Three and Four Months

I knew it would be impossible to keep up with my posts, now that we have 2 kids. So, here you get Natalie at 3 months AND Natalie at 4 months. Enjoy another long one! 

Looking back at months 1, 2, 3, and 4...

Let's rewind a bit back to the end of April when we returned from vacation and I went back to work after maternity leave. It was fairly easy to return to work, knowing I only had 6 weeks until summer break. This was Natalie's first day at Shannon's (she was 11.5 weeks old). Luke was so proud to bring her to stay with him.  

I received this picture text to show how much fun Natalie was having outside with the other kids on her first day.

My first day back at work was great! My co-workers were so welcoming, and I had several treats to help ease me back into things. I was also happy to get to take advantage of the pumping room that was just added to our school through a state grant. 

Looking so curious and cute. 

Love this sweet face!

Natalie is looking serious, but very beautiful in her princess outfit from Papa Mike. She sure loves to smile and "talk" to her Papas. 

Three month pictures

Just take a look at Miss Personality! 

Silly girl!

Working those ab muscles.

Let's compare the 1st-3rd months...

Those eyes!

Luke started Tee-Ball in April. The first time he put his uniform on, I melted. He just looks so much older to me! 

Here he's in ready position on the field. He did a great job getting some ground balls and throwing them to first base. At his first game, after collecting the ball into his glove, he turned and threw the ball AND the glove along with it to first base. But, he had the right idea! 

While Luke is on the field playing ball (or playing in the dirt a lot of the time), sissy is cheering/napping on the sidelines. 

Our little ball player. 

Number 10 is our favorite player. 

Another game where Luke's biggest fan is catching a catnap. 

For Mother's Day in May, the kids made me some sweet gifts.
Then, they spoiled me with flowers, cards, and chocolate covered strawberries too. 

And, I got a "Natalie" necklace with her birthstone to go with my "Luke" necklace from my first Mother's Day after having Luke. 

These two superheroes make motherhood so much fun!

Yes, you are the "coolest. girl. ever." 

And, the fanciest! 

Bathtime mohawk. 

That wide open smile just couldn't be happier...and, those dimples! 

Focused on her birdies above her bouncy seat. 

Now, it's time for SUMMER! This was Luke's first day of Shannon's in August and last day of Shannon's in May. He gained more inches, a bigger head, darker hair, and a cute little sissy! 

Water fun outside to start the summer off right. We may not be able to hop in the car and hit up the spray park and swimming pool as much this summer, but we still know how to have fun. While Natalie naps, Luke and I enjoy outside time with the monitor nearby. 

Natalie is holding her head and chest up like a champ! At 3.5 months she started rolling from tummy to back, if she leans her head to the side. 

We went to messy night for a Parents as Teachers event. There was a make-up station, and though Luke was hesitant at first, I told him it was like putting on make-up for a Halloween costume. 

Then, he got a little carried away with the eyeshadow. He told me it was his "bear mask." 

He was so proud of himself for finally blowing a GIANT bubble, which was tricky to do. 

At 9 weeks, Natalie was batting at her toys hanging from her owl gym. Now, at four months, Natalie is really good at looking at a toy and grabbing it. She can bring toys up to her mouth to chew on, though she still prefers to chew on her hand constantly. When I would get up in the morning to get ready for work, I usually set Natalie on her owl gym to play. As she got closer to four months, I would walk back in to get her and realize she was in a different spot. She's certainly getting more mobile by pivoting herself around. 

We inherited a Britax carrier from a friend, and Natalie likes being able to look around while we walk together. 

She is finally able to put herself to sleep for naps. She has certainly been a challenging baby to get to sleep, and she still requires being swaddled and lying on her side while listening to the white noise machine. But, if she gets this wide eyed stare going, then I know she's about to nod off. 

Four month photos...

Luke requested to join in the pictures. He didn't really fit in the frame, though. 

Squealing with delight!

A serious but cute pic. 

And, there's that smile. 

Photo bomb by Luke. 

This is how she always looks at her brother, with awe and wonderment. He can make her smile anytime, and he still dotes on her everyday. When he's playing, you can see how her eyes and head follow his every move.

He sure loves his baby. I'm still amazed that he has never once acted jealous of her, I guess he just kind of gets that her needs are going to come before his for the time being. And, you can bet he still gets plenty of attention from us. 

This month, Natalie started rolling to both sides from her back. It will be no time before she's flipping over onto her belly. 

Luke and Natalie had their well-checks this week. Luke is officially off the charts in height at 45 inches, and is a healthy guy. 

Natalie's 4 month stats:

Height: 24.75 inches, 50th percentile

Weight: 13 lbs, 2 oz, 20th percentile

Head Circumference: 41.7 cm, 73rd percentile

When you hold Natalie up, she will bear weight on her legs and push back. If you hold her hands to support her while she sits, she will pull up to a standing position (if you lead her with your hands). She has also started using her abs to try to get in a sitting up position. If she is in her swing, she will pull her little tummy in and appear to be trying to sit up. Natalie wears a size 1 diaper, and wears 3-6 month clothing. 

Natalie is what you would call a high maintenance baby. Although it may appear that she is all smiles from these pictures, please remember this is our highlight reel. I do not take pictures as I'm struggling to get her to nap and she's overtired or when she is wanting to nurse the entire night. She certainly likes to be home more than out an about. She can't sleep in her carseat, and she gets overtired and crabby easily. We recently went to two graduation parties, and at both parties some sweet grandmas asked if they could hold Natalie. Of course we are willing to share our sweetness, but she immediately started crying with both of them. She wants Jacob or me to be the ones holding her, and she has a particular way she likes to be held with each of us. But, in between the fussiness, she is just so cute and so much fun. She does spit up quite often, and I think her tummy bothers her at times, which would explain her seeming unsettled. 

It has been fun looking back at my blog posts of Luke. I have enjoyed seeing how these two are different and the same as babies. Their eyes are so different, in color and shape, and Natalie actually has some hair on her head, whereas Luke was a cute baldie. Even the shape of their heads were quite different. Their faces from the nose down look more similar, but Natalie has such a big wide grin. Not counting her smile, some of Natalie's other facial expressions remind me of Luke as a baby. At 4 months, Luke was a little bit longer and heavier than Natalie, but her head is bigger around. Natalie seems to be less gross motor focused than Luke at this point. He was so quick to hold his head/chest up, was pushing with his legs so early, grabbed toys early, and started rolling over at 15 weeks. She's right on track. I'm in no hurry for her to grow up, so take your time sweet Natalie. They both loved to be cuddled, and their smiles make our hearts flutter for sure!