Four Months Old

OK, so by the time I am writing this it's more like four and a half months, but the Holidays and family visitors have kept things a little busy around here.

Month three was a difficult one in the Flynn family. Kaden was a most unhappy little boy for the majority of the month. A lot of it had to do with his reflux, which on Christmas Day we started Zantac to help control, but a lot of it had to do with our failure to set any sort of schedule for him. Kaden was eating whenever he wanted, playing for hours and hours at a time, and sleeping whenever he felt like it (which was not often). This made for one cranky little baby. Kevin and I, as newbie parents, were beside ourselves with worry thinking something may be seriously wrong with our little man. Unfortunately, it took about a month to figure out that all Kaden needed was some serious sleep and, shockingly, a bit more food. With the help of two amazing women, Emily Stuart and Jenny Lahey, I feel confident that month four will prove a little easier and we will have a much happier baby boy!

At Kaden's Four Month Check-Up he weighed in at 15.5 pounds and measured 25.25 inches - right between the 50th and 60th percentiles for both.

Kaden found his thumb. He enjoys chewing on it rather than sucking, and he can't seem to find it at night when he really wants it, but it has completely replaced the pacifier - he wants nothing to do with those anymore.

Kaden loves to be carted around in the Baby Hawk or Ergo. Lately, this is the only spot he'll take his evening nap. When he is awake, I love how he peeks out at the world.

Tummy Time is improving, especially if he has something fun to observe. Pop brought this musical Nutcracker and Kaden is mesmerized by the rhythmic drum beating movement and soothing classic song. Actually, right after this photo was taken he rolled over onto his back for the first time!

Kaden loved this singing puppy that Gammi sent him. Prior to the camera being turned on, it almost seemed as though he were dancing right along with it. Of course, we weren't able to capture that on film.

Much to my chagrin, and much to his father's pleasure, Kaden L-O-V-E-S television...especially sports. He'll do whatever he can to watch, even if it means watching upside down.

Month three brought a lot of new changes. Thanks to the help of the Bumbo, Kaden has much better head control and easily sits up when he is supported. He has also learned to anticipate things - whenever he sees me fidgeting with my shirt or preparing a bottle, he kicks his not-so-little legs in excitement, knowing that food is soon to follow. He also anticipates a tickle or a kiss with an open mouth and a great big grin or giggle. No major giggle episodes yet, he just lets out a little laugh - maybe we just aren't funny enough for him. He is "talking" up a storm; sometimes in response to us, but mostly when he is alone with his friends Mylo, Mr. Whozit Whatzit, and Sophie. He is also showing frustration when he can't do something - usually it is when he is attempting to get something into his mouth but just can't manage to get it there. If I had to pick out a favorite activity of his, it would probably be gnawing on my fingers. Seeing that most days he produces a quart or two of slobber, I think he is in the beginning stages of teething. He continues to love being outside, and with 70 degree weather in January I can see why. It is amazing how quickly being outdoors can soothe him when he is cranky. Mostly though, he loves observing the world from his stroller; he is so curious and takes in everything. He is mesmerized by the ocean while I continue to be mesmerized by him.

*A friend informed me that there is a company that converts blogs to book form. Therefore, this blog is also going to serve as Kaden's baby book. Why do I mention this? I mention it as a warning: there will be a lot of information (especially in the monthly updates) that no one but a mom cares about. Read at your own risk.