Four months old

Dear Milo,

It's hard to believe you've been in our lives for four whole months. I sometimes still have trouble wrapping my head around the fact that I'm a mommy -- that I'm your mommy. You amaze me every day. You make me smile and laugh. Every day. In general, you are a happy-go-lucky little guy, and that sure makes my life easier.

 

However, when you're hungry or sleepy or hungry and sleepy, you can be a cranky baby. But even then, you are so darn cute, it's hard to be upset with you. I think I'm spoiling you, though -- letting you fall asleep in my lap during your breastfeeding. Considering you fight napping and sometimes even fight sleeping during the night, I don't think it's such a bad thing for me to find ways to put you to sleep.

Now that you've found your thumb, you've decided you don't want a pacifier anymore. You seem to be outgrowing everything. You're almost too big for your cradle, but Daddy and I aren't ready to move you to your own room yet. In fact, neither one of us are looking forward to the time when you sleep in another room -- despite your insistence on keeping us up for hours at a time.

And your insistence on sticking your feet out of your cradle

Then, just last night, you decided to sleep most of the way through the night. I heard you fussing in the wee hours, but -- even though I wanted to -- I didn't get up. And next thing I knew, it was after 5 a.m. and you were still sleeping. Let's make that a new habit. OK?

You've figured out how to grip and pull things and you're working on the coordination to put those things in your mouth -- from my fingers to toys.

to Daddy's ears

We can make you laugh pretty easily now, with funny sounds and tickles. We have to be careful not to come at you too quickly though or that sound or voice you previously thought funny will suddenly become very scary -- especially if you are tired.

Still, for the most part, you are a happy baby. And an easy baby. Maybe it's just because I love you so darn much that makes you seem so easy going. Every day, I look at you and thank my lucky stars to have you in my life. Even when I'm changing poopy diaper blow-outs. Even when I'm doing laundry every single day to clean up those poopy blow-outs. Even when I'm so tired I can't keep my eyes open, and you're wide awake. It doesn't matter what's going on, all you have to do is flash that smile and my heart melts.

Some smiles are goofier than others, but still cute

Daddy and I love each other very much, but we had no idea that we could love someone else with the fiery intensity that we love you. Every day with you, Milo, is a grand adventure. And we look forward to having more adventures as you grow up.

All my love,
Mommy