Fourth Month Snapshot

Weight: 12 pounds, 4 ounces (25th percentile)

Height: 24 inches (50th percentile)

Head Circumference: 40 centimeters (25th percentile)

Development: Ainsley is right on track developmentally and can raise up on her arms when she's lying on her tummy, she can laugh, squeal, shriek, and coo, she turns in the direction of our voice, can hold her head steady when upright with the occasional wobble, and can reach for and grasp toys and rattles that are held within reach. She has turned into a social eater, wanting to coo and chat while she eats which is adorable although it often doubles the time it takes to nurse. She has become quite the fun little playmate and we're loving watching her discover these new tricks.

Usually much to her own dismay, Ainsley has also become a pro at taking out her pacifier. She'll typically be lulling herself to sleep when all of a sudden a no good hand comes out of no where and snatches her pacifier right out of her mouth! Sometimes it looks like she is literally battling with her hand in order to keep her pacifier securely in her mouth. She's still learning to put it back in, a feat which successfully happens about half the time... the other half she ends up in tears.

Likes: The vanity insanity has begun as Ainsley LOVES to watch herself in the mirror. I'm not sure that she actually realizes it's her yet, but she sure is in love with whoever she thinks is staring back at her. Ainsley never really liked to be cradled like a baby, but now one of her favorite position seems to be "standing" on our laps so that she can see everything going on around her. Although skinny, her little legs are strong and able to support all her weight. She also loves, loves, loves her mobile and always smiles and laughs when we turn it on. And of course, she loves any and everything she can smush, push, or jam into in her mouth.

Dislikes: Ainsley's dislikes have become fewer and fewer as she's gotten older. She now slurps down her medicine like a pro, splish-splashes and giggles in her bath, takes a bottle with ease, and it seems like she is FINALLY over the evening time crying and fussiness. Sadly, she is now back to not liking her car seat and she gets frustrated with anything that she can't figure out how to smush, push, or jam into her mouth.

Personality: This past month we have begun to see bits and pieces of Ainsley's personality poking through her babiness. She tends to be a quiet observer when she's in a new environment or around people who she doesn't know. She always seems to get a stoic face, studying everything around her. On the other hand, at home with George and I she spends most of her time talking, shrieking, laughing, and smiling (when she's had a good nap!) or silently concentrating on a toy.

Favorite moments: One of our favorite things is seeing her face light up when we go to pick her up out of bed in the morning. She gets a big grin on her face like she hasn't seen us in weeks. It is also so sweet to watch her full body stretch (arms long over heard and legs and feet as straight as they can go) when we take her out of her swaddle in the morning.

Since life has slowed down a bit this month (ie. we're FINALLY done unpacking!!) I have had some time to reflect on Ainsley's birth and time in the NICU. After finally processing how scary and challenging that time was, in the end, I have been completely overcome with gratitude for this little munchkin. She is absolutely my "miracle child" and the love of my life and I am so blessed to be her mommy. The Lord is so good!