Four Months Old

Jillian is now officially four months old and we can't get over how big she is. She's absolutely charming, silly, and simply a joy. I'm happy to report that the bout of bronchiolitis is now over and she's back to her usual sweet self, though for some reason she thinks it's fun to get up at either 3 or 4 a.m. on a consistent basis. Mommy doesn't think this is so fun, especially when it's on a work day. Jillian is really discovering the world. It's evident in her facial expressions as she notices everything from a brightly colored shirt (I swear, she is partial to KU shirts), the afghan on the back of the couch, my bracelets, a picture on the wall. This has created some recent challenges with nursing because she really just doesn't stay focused and latched on. She's got other things to do. I just can't resist that sweet little face and giggle as she looks up at me in her curious fashion.
Jillian has had a busy week to commemorate her 4 month birthday--highlights included a long weekend visit from Aunt Meggie, where she got to spend lots of time shopping and lunching out with us 'big girls'. She was very well behaved, and loved snuggling with Aunt Meggie.

Grandpa was in the neighborhood on Sunday, so he stopped by for some snuggles as well.

Finally, she made it through the four month dr. visit and shots with relative ease. She didn't cry at all when the nurse gave her the first shot, and only a bit after the second. Jillian now weighs 14 lbs 10 oz (70th percentile) and is just over 25 inches long (75%). Her dr. was once again impressed with her strength, and commented again how she thinks she'll be mobile fairly soon. Yikes. We discussed the whole when to start cereal debate, and our pediatrician felt it would be just fine to give it a go anytime. This surprised Mommy, as I was really thinking she'd tell us to wait until 6 months. Jillian smiled and giggled as the dr. told us this--it was as though she was thanking her. Jillian has been showing signs of readiness for several weeks now. She grabs at my food, smacks her lips, and follows food as we are eating--at every single meal or snack. We decided to give it a go last night, just to begin to introduce her to the experience. I'm pretty sure it wasn't a smashing hit, but she was at least interested in it. It's more of a sensory experience at this point--I think she actually swallowed about 1/16 of a teaspoon. We're not in a hurry, but if she's ready to eat more, then by golly we'll let her. We'll just continue exposing her every so often at this point. We documented the event for your viewing enjoyment. Her Daddy held her for the first bite.



Lastly, I just have to share this series of pictures. She was looking all adorable in the outfit that Grandma and Pop Pop sent her tonight, and she just couldn't resist examining her feet. Natural consequences, however, ensued :)