Happy 4 Months to Avery!

Dear Avery,

You are four months old now! I know you'll never remember being this age (phew!), but we're so happy to finally start seeing some of your personality and joy.  It was a rough first few months, but we can tell you're starting to feel better and enjoying the world around you so much more!!

You're still a super tiny peanut, clocking in at just 10lbs 14oz during your 4 month checkup (1st percentile, baby!), but don't worry, your head is in the 40th percentile, so you've got tons of brains to make up for any lack in stature you may have.  :)  You are smiling SO much these days, and we just love seeing the look of happiness on your face.  Plus, you have a big brother who adores you, and I love catching you stare lovingly at him, too!

You haven't really started babbling or giggling yet, but the doctor said you've had to focus so much of your energy on feeling better, that we shouldn't hold you to the same milestones as other little babes of the same age. You're on your own path! And that's ok with us.  Because we know you are a brave, sweet, loving young lady. :) This month you've struggled with some nasal/sinus issues (we'll be visiting an ENT soon and hopefully getting sleep soon), but we're VERY thankful that most of your tummy issues seem to be resolved (after a visit to the GI and a UGI where you had to drink barium!)  You are seriously a rockstar sweet girl!  Plus, now that your nose seems to be doing a little better, you've been giving us 8-9 hour stretches of "sleep" at night!! Maybe we'll even move you into your crib soon...

You do still love grabbing toys and clothes. Mostly your pink ball and the twisty rattle... along with anyone nearby! You love to smile at anyone who smiles at you, and you love to dance with us :)

Here are some of the smiles I'm talking about... though whenever I pull my phone up to take a picture, you immediate get mad.  I get it, put the phone down mom!!  Message heard loud and clear :)  Just keep these smiles coming!

You've been enjoying seeing your buddies lately! It's fun to see you focus on them and smile!

You took your first nap with your brother last month :) It was quite a trip for your mama to experience!!  You still don't do it all the time, but it's so sweet to see the two of you in your room together!

I caught your brother spying on you...

Sometimes we all cuddle in bed together after daddy goes to work.

 Or you just snuggle in by yourself...

You had your very first Thanksgiving! (Complete with a turkey bib) :)

And now we're celebrating the Christmas season with you! We LOVE it!

Sweet girl, we just love you to pieces.  We're excited to watch you grow and grow!!! (We were supposed to start you on solids after Thanksgiving to give you some extra calories, but you didn't seem to be interested, so we'll start that next week!)

Love,
Mom & Dad