4 Months!

Dear Brooke,

You're growing up so fast, big girl! Every day you learn how to do new things and get smarter and stronger. You make the silliest noises and faces that make Mommy and Daddy smile so big. You're a very curious girl, constantly reaching out for things to figure out what they are and how you can get them into your mouth. You concentrate very hard on objects that you're holding. We can see your little brain hard at work just trying to make sense of all of your surroundings. Just as you're changing, so are your preferences. Here are a few of the things you like and don't like this month:

Favorites

Sitting Up - Sitting up has provided you with a new view of the world and you're loving it. You get stronger every day, sitting up by yourself for longer periods of time. Your favorite thing to play with while you sit up is the stack of colored rings; it helps keep you balanced and, of course, you love to eat it.

Your "Company" - You love the "company" that sleeps in your bed with you at night ("company" is the term your cousin uses to describe her stuffed animals and dolls). You have 3 friends in your bed at night: your bunny, who has become your bestest good friend and you love to snuggle with; your teddy bear, the one that makes womb noises and who you reach for to play with in the mornings; and your light-up singing seahorse, whose lullabies put you to sleep every night. Each friend plays a critical role in helping comfort you in your crib.

The Remote Control - You have a funny fascination with the remote control. It's easy for you to hold it in your hands, light enough for you to get it to your mouth, and has bright buttons that you've already figured out how to press. You even turned the TV off last week!

Penguin - Your good buddy Penguin is your BFF. He is the perfect size for you to hug. His beak is without a doubt your favorite thing to chew on and it happens to be the perfect height for you to get it in your mouth. We have a feeling you two will be good buddies for a very long time.

Your Rocking Chair - Part of our bedtime routine is spending some cuddle time in the rocking chair in your nursery. We didn't use it very much when you were younger, but now we spend some serious time in it. You now know that when we get in that chair bedtime is moments away and it's time to relax. Mommy loves this time with you.

Not-So-Favorites

Being Hot - You do not like to be too hot. This is part of the reason you still don't like the carseat very much; you get pretty hot in it. It's not uncommon for you to be a sweaty mess when we take you out. We're not looking forward to a hot summer with a sticky baby. Get ready to take lots of cool baths!

Your Swing - You are no longer a fan of your swing. You've outgrown it physically (your feet stick out off the end) and mentally. The hanging bugs are too far for you to reach and aren't stimulating enough for you. You prefer to be on the floor where you can move around and kick those legs.

Separation from Mommy - You have developed a bad case of separation anxiety. Being away from Mommy makes you nervous and unsettled. It's not surprising, as we spend a lot of time together. But we're working on getting you used to being with other people. And the doctor suggested we play peek-a-boo with you, which you love, to teach you that just because you can't see us it doesn't mean we aren't with you.

Brooke, you make Mommy & Daddy so proud. You amaze us every day with what you can do. We can see a little bit of each of us in you. Nothing is more endearing than to hear someone say "Oh, she looks just like you." You have your Mommy's nose and eyes and your Daddy's cheeks and smile. You are perfect and precious, Big Lady, and we love you to pieces.

Love,

Mommy & Daddy