Nathan at 4 months old

 On March 16, our littlest man turned four months old! He continues to be a happy, friendly baby who generally goes with the flow. Like most babies, he's a little fussy in the evenings (especially since he's had some congestion this month) but is pleasant throughout most of the day. He smiles readily.

Nathan likes to coo and "converse" with anyone who is talking to him. He was happy being passed around to various friends and family members when we traveled to Michigan for Matt's dad's retirement celebration. Nathan giggles when he is bounced or tickled or when someone makes a silly noise. He drools a lot and enjoys blowing spit bubbles, too.

Nathan is looking less and less like a baby. He can hold up his head easily, and he keeps his hands unclenched. He can sit assisted for short stretches while in the Bumbo seat. He's starting to get a little pudgy -- with rolls on his thighs and arms. :) At his four month check, Nathan weighed about 16.5 pounds (68th percentile) and was 25.25" long (50th percentile). He continues to eat well and very efficiently. He still working on sleeping through the night, but he will take several good naps throughout the day.

It has been fun to see Nathan start to become mobile. He is almost rolling over both directions but especially from his back to his tummy. He will often rotate around in a circle while lying on his back. He can intentionally grab onto certain objects while laying under his activity gym.

Nathan has been chewing on his hands a lot this month. In fact, he even got a little blister on his pointer finger from all of the time it spent in his mouth. For a few days, we put socks on his hands to protect his finger -- though it certainly didn't stop him from putting his hands in his mouth.

Nathan is aware of what's going on around him. He enjoys being held facing outward so he can see the action. He'd also prefer to stand on our laps instead of sitting or laying down.

Some of his favorites include smiling at "the baby in the mirror," pulling people's hair (especially Ryan's), and being entertained by his older brothers. If he can't be held (his favorite), he'd prefer to be in his bouncer on underneath the activity gym. He likes being "worn" in the Baby Bjorn while we're out shopping. Nathan loves bath time and does lots of kicking and splashing while he's in the water.

We love you, sweet Nathan Paul!