow up near your family and friends. You and I will be taking your very first plane ride to Missoula this Saturday then spending the weekend with your Uncle JC. Here's to hoping that wonderful demeanor treats us as well in the air as it does on the ground.


Love always,
Momma

Snuggles

Four month stats (as of June 25th)...
Weight: 13 pounds, 12 ounces
Height: 24 inches
Head Circumference: 16.25 inches
Diaper Size: Size 1
Clothing Size: 0-3 months
New Nicknames: Goo, A-Goo, Spit Monster, Drool Monster, Baby, Smiling Fool

Four month milestones...
Rolled over (tummy to back): June 21st
Started grabbing toys: Week of June 11th
Started giggling while awake: Week of June 18th 

Months One through Three

What a difference three months makes! Such a big girl.

A Letter: Three Months

Baby Blues

Dear Bug,


Another month already! How can that be? We had a pretty quiet May around these parts, but it still flew by like nobody's business.

Morning Girl

Over the last few weeks, we have finally settled into a routine that works for us. Every morning you eat between 5 and 6am but zonk right back out until 8 or 9. When you decide it's time to roll out of bed, we get up, change your butt, and then just hang out. You, little one, are so smiley and talkative in the morning! And boy, do you have a lot to say. For about an hour or two while Mommy drinks her coffee, we listen to Adele and have a morning chat, possibly walk the dogs (if it's not too hot), and read a story. Then you eat and have your morning nap, which usually lasts 1-2 hours. Our afternoons are reserved for errands, otherwise we just do more of the same! 

Fist Pumping

I know to some it may sound boring, but most days I'm surprised at how quickly time flies while we "just hang out." You do something new every day. Even if it's just a new "word" or mannerism, as little as it may be, it always amazes me. In just one month, you have learned so many new things! You have added a plethora of noises to your arsenal: you are squeaking, squealing, cooing, a-goo'ing and smiling up a storm. You giggle in your sleep, but not quite when awake. You can grasp objects in your iron fist, are batting at toys, and love to kick your legs. You go from sad face to happy face in 2.5 seconds, usually for no reason whatsoever that I can tell other than to exercise your facial muscles. You also LOVE to stand. This one might be my favorite; whenever you get restless, I just stand you up on my lap and you're happy as can be! You also like to dance, do "super baby," face outward while walking around the house, and you love sitting in your swing looking at your birdie friends. You're still not a huge fan of tummy time, but it's getting better each day. You do a great job if you have something to look at, especially if Reef is around. You even do little baby push-ups if you're in the mood! If you're not in the mood though, watch out. You, little girl, have opinions already! Good thing the only time you seem to be unhappy is when you're hungry. 

Bumbo!

Bumbo with Dad!

You are such a happy girl, but if possible, you are in an even better mood when we're out and about. You love to see the world! You still love your wrap but have graduated to sitting on our laps at restaurants now that you have such great head control. And what head-control you have! At home, your Daddy loves to plop you in the Bumbo while he putzes around the kitchen; you just watch him as he walks around and the two of you talk, both smiling away. You still love to snuggle at night, but you definitely prefer being upright 90% of the time, whether it be in the Bumbo or standing on someone's lap. 

Buddha Bug (with a fluffy butt)

The other big news this month is that we started you in cloth diapers! Your skinny little tush finally filled out enough that you can wear them without leaking all over the place. There are so many options, thank goodness our friend Janell (and Olivia!) let us borrow a few to try out. Now that we've gotten the system down, I'm just loving having you in cloth. It's economical, easier (no more last-minute runs to Target for diapers!) plus it gives you an adorable fluffy butt. Who can say no to a fluffy butt?

Momma and Bug

Columbia River, Memorial Day Weekend 2012

Tummy time isn't so bad - when it's on Mom or Dad

Little bug, I just love you so much. Just the other day I was wondering what on earth I did with my time before you came along. Every day my heart grows just a little bigger, just for you. Just like last month, putting away your newborn clothes made me a little sad, but after seeing everything you've accomplished in just one month, I can't wait to see what my "rockstar baby" has in her pocket to show me next.


Until next month - all my love,
Momma

Sweet Girl

Three months stats (inexact measurements as of May 24th)...
Weight: 11 pounds, 8 ounces
Height: 22.25 inches
Head Circumference: 15 inches
Diaper Size: Size 1
Clothing Size: A few newborn sleepers still fit, mostly 0-3 months
New Nicknames: Lovely girl, sweet baby, miss fluffy-pants, fluff-butt, little miss

Second month milestones...
Started cloth diapers: May 1st
Spent the WHOLE day with Daddy: May 12th
Met your Aunt Sonia: May 23rd

First "swim": May 25th

A Letter: Two Months (2 months actual, 2 weeks adjusted)

Lily in her Easter dress, six weeks old.

Dear Bug,


Oh my, what a busy month you've had! Once we received the all-clear from Dr. Schultz to head out on our first family road trip, we hit the ground running for Montana on Saturday, March 30th. We were pretty nervous about taking you on a 22-hour long road trip for our first lengthy excursion, but you, my little Bug, did Amazing. Yep, with a capital A.

First road trip.

You were perfectly content to ride along in your carseat either napping, looking at Mommy, or checking out Reef (he was checking you out too.) In fact, we quickly discovered that riding in the car is the key to putting you to sleep! You're usually out in less than five minutes once we start moving. Hopefully we won't have to add it to our nighttime arsenal, but during the day it's a quick fix to appease an upset Bug. You and I have definitely made a few leisurely, midday shopping trips this month!


The other thing you love is riding in your wrap. Some days it's the only way I get anything done! I don't mind though, I love having you close as much as you love being there. Plus it's quite handy for shopping - no lugging around a big stroller for us, I just drop you right in and you're a happy camper! We do get quite a few looks when we're out and about though - apparently baby-wearing hasn't caught on in Tucson. You and I actually got followed through Target last week; the couple eventually got up the cajones to ask me if I was comfortable and I just smiled, said "Of course!" and continued on our merry way. Your Daddy is amazed at how well you do when in the wrap; he used to look at me skeptically every time I took the time to put you in it (rather than carry you through the store in the carseat), but now he has requested a sling/carrier of his own! It really is fantastic how great you do when you're close to us.

Shopping in the wrap, Mommy's 28th birthday at La Encantada.

This month you got to meet a lot of important people: your Grammie, Uncle JC (Mommy's brother), many of your Great Aunts and Uncles, a few cousins, and your Uncle Brian (Daddy's brother.) You also met the Maack family, and Mommy and Daddy's good friends, Rachael and Scott Zins. We spent a lot of time parading you through the state of Montana on our road trip and everyone was so excited to meet you, although a wee bit nervous. You are so fragile, there were only a few brave enough to hold you! I can't wait until next time when you're a little tougher around the edges and everyone can enjoy you.

Uncle JC

Grammie

Uncle Brian

Speaking of fragile, fragile you are no more! At your two-month check up last week, you had gained three pounds in one month. Three! My "little preemie" is no longer so little. You have definitely filled out this month and have grown quite the chipmunk cheeks. I just love smooching on them all the time, especially now that you are smiling often and becoming more animated. It is so fun to watch your little personality peek out more each day! You are now "talking" to us more, tracking Mommy, Daddy and the dogs, and you love ceiling fans and windows. In addition to the grunting (yes, you're still a Gruntosaurus), you definitely let us know that you are no longer premature, using your lungs to prove it! Last week during tummy time you got very angry and ending up flipping yourself right over! Such a big girl. You haven't done it again (unless you're on Mommy's tummy); you seem much more interested in inching forward than going sideways. I have a sneaking suspicion that you will be an active crawler...

The many faces of the Bug.

Playtime.

Chipmunk Cheeks

I understand now the juxtaposition other Moms always talk about; it's amazing to watch you grow and learn so quickly, but it also makes me sad to leave the littleness behind. This month you grew out of your preemie clothes and into your newborns, but now even some of those are too small. Each time I have to put a cute little outfit away that fit you a day or two ago, I get a little down. But then you smile at me, giggle in your sleep, or grab my glasses with an iron fist, and I get excited to see what you'll do next. I am so grateful to be your Mom and have the opportunity to be home with you. You are Amazing. Capital A.


Until next month - all my love,
Momma

Rawr.

Two months stats (as of April 27th)...
Weight: 9 pounds, 4 ounces
Height: 21.25 inches
Head Circumference: 15 inches
Diaper Size: Newborn
Clothing Size: Newborn
New Nicknames: Teri the Pterodactyl, Fussy-butt, Fussy-pants (you're really not that fussy, I promise), Stink-butt, Squirmy Worm pronounced "Skirmy Verm", The Verm, Football

Second month milestones...
First road trip: March 30th through April 18th
Met your Grammie & Uncle JC: April 6th
Met your Uncle Brian: April 20th
Rolled Over (tummy to back): April 22nd
First soccer game: April 29th
First "giggle": April 30th

A Letter: One Month (1 month actual, 38 weeks adjusted)

19 days old

Dear Bug,

One month old already! As cliche as it may sound, where on earth has the time gone? It feels like we've known you forever but at the same time, it also feels like yesterday you were kicking away in my belly...

34 weeks, 1 day. Baby D's birthday.

After the drama in utero, you made your grand entrance on Thursday, February 23rd - the same birthday as your Aunt Missy and cousin Bethany. And what an entrance it was! After things got rolling, it was only three hours before we met you. You entered this big, wide world screaming at 6:37pm (thankfully the screaming has since been minimal.) Already an over-achiever, you broke records in the NICU for a 34-weeker; you barely needed any assistance breathing, and what you did need was only because they were messing with you. And honestly, who wouldn't get upset being poked and prodded after being kicked out of a nice, warm swimming pool? By 4am, you were breathing on your own and never looked back.

Just born. 4 lbs, 15.4 oz.

One day old.

One day old

Snuggling.

The majority of your NICU stay was focused on lowering your bili levels, teaching you to eat, and snuggling with Mommy and Daddy. At first you seemed to like sunbathing a whole lot more than eating but once you figured out that Mommy = Food, you were a little piglet. On Friday, March 9th, you ripped out your feeding tube for the last time. Over the next 48 hours, you took all of your feeds by mouth (alternating bottle and nursing) and on Sunday you were discharged! Apparently, you were done with the hospital and I don't blame you - we were too! And again with the record-breaking: 19 days in the NICU for a 34-weeker is amazing. You, my sweet Lily-bug, are simply amazing.

Sunbathing

One week old, sleeping in Mommy's baby hat

I got this.

First bath by Mommy and Daddy

Going home! 5 lbs, 2 oz.

It's been two and half weeks since we brought you home and we're slowly adjusting into a nice rhythm of eat (every 3-4 hours, although sometimes you cluster feed), sleep (max record: 3 hours) and snuggle (no time limits there.) Being a "late-term preemie" has its own set of challenges, one of them being that we still have to wake you up to eat every four hours. No sleeping through the night for you, even if you wanted to! In reality, you never let us go that long; you know when it's time to eat, that's for sure.

The first week home was a little rough; no one warned me how noisy babies are! Each little grunt would have me shooting out of bed to make sure you weren't choking (and you grunt A LOT.) After we realized all of that grunting was normal newborn noisiness, your Daddy deemed you "gruntosaurus." We also call you Lily-bug, Bug, Fuss-pot, Fussy-butt, Piglet, little Nugget, sweet Lily, sweet baby, baby-girl, and Lily-bean. Not to mention that your Aunt Brittany has started calling you Tiger Lily. I sure hope someday you realize what your name really is...

Mommy and Bug, two and a half weeks old

Despite the large amounts of grunting, you really are a very, very easy baby. You don't get mad too often and when you do get fussy, you're quick to calm down. The only time you really get upset is when your diaper is dirty or you've decided it's time to eat and we're not fast enough getting you food! You even took your first shot like a champ. One big wail, then I picked you up and you were fine. Such a brave little Bug.

I love watching you - you make the funniest faces! It might be overkill, but there may or may not be over 300 pictures of you in my phone already... par for the course with a photographer for a Mom I guess. It's amazing to watch you learn and grow; you already have great head control and are tracking Mommy and Daddy's voices. And every day you do something new. Just yesterday you smiled your first non-gas induced smile! You little over-achiever, you - it was the cutest thing ever.

First "social" smile

I could just stare at you for hours; in fact, some days I do just that. We end up spending large amounts of our days snuggling. I realize this is probably the only time in your life that I'll be your number one priority, so I'll soak up all the staring and snuggling while I can!

Sad face

Yawn!

Are you afraid of the dark?

So sweet.

So small! Bug with Gramps' hand.

Fishie face

Little Bug, we're so happy you're here and part of our little family. Izzy and Reef are too, but Reef especially. Every day he gives you kisses and looks at me like, "When is she going to be big enough to play?"

First family outing

This weekend we will embark on your first big roadie. I'm a little nervous of over-stimulating you, my little preemie, but it's something you will have to get used to because Mommy and Daddy love to travel. You will get to see your Uncle JC, who is oh-so-excited to meet you, and your great-aunts are throwing you a shower! We are also going to introduce you to your new best buddy, Atticus. I guess if you start getting stressed out, we can always snuggle. After all, it is the cure for such things.

After only a month of leap-frogging everyone's expectations, each day you continue to show us a little more of your personality. I can't wait to meet more of you, my little Bug.

Love always,
Your Momma

One month stats (as of March 28th)...
Weight: 6 pounds, 4 ounces
Height: 19.5 inches
Head Circumference: 14 inches
Diaper Size: Preemie
Clothing Size: Some preemie, swimming in Newborns

First month milestones...
Discharged from the NICU: March 11th
First lunch: March 22nd, Nimbus Brewing
First family outing: March 24th, Sam Hughes Championship Dining to meet Aunt Christi, Uncle Ed and Cousin Nikki
First smile: March 27th

19 days old

19 days old