4 months old!

Dear Bauer with love,

 

 

4 months old! 1/3 of your way to 1 years old.  Mama and Daddy keep saying that every stage is our favorite stage... you are growing and learning and changing... we can't imagine our life before you.  First Mama and Daddy had each other, then we had you and now we have everything!!

 

At your 4 month old checkup you are:

25 3/4 inches long (83%)

15.4 pounds (64%)

41cm head circumference (22%)

 

 

Mama bought a groupon for an inexpensive portrait studio.  We decided to capture a few shots of you at 3 months.  The whole experience was pretty comical.  We know you know what a camera is, but on this particular day you weren't having it.  The photographer managed to get six shots that captured different aspects of our Bauer boy.  The above turned out to be the winner.  Mama and Daddy think it looks like you're up to something.

And this photo just made us all laugh out loud.  We chose it for the jumbo print for this very reason.  If you could only talk! 

 



 

Our sweet boy

We managed to get you to hold your wiggly feet still for long enough to snap this photo ~ Mama and Daddy's wedding rings on your itty bitty (but growing! feet).

 



 

JJ bought you this Bee hat and diaper cover the day that you were born.  We called you Baby B. when you were in Mama's tummy.

 

 

Try as we may, Daddy and Mama are trying to keep that thumb (and those fingers!) out of your mouth.  We've encouraged Sophie (which you love to chew on!) but sometimes it's a lost cause.  Daddy sings, Get those fingers outta yo' mouth... get those fingers outta' yo' mouth."  It makes you giggle.

We had crazy weather this month.  There were days where there was record breaking heat (over 100 degrees!) and then a few days where the temps dipped and we had a few drizzles.  We took you to The Grove in Los Angeles one night to meet Daddy's friends, The Kirbys.  Thankfully we brought a hat and a blanket, as it was a bit cool (for So Cal anyway).  The Kirbys took turns holding you and playing with you.  You were a perfect angel and loved just taking it all in and people watching.  (Mama thinks that you get that from her).

 

We broke out the Halloween clothes. 

 

 

It's your first Halloween and we had to have you looking the part!

Daddy and Mama have a date night every Friday.  Sometimes we just relax at home after you go to sleep.  This month we had a few nights OUT (Chick Fil A and a movie, Pitch Perfect - an economy date!) and you stayed home with your babysitter, Camryn.

 



 

Daddy picked up your hand and footprint plaque.  We are so glad that we have a sweet piece that captures your tiny hands and feet (at 2 months). 

Mama loves to put you in Baby Legs.  Uncle Tom and Daddy say that they're leg warmers.  They are not!! (And Mama's apologies that they happen to be University of Florida gator colors).

 

Your eyes are the bluest of blues ~ just like your Daddy and Granddaddy.  They are Mama's favorite.

 

 

Mama and Daddy took you to The Elliots house to snap some photos of you with pumpkins.  We skipped the Pumpkin Patch this year since you are so little.

You are such a good sport with Mama and Daddy's attempts to get just the right photograph.

 

Our happy little pumpkin!

 

 

Daddy dressed you for Church.  He made sure to make the collar pop!  You are usually one of the only infants in the infant room at Church.  You eat up all of the attention.  We usually find you being rocked in the rocking chair or played with on the floor.  Everyone says what a happy and laid back little guy you are.  We agree!

 

We carved pumpkins with our next door neighbors, Jerry, Casey and Samantha.  You loved being in the Bjorn and watching all of the action.

 

You've started to drool even more now.  Daddy calls you Mr. Slobberbox.

 

 

 

Mama took you to her work party at the Special Events Office.  You were the only child that could make the party.  You were a hit in your little pumpkin costume!  The girls passed you around during lunch and you fell fast asleep in Eunice's arms.  It's hard work being cute.

 

 

You with your cousins Carly and Lauren, the Kaufmans and friends. 

 



Look at all of that candy!
 

All ducked out.  You like Miss Duck.  She takes naps in the swing with you.  (The swing is still your favorite place to snooze.  We'll work on breaking that habit.  Someday.)

 

You on Daddy's pillow watching Dinosaur Train.  Don't tell the American Academy of Pediatrics... but we let you occasionally watch a few minutes of screen time while we are in the room and need to get a thing or two done.

 

All reports were good at your 4 month appointment.  We've switched you to 6 oz. of Mama's milk.  And, if we followed your Pediatrician's advice to the letter, you would have 4 6 oz. bottles a day and sleep 12 hours through the night.  You're not quite there yet.  And that's okay.  You prefer to wake once or twice to eat.  And it's not an attempt to get out of your crib to play... you suck down 6 oz. and your right back to sleep.  We've got the rest of your life to get you on a schedule... for now, we are just going with the flow.  You set your own schedule and we follow.

 

 

You can sit up like a big boy in your Bumbo seat now.  You still LOVE your activity mat and can now reach up and PULL the toys and shake them.  Of course, your legs never stop moving.



 

Mama and Daddy voted in this years Presidential Election.  The outcome was not what we hoped for, but we did our civic duty and cast our ballots.

 

Mama had her first out of town business trip.  She flew to Colorado for 3 nights for a regional retreat.  Grandmama came in to save the day.  You and Grandmama and Daddy played and played and played (and shopped some too!) and sent me photos from time to time to so I could see your pretty face.

 

Things we don't want to forget...

     *Your first big diaper rash.  Daddy and Mama did a little consulting with the www and friends and determined that Lotrimin (or touch actin' tinactin' as Daddy calls it) might helped.  It worked wonders.

     *Facetiming on Mama's iPhone with Nana and Papa Oregon, Grandmama and your Aunts and Uncles.  We love that they can see you and watch you giggle, squawk and smile.

     *Our crazy hot weather.  You lived in a lot of onesies.  Mama was eager to get you in your Fall Clothes.  Hopefully soon!

     *You constantly have your hands in your mouth.  It's amazing -- you can fit both fists in your mouth when you really try!

     *Trying out the exersaucer.  We have to use a blanket to prop you up, and you'll only stay in there for a few minutes... but we can tell you're going to like it when you are a tad bit bigger.

     *Your Pediatrician telling us that we need to work with you to lock your legs.  You still like to cross your ankles and raise your feet to your buns whenever we try.  You'll get there.

     *Your 4 month shots.  You didn't even flinch with the first shot... and then the Tetanus one came and you screamed.  We felt so bad for you.  Thankfully you were easily distracted when Daddy picked you up and smothered you with kisses.

     *The way that you bang on the tray of your swing when you are done and ready to get out and move on to the next activity.

     *Your cat naps.  We can count the times on one hand when you've actually slept more than 45 minutes or so.  We keep hearing about these 3 hour naps that babies take... you're not so sure.  We don't mind though, because you are so happy.  You have a lot of rest time and quiet time so that works for Mama and Daddy.

     *You are starting to LOATHE your car seat.  We bought you a fun little mirror that lights up and has flashing lights.  It seems to distract you when you are fussy and just want out.

     *You can roll on your side now.  You're so close to rolling over.  We are not in a rush for you to get there.  We quite like being able to lay you down (we never leave you unattended!) and not freak out that you are going to roll off.  We'll enjoy these times when you'll stay wherever we put you.

     *The way Mama cried when she had to leave you for 3 days for her business trip.  She still woke up in the middle of the night.  Her body has a built in Bauer alarm!

     *Your first Mickey Mouse that Grandmama and Daddy bought you from Downtown Disney.  It has a binky in his mouth!

     *The way you put Mama or Daddy's hand over your binky when it's in your mouth.  You like to hold your hands on top of their hands and push on your binky.

     *The way Mama scolds  Daddy when she sees you fast asleep on Daddy's chest.  She's afraid you'll only want to sleep there.  Daddy says it's comfortable for the both of you!

     *Your growing love for your silky. Now it's a silky and a duck/elephant/frog under each arm!

     *The way you tilt your head side to side when you are getting sleepy.

     *The way that you turn into a bucking bronco just before you fall asleep in your crib.  It's like a baby version of restless leg syndrome!

 

 

We love you, Bauer John-Thomas!

Always remember,

You are smart. You are kind. You are important. You are loved.

         

3 months old!

Dear Bauer with love,

 

 

You turned three months old last week.  You are growing and changing so much.  Mama and Daddy snap so many photos of you.  We love every moment ~ every outfit, every expression, every milestone.  Being your Mama and Daddy brings us so much joy. 

 

 

 

 

Mama went back to work October 1st.  It was a hard decision to return to work 4 weeks early, but Daddy and she feel like it's the responsible thing to do.  We want to save time in Mama's sick bank in case of an emergency or  to have that extra time when you become a big brother someday.  We are learning to adjust to this transition.  Monday and Tuesday you are either home with Mama (this is very hard ~ she must juggle working while you are sleeping... getting up before you awake, while you are napping, or after you go to bed...) and when Daddy wakes up from sleeping from his graveyard shift.  Mrs. Lori or JJ are on call to help if needed and are helping us fill in the gaps.  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday you are home with daddy.  We call it Daddy Daycare.  Mama never has to worry... Daddy is so good with you and she knows that you two have fun with each other.  Daddy jokes that he gives you Coca-Cola in your bottles and lets you watch cartoons all day.  Mama doesn't believe him.

 

 

We packed in a lot of fun during the last few weeks of mama's maternity leave.  Grandmama came to get her Bauer fix for a long weekend.  She spoiled you, as usual ~ lots of snuggles, kisses, lap time and one on one time.  Mama and Daddy celebrated part 2 of their anniversary and spent an overnight in The Little Italy district of San Diego. (This is where we had their second date... and... first kiss... :))  A first anniversary is something to celebrate... and we had fun... knowing that you and Grandmama were having good bonding time at home. 

 

 

 

Mama and Daddy joined a small group through our Church.  It is a disciple group of newcomers who meet at the home of a couple who have a heart for welcoming those new to the congregation.  We asked if we could bring you along, knowing that most likely you would fall asleep and not be a bother to the group.  You didn't disappoint.  Every week we dress you in your jammies, bring in your stroller and bassinet attachment (we love our Bugaboo!) and rock you to sleep before our group starts.  You've awakened a few times to make your presence known, but a little snuggle from Daddy or Mama and some binky time and you are quiet as a Church mouse.  We love how flexible you are and that we are able to attend a small group as a family.

 

 

Aunt Olivia from Oregon visited for a week.  Mama and Daddy asked her to be your Godmother.  She is so excited to be your special friend and simply adores you!  Aunt Olivia even took "Bauer duty," one night to let Mama sleep through the night (a treat!)  You had your first non family member babysitter, Camryn, while Mama and Aunt Olivia had some girl time.  And you spent your first day with Mrs. Lori while Mama and Aunt Olivia joined Ms. Kathi at Glen Ivy Hot Springs to celebrate mama's 34th birthday!

 

 

 

Mama and Daddy have been trying to eat healthy, shed some pounds and get back in shape.  That went out the window when Aunt Olivia arrived.  We ditched our Lean Cuisines for eating out... a lot more than we should have!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went to Disneyland on Mama's 34th birthday.  It was your first visit.  You were perfect the entire time.  We are so blessed that you enjoy being in your stroller and people watching.  Mama and Daddy love showing you new things and watching your reaction to new people, places and things.  Your first ride was Toy Story Mania.  Mama wasn't too happy with this choice, but Daddy wanted you to have a boy ride be your first Disneyland experience.  You didn't like all of the stimulation too much.  Daddy held you extra tight and Mama did her best to try to calm you down.  Lesson learned!

 

 

 

While at Disneyland we showed you off to Daddy's coworkers at Guest Services.  They swooned over you and took turns passing you around.  Daddy is so proud of you.  Mama loved see Daddy's eyes light up as he introduced you to everyone who, up until now, had only seen you in photos. 

 

 

Mama had her first business trip the first week of October.  Daddy and you came along with mama to Las Vegas!  In your three months you have visited 3 states (California, Oregon and Nevada!).  My boss and coworker got to meet you at dinner one night.  You were an angel and flirted with both of them.  You are the happiest baby and aren't shy about smiling... both with a huge grin and your sparkling blue eyes. 

 

 

You and Daddy spent some time together in the hotel while Mama worked her event.  Mama missed you like crazy.  She was only gone for a few hours... but couldn't stop thinking about you the whole time she was gone.  It is so hard for her to have to leave you.  She is thankful that you are with Daddy and that she's not away from you like she would be if she worked in an office 8-5pm every day. AND that we are able to make the sacrifices necessary to not have you go to daycare full-time.

 

 

 

We took you to the Vegas strip. Rather, we walked all over the Vegas strip.  Mama had the bright idea to walk from the hotel (near the Las Vegas Hilton) all the way to MGM.  It was quite a trek through all of the tourists.  We stopped along the way to see the touristy stuff.  You just chilled in your stroller.  Well, until your mini meltdown at dinner.  You were ready or bed.  We opted to take the monorail back to the hotel.  Good call, Mama!

 

 

 

We heard you laugh for the first time this month!  It is the sweetest sound, and one that we hear often.  You are blowing bubbles now, grasping your silkies, (a boy after Mama's own heart!) and "talking" more.  You still love your activity mat and swing and they have become your preferred catnap location.

 

 

We fall in love with you more every day, sweet B.!

 

Things we don't want to forget...

     *Mama and Daddy making the decision to ditch your swaddle blankets for sleeping.  It prolonged your going to sleep for a bit at first... but now you are an old pro at swaddle blanket-less snoozing.  You almost always sleep with your hands above your head and a silky next to you and a binky in your mouth.  Melts our hearts!

     *The way that you fall asleep with Daddy on the couch.  You snuggle right in and snooze away.  You are the perfect size!
     *My first birthday present from my son ~ a ring from Tiffany!

     *The time that Mama and Daddy tried you in the Johnny Jump up.  You are still a little too small... but looked so adorable with your head peeking right over the top of the seat.

     *Trying out the bumbo seat.  Mama and daddy are a little too ambitious... you aren't quite ready to sit up in the seat yet.  You are still a little to bobble head-y.

     *Your middle of the night feedings.  If ONLY we could just stretch that before bed bottle... but... sigh... you almost always wake up at 3AM and 6AM for 4 - 4.5 oz. of Mama's milk.  It's okay though... you chug it down (with an occasional spit up... usually on Daddy!) and are back to sleep after your milk coma.

     *Wearing your first shoes!  UGA slip ons from Mrs. Nita and little white leather LaCoste velcro tennies.  You look ADORABLE and mama wants to put a pair in a shadow box to always remember how itty bitty your feet were.

     *Your second time being a birthday party guest ~ our friend and neighbor McKenna turned 2 and had a birthday bash at the park.  The women took turns holding you.  You just relaxed and took everything in.  Mama and Daddy are excited to host your first birthday.  9 months to go! LOL

     *The way you will chill in your bouncy seat while Mama takes a shower and gets ready.  You just chill and suck away on your binky.

     *Your love for Mr. Frog , Ella the Elephant and Mothra (daddy named him) the firefly.  You tuck them (or a silky) under your arm like y'all are old friends. 

     *Dinner at JJ's and meeting Mrs. Karen, Mr. Mark, Ms. Kristy and celebrating cousin Andrew's 19th birthday.  Everyone said they felt like they knew you from all of the photos that mama and daddy post on Facebook.  They loved on you and brought you some sweet gifts.

     *Wearing jeans for the first time.  Real big boy jeans.  Daddy cursed them, but Mama insisted that you wear them. You looked so grown up.  You screamed bloody murder in your car seat on the way home from Church.  Daddy was convinced it was because you didn't like the jeans.  Mama thinks you were just extra sleepy!
     *Switching up to size 2 diapers.  They are a little big and we have to wrap them to make them work.  Growing boy!!

     *The way that EVERYONE, even strangers, comment on how much you look like Daddy.  Daddy and his mini me - you two are twins... 43 years a part!

 

We love you, Bauer John-Thomas!

Always remember,

You are smart. You are kind. You are important. You are loved.