RJ Robinson 4 Months And Growing

We can hardly believe RJ is 4 months old today . . . he's getting to be SUCH a big boy with a personality and mind of his own that we have absolutely fallen in love with beyond belief!

Here are some highlights:

• 1st and foremost (the thing I am most proud of because it shows his independence) - he can totally play by himself now for a really long time . . . he talks to himself, the toys, whomever or whatever will listen really (ok maybe he takes after his Mom here). He also grabs the toys, throws them, puts everything in sight in his mouth (every stuffed animal is fair game), uses one toy to push the other. It's down right amazing to sit and watch him from a far and see his mind crank away and wonder what's going to happen next. To summarize - he's a pretty smart little fella (must take after his Mama here too!)!!!
• He's SO animated lately - he smiles as big as he can, laughs out loud a lot, screeches louder than I ever knew anyone could screech (I had to go to the cry room at church this past Sunday - not because he was crying but because of the screeching, talking, etc.) and kicks his feet and throws his arms in the air. It's awesome to see how excited he gets about everything! It's such a rewarding feeling to have a happy baby! :)
  
• He's always smiled when Rob or I walk into the room, but lately it's more than that . . . it's absolutely THE biggest smile ever and an excitement and gleam that says "come get me and let's play." We don't believe there can ever be a better feeling in life . . . it just makes us melt!


• He's become a VERY strong fella over the last month - lots of rolling over (from back to belly and belly to back) and lots of tummy time with legs moving. I place my hands against his feet sometimes (or he finds a toy to push off of) and he actually moves on his belly. It will be no time before the crawling begins I have a feeling - we have our gate ready to block the stairway (seems the little fella is not intimidated by anything)!


• Speaking of strength, he's grabbing on to everything and this includes my hair and all jewelry seems to be fair game! It's not a light grip this guy has at all . . . I have to pry his little fingers off of my hair one by one! :) But I have to admit I love it! :)


• Still teethin' and droolin' LOTS (but none have broken through yet) - he gave me three little "hickeys" on my arm last week as he proceeded to suck on my bicep like there was no tomorrow (and fell asleep). Also, everything goes in the mouth including his fists, my hand, fingers, thumb, etc. No worries I've been eating his hands too! :) We also discovered teething pills which he seems to like!


• This month's discoveries: hands (the intentional grasping and pulling to mouth of toys and we're real close on the paci, bottle and teething rings), feet (pulls them up to his head almost (I call it his yoga) and something else that I'll leave to your imagination! :)


• He also fully discovered the mirror. He's always liked the mirror, but this month he's just fallen in love with the mirror. At least one time a day I take him to the master bath where it's one huge mirror across 2 sinks and we practice walking to the mirror and giving the baby a kiss - he just loves it (laughs and smiles real big)!


• He starts at the top of the crib at night and ends up at the bottom (and sometimes at a 90 degree angle) . . . still swaddled of course (although he's been breaking at least 1 arm out each night lately). We will continue to swaddle as long as possible because he wakes himself up with his hands otherwise. Speaking of waking up . . . he continues to be an incredible sleeper for us . . . he usually goes to sleep between 8 and 9pm and walks about 6 - 6:30 am . . . we couldn't ask for more! :)


• He went boating and swam in the lake with Daddy and liked it (until he took a dump in his diaper and then he wasn't so happy)!


• He went for walks in the front pack with mom and dad in the evening (but now it's too hot here so we stay inside)!


• He got a new jumperoo toy that will help him get used to the standing position. He's holding his head nice and steady now!

RJ's 4 month doctor appointment has been pushed out to July 10th because the doc will be on vacation until then. We'll be sure to post the details of his growth at that point.