baby marin -
what a big month this has been!
first, you flew on an airplane for the first time. you, adam, and i went to SC to visit your uncle lucas and maw maw and paw paw. you slept the entire time, both ways, and i couldn't have asked for an easier time with you. (that's not to say it wasn't challenging with you and your brother alone... getting through security, holding you, entertaining and feeding both of you, etc. but as far as flying with an infant goes, i don't think it could have been much better!). in SC it became apparent to me that you are really attached to, well, me. you would cry sometimes when others would hold you and dry right up when in my arms. at this age adam was in daycare 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. you, on the other hand, are with just me (mostly), daddy and our babysitter. i've just started going to the Y a few days a week and taking you with me to the childcare room while i work out. i think that this will do us both some good - mama getting back in shape, you learning how to be around other adults (and kids for that matter).
as we approach your 5 mos bday i've been giving you about a half tablespoon of rice cereal a night, mostly just to warm you up to the idea. most of it is on your bib and face, but you're doing ok. i can tell it's frustrating to you tho. maybe soon we'll try something more flavorful and you'll be more excited. :)
you're sleeping like a champ these days. you take about 3 naps a day, usually 45 mins to an hour or so. and we put you to bed around 7pm and you sleep right thru till 6 or 7am. i have noticed that if i dress you warmly you sleep longer (i get that!). and we've started to use the overnight diapers, which also keep you dryer so you sleep a big longer (waking at 6 ot 7 as opposed to 4 or 5). the overnights come in size 3 as the smallest, so they're still a little big, but we use them anyhow.
you're much more predictable these days. you eat, play for an hour or two, sleep. eat, play sleep. all on a 3 or 4 hour cycle. you and i are often on the go so much that your naps are in strollers, carriers and car seats, but you do great anyhow. when/if you're fussy, it's almost ALWAYS b/c you're tired. i can put you down awake and you find your own way to sleep, which is great.
you LOVE your "binky" as we call it and are learning how to pop it back into your own mouth sometimes (YAY!). you drool, chew on toys and your fingers. you LOVE to watch your brother and smile the biggest smiles at him when he talks ot you. for this reward, i'm sure he'd do back flips if he could. he is SO in love with you, always looking out for you, telling me what you need, trying to calm you when you're crying, and helping me with anything i need to take good care of you. he's never uttered a jealous or mean word toward or about you, which is surprising but true (i know we still have the rest of our lives to get through... but this is a good start, right? :))
you've rolled over from back to front a few times, but nothing consistent. you actually hate tummy time, so i'm sure you're not getting as much as is prob best.
almost EVERY time you poop, marin, you blow it out girl. i don't know what the problem is!! i have tried diff brands, made careful sure i am doing your diaper properly, sized up, etc. no matter what, you leak poop almost every time you go. this is a real mystery to me... and actually has me really nervous about starting solids soon!
you like to talk, blow raspberries, and so often it sounds just like you're saying HI. you squeal and giggle. you could smile at yourself in the mirror for hours.
you're wearing mostly 6 mos size clothes. i love dressing you - girl things are so cute! we have your 4 mos check up this week, so i'll have to report back on your weight! i'm guessing 15lbs.
marin, you've made quite the turn around from the fussy newborn to a sweet, round, smiley infant! we love you so much!!
