4

Cru is four months old today. I can't believe it. Just like with the other kids, each milestone is exciting. But unlike the other kids, his meeting milestones makes me a little sad. He's our baby. He's supposed to stay little, right?

Our little man is getting big. He is cutting teeth already (which is a good 3-4 months ahead of his siblings), and he is sitting up for short periods on his own! This is what a teething baby learning to sit up looks like:

(For the record...Rick thought that picture was too gross to post, but it's the best shot I have of him sitting up, and the drool is really just a fact of life these days.)

We don't go in for his 4 month check until Monday, so I don't have exact stats right now, but he is about 18 and a half pounds. Sad as I may be about him getting big...I must admit that I greatly anticipate the day that he can sit up in a cart, and I don't have to lug around the car seat anymore.So here are some facts and favorites about Cru at four months:

• He still won't take a binky, but he has recently discovered his fingers.
• He thoroughly enjoys a good game of peek-a-boo.
• He likes being sung to.
• He imitates facial movements, like moving your eyebrows or opening your mouth wide.
• He can roll over both directions, but rarely does it. He mostly rolls to his sides.
• He is still a VERY sweet, patient guy, but he's learning to voice his displeasure.
• He still sleeps 10-12 hours a night.
• He looks so sober, until you talk to him, and then he busts out a big smile.
• His most commonly used nicknames are: Cruzer, Tubby, Cru-ey, and Bubba.
• He is starting to play with toys.
• He loves having a blanket on him in his car seat...he chews on it and tucks it under his chin(s).
• He will probably start rice cereal here in the next couple of weeks. When he watches us eat, his eyes follow every bite to our mouths.
• He likes watching TV.
• I love his belly laugh.
• I love the look on his face when he first opens his eyes and realizes it's me.
• I adore his fat rolls, and how he has tan lines in his creases.
• I love the birthmark next to his belly button.
• I love the nearly always present drop of drool on his chin.
• I love love love when he wrinkles up his forehead.
• I love how he looks like a tripod when he's sitting.
• I love that he loves to hold on to my finger still.
• I love his blue eyes.
• I love his sweetness.
• I love that he wants to watch his siblings, and spontaneously laughs at things that they do.

He is the perfect little "Grand Finale" to our family. We love you, Cru-Man!