4 Months Old

The last month has been a big month for development!  As a teacher I am always looking for developmental milestones in kids and analyzing their progress and growth.  I do however, always keep in mind, that children all develop at different rates.  Some take longer than others and some skip or quickly pass milestones.  At parent/teacher conferences I always use a "race" analogy when talking about development with the parents.  "Everyone starts the race at the beginning of the year and some will just finish it faster than others and some will need a little extra support to get to the finish line."  Anyway, 8-9 year old development is much different from infant development.  Austin has started so many new things this month and we are simply in awe of how fast he is learning and growing.  In my "professional opinion" my son is winning the race! ;)

Here are the stats from his 4 month appointment with Dr. N this week...

Weight: 14lbs 9oz (50-75%), Height: 24.5in (50-75%), Head: 16in (25%)

Physical Exam: A+, Normal

Development: Excellent, Very Social :)  

This month Austin started sleeping through the night!!!!!!!!  One night in his own crib and the rest was history.  He usually eats between 8-8:30pm and is asleep between 8:30-9pm.  He will start to fuss and we just lay him down.  Usually we don't hear a peep out of him after that!!  He is waking up between 7-8:30am.  Most morning he wakes up on his own and talks and plays in his crib until we get him.  He is always soooo happy in the morning.





This month he also started rolling over.  He started by rolling from his back to his side as he tried to suck on his hand and then all the way over to his belly.  He now rolls all over the place and can go from back to belly and from belly to back with no problem.  He really enjoys his play mat and tummy time.  His head control is great! 



He is wearing 3-6 month clothes now and size 2 diapers.  He is eating anywhere from 25-40oz of formula mixed with breast milk.  He has lost his interest in breast feeding but I still "try" at the last feeding of the night and then I usually have to give him a bottle because he is just playing!  My milk supply is fading fast but I am determined to continue pumping as much as I can into the summer...we will see about that.

Austin love, love, loves his hands.  He sucks his thumb when he is tired but any other time he is trying to shove both hands into his mouth at the same time.  He grabs for toys, my hair, our clothes, our faces, blankets and animals.  It is so fun to watch him think about things and reach out to grab them.  You can tell his little brain is working! 

This month he spent a lot of one on one time with Daddy while Mommy was working, went on his first road trip to Arkansas to see Trent graduate, went to Lovey and G's house, took lots of walks around the neighborhood, went shopping a few times, visited with Aunt Tracy and Summer and hung out with his Pee Paw (Tayt's dad).

Austin we love you to pieces and are so proud of all the things you are learning and doing!  Each month is better than the last one and we are so honored to be your parents.  You make us smile and laugh and make our hearts overflow with LOVE!