Growing Like a Weed

Ashley had her 4 month check-up this week.  She is now 13 pounds and 24 inches long.  She got 2 booster shots in her little leg, and the third was in a liquid form that she drank.   Poor thing screamed at the top of her lungs during the shots.  However, she did calm down by the time we checked-out and fell asleep on the way home.  Oh, and the doctor gave us some information on solid foods.  He said we can start introducing rice cereal between 4 and 6 months.  Just another sign that she is growing up!

She has had some new milestones lately, too.  She can roll onto her side (when laying on her back) and is grabbing toys/objects put in front of her.  If you hold a toy in front of her face, she will reach up and grab it with both hands.  So cute!  She is also drooling more, which can be a sign of teething.  Her eyes are turning brown.  She likes standing up and bearing weight on her legs.  She LOVES to sing and dance.  I’ll turn some music on and sing and dance around the house while holding her.  She loves the eye contact and dancing around.  Her favorite artists are Beyonce and Lady Gaga!  And she is big enough now to sit in the Baby Bjorn and face out, instead of inward.

With all of this growth and development, I can’t help but think of what the future holds for us.  I plan on teaching her sign language so she can communicate.  I may start this in the next few weeks.  She already seems to soak up the environment around her and I can see the interest in her eyes.  She is starting to really focus on people, objects and movements.  And with all her “cooing” and eye contact, you can tell she is trying to communicate.  I’m also going to try and make her own baby food when the time comes.  I really want to take advantage of being home with her.  Once spring comes and we can get out more, I’d love to find a play group to join.  Or maybe go to The Little Gym for a class.  I have so much to look forward to and I find myself dreaming of things we are going to do together as she gets older.  Swimming in the pool, playing in the sand, “riding” the boys (her, not me ).  But I really need to slow down and enjoy this stage she is in now.  She is going to grow so fast and those days will come soon enough.  Right now I will soak up her immobile, non-talking little self, and enjoy our dancing sessions in the living room!