4 months old
It seems like it was just yesterday that I was uncomfortably pregnant, waiting with anxiety to see when I’d actually go into labor –it felt like it was never going to happen- and dying to meet our baby girl.
And now, I have no idea how I lived without her.
Lots of fun new developments this month:
-Rolling like crazy. She’s been able to roll from back to front for about a month, but can now can flip both ways with ease. She always wants to be held facing out so she can see everything.
-She’ll still sit on my lap while I eat at home, or out at a restaurant, but last week she reached out, grabbed my plate and it clanked down. I can tell those days are numbered….
-Speaking of grabbing things, she found her feet a couple of weeks ago, but just last week decided she wanted to put them into her mouth. My little yogini likes chewing on her toes 🙂
-She still hates the paci –which is totally ok with us- and sucks her thumb for comfort. She finally figured out that she can curl the rest of her fingers down while she sucks her thumb, instead of palming her entire face.
-Her 3-6 month clothes fit her perfectly, but it’s crazy to see that they’ll be too small very soon. One of my friends gave me the advice not to save the “cute outfits,” because before you know it, they won’t fit. So she’s pretty much always dressed to the 9s, unless it’s bed or nap time.
-She wants to crawl really badly. She’ll get up on her knees and inchworm around her crib, or on her playmat during playtime, she’ll lift legs and arms off the mat and pump them both as if she’s crawling in the air. Babyproofing is not too far away, which intimidates me. I look around and see cords, plugs and hazards everywhere. With the two of us, I’m sure we’ll be able to get it done fairly quickly- I know Tom will be a babyproofing wizard.
-No solid food yet, but I’m so excited about it. We’ll ask our pediatrician at today’s appointment to see when she suggests incorporating solid food –the recommendation is generally 6 months, but sometimes babies are ready earlier- and will most likely go the baby-led weaning route. In baby-led weaning, the baby is given tiny bites of soft food (like avocado, banana, spaghetti) that the parents are eating and everyone sits together as a family. The baby learns how to pinch up and grab little bites (which often end up all over the floor and in their hair, too) and are given a bottle after the meal. The purpose of the little bites isn’t to make up their entire food supply at first, but to teach them how to eat, and then get any nutrients they’re missing from the bottle. I really like that idea because then the mom and dad don’t spend the entire mealtime spoon-feeding the baby (which I’m sure we’ll do, too) and the baby learns how to sit in their high chair and eat with the family. Having meals together is something we’d enjoy, so we’ll see how it works out. Like anything else, we’ll change and adapt as we go along, but I’m looking forward to it.
-Speaking of high chairs, it’s almost time to order one. Our original plan was to get the Stokke, but have also heard great things about the Keekaroo. If you have either of these high chairs and have reviews to share, please let me know!
-Breastfeeding/pumping/bottling is still going as well as it could be with only one working side, and I’m happy to be able to give her as much breastmilk as I can, considering the obstacles we’ve been through. Pumping at work has been surprising easy and I’m thankful that I have a pumping friend. The girls laugh because we look like bookends sitting on the floor across from each other, chatting and pumping.
-I have no words for the cuteness that is baby giggles. The only person who can make her really belly laugh and scream is her daddy, and it melts my heart into a pile of sappy mush on the floor.
-It’s funny because a year ago today, I had just found out I was pregnant. It was the day before my first kinda Mother’s day. I had just started teaching at the resort, the Pilot was back in Valdosta, we had no idea where we’d be living, and all I knew was that this tiny, fragile thing was growing inside of me. I was filled with excitement and worry… and a little green from morning sickness, but I could care less about that, we were so happy.
During the stretch classes I teach, we’ll end with a 5-10 minute meditation. I always play this song during the quiet time:
it’s been a year, and I’ll never be sick of it.
I’ve played that song and sat in the back while class meditates, hoping I wouldn’t get sick or fall asleep, and thought about how unreal it was that our baby was growing in my belly.
I’ve spent the entire song praying for her to be healthy.
I’ve played that song, sitting in the back of the class, feeling her kick, roll and hiccup.
I’ve played that song and wondered how she would come into the world… so nervous and excited to meet her that it would give me butterflies.
And now, I’ve played that song in class, knowing that the only person I’ve shared it with is here at home, ready for me to get back and cover her with kisses.
Here’s to another fun and exciting month <3
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I can’t believe it’s been a year since you found out… how crazy! She’s just beautiful, and any time you’d like to send a video of her giggles would be great with me 🙂 <3 you friend!
This was so touching and sweet! She is growing so big and is so beautiful! Isnt it crazy to look back and see how much has changed in a year?
Your girl is lovely, Gina.
awww love this post! so sweet, Liv is previous!
This was such a lovely post. Olivia looks so beautiful; she has such deep, warm eyes. 🙂
What a beautiful post and what a beautiful baby!
She’s such a beautiful baby. Congratulations on reaching another milestone together!
AWWWWWW. She is adorable. I can’t believe she is 4 months old already! My aunt is pregnant with my newest nephew/cousin (technically cousin but he will call me auntie!). Can’t wait to meet little Jonathan in August. Even though he has Down’s Syndrome, he is perfect. I can’t wait to see Livi grow into a beautiful little girl!
She’s so beautiful! When I’m having a rough day, I tend to Youtube babies laughing. It’s hilarious and always puts a smile on my face 🙂
Lena, you’re my favorite!
This was a great post!
Hands down the most practical high chair out there is the plastic one at IKEA. It is so easy to clean and as you will soon know, kids make lots of mess when they eat.
I totally agree! I have 3 kids and it’s so easy to wipe and inexpensive!
100% agree! I hate our bigger fancy high chair and wish we just got the cheapy from Ikea. It makes so much sense and is so small! Don’t go fancy and waste money!
When my sisters and I were babies, my mom had 2 high chairs. One was the big fancy one and the other was the cheap plastic one. My mom ALWAYS went for the plastic one for the same reasons that you guys are giving! So easy to clean!
What a beautiful post. She is wonderful and it seems that you truly enjoy and reflect on every moment with her 🙂 you make me very excited to have that connection with my own children one day!
wow, cannot believe she’s 4 months old! what a beautiful post. 🙂
Great post 😉 You’ve made me even more excited to go through these stages again with my next little girl 😉 Currently, I’m in the “feeling pregnant forever” stage!
We’re trying to get pregnant and that made me cry.
sending lots of love and baby wishes to you!
We too are trying to get pregnant! I just love these posts it makes me so much more comfortable since there’s a fear of the unknown with this being our first one.
What a great post! So sweet & inspiring. She is a beautiful little girl!
She’s so adorable! We did BLW, worked like a charm for us. She never had rice cereal or any of those pasty cereals. From sweet potatoes to avocados to gnawing on a ripe pear or whatever it was, we just went with that. Babies are all so different (and parents too) so it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
not to save the “cute outfits,” because before you know it, they won’t fit. <– WISH I has that advice. I saved way too many and my little weed outgrew them before so many of them were even worn!
Maybe it’s because I’m European, but the Stokke is the way to go!
I was brought up in one, now my nephew (3) enjoys his. It is beautiful, the material is just plain gorgeous wood, and your beautiful Olivia could even bite into it and wouldn’t get any chemical poisoning. It is just so natural.
Huge plus it is grows with the children, so you can use it no problem until your little one uses the same chairs as you do (I’ve had friends who refused to sit on “normal” chairs until they were 12 — and as it is so adjustable it really made no difference). We also have little plastic stoppers (? I don’t know what they’re called. I’ll just go with stoppers.) you can screw to the backside of the legs, to stabilize it — has been proven dead usual as my nephew cannot sit still and tries out his force a lot — he just didn’t fall over when he tried to tip the chair.
There are also cushions you can buy to go along with it, to make it more comfortable for the smaller ones.
Uff, all that just to stay that I can warmly recommend the Stokke and intend to buy one once I’ll start a family of my own (in about 10 years or so…).
Congrats on an amazingly beautiful and lively girl! The tummy time video you posted a while ago made me fall instantly in love with her, she’s precious (:
Enjoy that as long as you can, they grow so quickly. I can’t really see my nephew that often, as I live far away, so I especially feel as if it all just flies by. And before you know it, you have to keep them from building a swimming pool behind the sofa.
With blw, you should wait til at least 6 mths. She needs to be able to sit on her own. Spoon feeding also can be confusing and take away what she will learn to self regulate.
Livi is so adorable!!! Those onesies are too cute! Are they photoshopped, or did you make/buy them? Such a great idea!
Just a thought…buy a garlic press to keep in your purse or diaper bag! When you are out to eat, you can press almost whatever you are eating to make instant baby food for Livi!!
GENIUS.
That is pure genius!!!!!!!!!
LOVE this idea!
That is a great idea!
she seriously just keeps getting cuter!!! and is it weird to say that she has perfect eyebrows lol? Love the pics of her!!!!
She is just the cutest little jelly bean ever! My sister and some other good friends of mine used one of those booster seats with the tray attachment. I love the idea because that way the baby is up at the table with the family, and as she gets older, you can take off the tray and she can eat at the table. It’s also so much easier to travel with : )
How crazy it’s been a year since you found out you were pregnant! What an amazing year you’ve had!
Adorable! Babies finding their toes is just too funny. Max loves to grab his feet all the time….and to eat his pants….
We are going to try a bit of the baby-led weaning too, but still feed him sometimes. However, it is going to be limited to soft foods in ‘chunk’ form. One choking-like incident is all I ever want to experience. But I definitely want him to be able to eat on his own and like it. He already likes his ‘spoon-toy’ and is pretty good at grabbing everything/anything
When I read the part about not saving the “cute outfits” I thought you meant throw them away, I was like Noooo I’ll take em haha ( I work at a women’s residential drug and alcohol treatment center for prenatal and parenting women where the clients live with their young children) 🙂 🙂
I think you have the most adorable little girl ever. Her LEGS!! ahh! so cute
We have a Space Saver highchair (one that straps on to your household chairs), and the thing is GENIUS! We have a pub height table in our kitchen and a regular, low table in the dining room, so my daughter is always able to eat with us at eye level, and it’s perfect to toss in the trunk when we go visit my parents for the weekend! Love that thing.
I can’t believe you had her 4 months ago… My second is due in 3.5 months, which feels so far away, but I guess it’s really not. Yikes!!
Gina, she’s so pretty!! It flies, huh? We just had Ella’s first birthday party this weekend. I got teary thinking about how quickly she’s grown!!!
4 months on is when things started moving fast and getting really fun! You definitely can’t have her on your lap when eating now haha….I’m lucky i have quick reflexes, I can’t tell you how many times she in a split second grabbed my big dinner plate or a fork off the table and almost threw it on the ground!
Some babies may be ready before 6 months, but I’d wait. I was really anxious too and “introduced her” to avocado at almost 5 months (never rice cereal)….she seemed ready, and did great but then I took it back and waited until she was after 6 months old. I didn’t do BLW, and she self feeds, and developed and eats perfectly. There are so many varying opinions and information, I was confused and just did what felt right. I don’t regret it. Every baby is an individual. I will, however, try BLW next time try it though. I am more educated now less afraid than I was as a brand new mom!
She is so precious! Her eyes and smile just sparkle. Congratulations and Happy early Mother’s day!
We’re doing BLW and I love it!! But it did take a bit longer than 6 months hit her to be able to use her hands to effectively feed herself. Also, don’t start with small pieces of foods (that comes later), you want to serve them large chunks 2-4 inches so they can grab the whole piece in their fist and there is still food poking out so they can bite off the desired amount.
Such a pretty girl!!
“hit” = for. Stupid autocorrect
I love these updates 🙂 She is seriously the cutest little girl, and her smile is amazing. It’s really incredible how much has happened in the past year – congratulations on all of your accomplishments!
LOVE the photos-keep them coming! More videos are welcome too :)! It cracks me up how in the 1 month photo it looks she is posing for the photo! She looks beautiful in all of them and that smile is so friggin’ cute!! Gorgeous girl! Your friend gave you good advice about wearing and not saving the good outfits. They grow so fast!
Forgot to add-CONGRATS on the award!!!!!!!!!!
We loooooove our stokke. We got it when Ari was about 6 or 7 months old and he still uses it at 2 1/2. It cleans up so easily and pulls right up to the table so they can be part of the dining experience 🙂
OMG – seriously gorgeous little girl there!
Also am stoked that you posted Gurrumul’s video and that he is finding success out there in the wider world. I work with indigenous groups here in Oz and the guy is a massive role model and inspiration for all!
beautiful post! and Livi is so cute! watch out-my boy did the exactly same things as her 4 months old, and he started to do a little bit of backward crawling when he was just4 and a half months old! by 6 months he was super speedy,by 7 he was getting up on his feet,by 10 he started walking!!! but don’t worry you learn everything on the go! you develop with her! I wish I heard before about the garlic press-that is genious!!! Sometimes I would give him little food pieces(from very early on)sometimes I would feed him copletely.It all works, the best is to do whatever suits you then. Now from 13 months he almost completely eats by himself,with the spoon,sometimes with his hands:) It’s always a horrible mess around when he’s done but it’s so good to see him all happy because he eats by himself.I’d recommend ikea chair.it really is so simple to clean-u can just shower it after 🙂 stokke is really beautiful but rather expensive and most kids can’t wait to sit on our regular chairs so I don’t think you’d be using it really long…but then it all depends…
I was wondering if you ever figured out the whole sunscreen thing? What did you end up doing for Livi? Everything I read says not to use any sunscreen until 6 month of age, but my baby needs some kind of protection through the summer!
Sounds like things are about amazingly crazy in your house! Rolling, crawling, and solids, oh my!
Bella better get ready! Haha
Should say about to get…
I usually don’t comment much on this section because I don’t know much about kids, but just be careful with the thumb sucking! I know she’s still young so it’s not a big deal now, but I can tell you from experience that if you don’t break the habit early it is hard to break and it can lead to an overbite! I just don’t want her beautiful smile to be ruined!
Holy moly@ gina!!! you two make cute babies!!!
Loved this post! It melted my heart and makes me even more anxious to meet my baby love in October. We get to find out if we’re having a lil’ boy or girl next week. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us 🙂
Happy 4 months Liv! You are too cute for words!
Doesn’t the time go so fast…I was just saying to my hubby yesterday that I our almost 8 month old is really growing up too fast and no longer looks like such a baby anymore, it is sort of bittersweet. We tried the BLW route, but she started getting so constipated from the foods she would eat that we have since switched to primarily purees for a little while for easy digestion. I totally love the concept, it just didn’t work out quite like I had planned haha, such is life with babies!
Livi is gorgeous ~ as is that song! so beautiful. I’m so glad everything is working out so well, I’m loving following along.
We did BLW and it was awesome! (There are a few posts about it on my blog.)
Livi is presh!!!
Gina girl…the little chickpea should be a little baby model! she is so precious!
Gina your girl is very beautiful, but the most important is that even in the photos she looks very healthy and aware of everything, you guys are very lucky, I am happy for your family!
Hi Gina,
First time commenting, just wanted to add my two cents to your high chair quest; I’d never heard of the Keekaroo before, but I’ve had the STOKKE tripp trapp since I was a toddler, used it all through my childhood and still use it today (I’m 23 going into 24!). So lots of years of pretty heavy use and it’s still in perfect shape, it’s really comfortable (great for studying), and a good fit for any size. I absolutely recommend it!
Thanks for your great blog and love how bright and aware Livi looks! She’s super cute 🙂
Where did you get the ‘month’ vests from? They’re so adorable xx
thank you! amazon- they’re stickers that i put on plain white onesies
Livi is a doll. She is so bright-eyed and curious. She will be into everything before you know it!
haha you’re totally right- i can see it in her eyes!
Livi is seriously TOO CUTE! 🙂 Her little smile is infectious!
She is such a cutie pie!! This is random, but is Physique 57 okay to do when pregnant? I couldn’t remember if it was one of the workouts you stopped doing while pregnant or were able to continue, just modified.
i could still do it, and their social media rep was so awesome to send me a pregnancy modification brochure. tweet her @physique57 of facebook her – her name is natasha and she’s amazing
She’s gorgeous just like her ma’am! She’s getting so big! PS- I love her pose in the 1 month old photo. Too cute.
Oops.. momma*. Brain shot.. it’s ready for the weekend! 😀