Weight: 18lbs (95%) 4 month check up a few weeks ago. And he’s 26 1/2″ (98%)
Health: Got his first tooth on his 5th month birthday! He’s working on the second one now. Riley always got teeth in pairs, so I’m thinking he’ll be the same.
Sleep: We’re getting there, but these past few weeks have been rough. There was the 4 month sleep regression, and we made it through that. He really likes soothing with a pacifier, and I don’t think it’s a crutch at this point, because once he’s calm and drifts off to sleep and it pops out and he doesn’t wake up. I’ll let him keep it for a little while longer, and it’s been a big help getting him back to sleep with all the nighttime waking. He’s in more teething pain at night (less distractions) so that’s hard. We’re still swaddling him because he flails his arms and keeps himself awake. I’d like to start to transition him to one arm out, but each time I try he’s too active. I’ve been patting him on his tummy when he wakes after a 45min nap, to try to stretch them to 1.5 – 2 hours. He’s on a 2 nap plus 30min catnap in the evening schedule.
Nursing: Going well. Since he has a really sharp bottom tooth he’s started to bite a little which sucks. I remember that phase well with Riley. It passes, but it’s not fun. He’s still taking a bottle the few times we have a babysitter which is a huge difference from Riley. I’m SO thankful he’ll take a bottle. Kelly asked me the other day at what point I was completely comfortable nursing in public – and I had to think. I’ve been doing it for so long at this point (15.5 months with Riley and 5 months with Charly) so I don’t even really think about it anymore. It’s just another thing I do.
What Charly is up to: Rolling over! He rolled from Back to Tummy for the first time on New Years Day! Now he’s all about rolling. Grabbing toys. Chewing on everything he can get to. We had our first Christmas which was a blast, and a total blur. 2 kids at Christmas is so much fun, but also chaos. There’s just a lot going on. We also took a trip to San Diego to visit some special friends and went on the USS Midway. We’re in the “sweet spot” of babyness and I love it. He’s such a happy baby.
PostPartum: I feel good. I’m still not quite back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but I feel pretty good in my clothes. I’m cleaning up my eating this month after the holidays and a few too many sweets. And I still feel best when I eat Whole 30ish. I’m no where close to my former fitness. But there’s plenty of time for that. Being a mama to 2 little kids is taking a lot of time and energy, so I’m giving myself plenty of time to get back to a normal exercise routine. Might be making excuses, but I’m taking my sanity where I can get it ;)
Baby Gear: Sophie the Giraffe. Any and all teething toys. Bibs. Things that shake and rattle.
Thoughts: I’m so thankful and happy in this season of our lives. We’re healthy, and safe and just so blessed. I have no idea what the future holds for us, but right now everything is so good. And I want to savor it as long as possible. A friend pointed out the way Charly looks to me with this expression full of love and wonder. It’s the most prefect thing ever.
Weight: 18lb (95%) and 26 1/2″ (98%) at his appointment today. Riley was similar at this age, but Charly is chunkier to me. Wearing 9mo and 12mo clothing. I pulled out a whole bunch of winter clothes from Riley and it’s cute to see Charly in the same things I remember Riley wearing around the holidays.
Health: We all got hit with a terrible head cold a few weeks ago, but Charly did the best. Yay for Breastfeeding and Antibodies. He’s started drooling a ton and chewing on his hands – so I know teething is just around the corner.
Sleep: We’re getting there – but it’s time for the 4 month sleep regression, so yay. I remember thinking all my hard work was coming undone with Riley at this age. But I know better now, and I’m just going to ride it out. He sleeps well at night, usually going down with me at 9:30/10pm and sleeping until 1 or 2 or 3am, eats once then up at 6am or so for another feeding and back to sleep. I’m much more relaxed with Charly’s sleep schedule, but I am looking forward to setting a consistent bedtime. I miss having some time to myself in the evening.
Nursing: He’s getting more distracted when he’s nursing, which was reflected in the slight percentage drop in his weight gain. I think I need to start nursing him in a quiet place, like his room, without distractions like Riley around. Sometimes he wakes up and eats well right away, other times he plays and just wants to smile and coo and I have to come back and feed him later. I’m more relaxed about nursing this time around, I rarely look at a clock to see when the last time he ate was, or how long he nursed for. He eats when he wakes up, and when he’s done I’m off to do other things.
What Charly is up to: Talking, making all kinds of sounds. Chewing on his hands. Drooling. Big smiles and giggles. Loves getting dressed and having his diaper changed. He’ll try to gnaw on his hands when you change his shirt, he love his hands. He’s really started to notice Riley and gets so excited when Riley talks to him or brings him a toy. He’s such a mellow baby, I’m so very lucky. He’s content to just hang on his blanket or in his chair between naps and feedings. We drove to AZ for Thanksgiving at my brother’s house and Charly was a champ in the car. Slept almost the whole time. He met Santa yesterday and had his picture taken.
4 month check upMeeting Santa
Blue eyes are holding on!Get’s so excited when Big Brother pays attention to him
He’s the best
PostPartum: Clothes are starting to fit better, and I’m getting the itch to start working out again. But with the holidays and everything going on I’m just going to focus on eating well since I don’t have time for 2 kids, healthy eating, keeping the house right-side up, and Christmas stuff. Workouts can wait, I’m sure I could make time – but I’m just not into it for this season.
Baby Gear: Size 2 diapers. 9mo clothing. Nose Frida. Ergo. Bob Jogging stroller.
Thoughts: Time is flying. Some days are a blur of kids and diapers and feeding everyone. And sometimes I’m just so tired and mentally exhausted. But I’m trying so hard to enjoy it all, and take pictures and remember these days because they only happen once. I’m excited for Christmas and seeing the boys grow and interact with each other. Charly is such a sweet and happy baby, I’m so thankful for him. We’ve started calling him “Little Oso” for Little Bear :)
Reading: 90% Finished with The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I’m preparing myself for some serious decluttering. My aim to to do a big clean pre-Christmas and then another round after the New Year. Since we hope to move in the Spring I’m motivated to get down to less. Less of everything. Less we have to pack and move the better. I do need a new good book to read. Suggestions!?
Eating: Whole 30. for the most part still. I am going off plan one meal a day. Having cheese or some bread. I haven’t reintroduced anything that’s made me feel bad – but I’m really, really trying to stay away from added sugar as much as possible. It’s in everything (bacon, salad dressing, snacks) so I’m not being too crazy about it, but I don’t want to feed my sweet tooth any more. I just finished making dinner for tonight, it’s a W30 favorite. Bacon + Apple + Sweet Potato Hash. Go forth and make this immediately. I made a double batch. Because. Leftovers. It’s a little effort with chopping and cooking, but worth it. Top with a fried egg. Amazing.
Thinking About: The Holidays! I love this time of year, and the weather is finally cooling off so it’s starting to feel like something other than the brutal never-ending Summer we’ve had. I’m excited for Riley to experience Christmas. I haven’t even thought about shopping, since that sounds overwhelming. But food! Decorations! Baking! Cool weather!
Looking Forward to: Family Christmas Card photos on Saturday! I’ll be our first “nice” photos together as a family of 4! I’m a big fan of Christmas Cards and annual photos. I think it’s well worth the time and money to have professional photos to look back on for years to come. Lots of local photographers run little Holiday “mini sessions” for a a lesser fee and a 30min shoot. It’s the perfect amount of time for little kids.
Enjoying: This cooler weather. Finally. I’ve always thought of myself as a sunshine and summer girl. I lived in Rainbow sandals exclusively, year-round from High School through College. But as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized I desperately crave the change in seasons. Living in the Valley the weather is different than anywhere else I’ve lived. There’s NO Costal Breeze. It’s just flat out HOT for months and months. I can’t deal. Especially with the kids. Mamas that live in the true desert – you are heroes.
Learning: How to be be a wife + mother of two + friend + myself. Kelly and I went away a few weeks ago, just for one night. It was my first night away from Charly. Much sooner than I left Riley for the night. I was excited for some solo time, but also felt anxious and guilty leaving the boys. The whole drive I had to do some serious pep talking with myself, “you are a Wife first, Mother second. It’s GOOD to spend time with your Husband. It’s GOOD to have some time to yourself.” The Mama Guilt is real, and loud in your head.
Loving: A few new fall clothes I got to fit my current post-baby body. I got some higher waisted jeans, some tunic tops and a leather jacket I’ve had my eye on for months. Mom jeans – I get it. I totally get it. My days of super low hip-huggers are over. Mama ain’t got time for pulling my pants up/shirt down anytime I have to bend down to pick up all the things.
The Merfett 