Dear Rose - Four Months Old

Dear Rose,
How is it that you are now four months old? Holy moley!

This month has gone by so quickly - so much has happened. Mama started her new job, one that requires her to be away from you, which was/is really really hard. But you are really enjoying your time at Montessori. Every day we get the little report about what you did and it is so adorable - according to your teacher, you spend a lot of the day giggling at your image in the mirror, giggling at Norah (one of the other babies there), napping and eating. It soothes Mama's heart to know that you are in an environment where you can explore, learn, and be loved.

One of the things you are doing recently, at school, at home, everywhere - is sticking your tongue out at everyone and everything. It seems to be your unique way of saying hello, hey, notice me. Your tongue is the cutest thing in the world. As you know, we made a trip to Hawai'i this month too, for Grandpa's funeral. It was your first airplane ride, your first time meeting Ni-Ni, your first time staying at a hotel, your first taste of shave ice, your first heat rash. . . you did remarkably well. Ni-Ni finally learned how to see the photos on her cell phone and she is delighted to get to see more of you now.
You have become a drooling machine. There always seems to be a steady drip coming from your mouth. We think you may be starting to get your first tooth! You also seem to be have taken up a full time job of sticking your hands in your mouth, too. You are also learning how to put your rattles, plastic spoons, anything really into your mouth too. Your coordination is a little off still, so it is fairly common (and utterly hysterical) to see you try to put your rattle into your eye, your cheek. You KNOW that your mouth is there, but your aim is a little off.
You have rolled over now too. Just once. But by yourself. Dad and I are on high alert for more rolling and we are being more strategic about where we put you.
You seem much more like a baby now, Rose. You know your Mama and seem to prefer me over others. You interact with people now, too, so much more than before - smiling, talking with them. You are so deliciously cute - everyone wants to touch those gorgeous smooshy cheeks of yours and eat you up!

All my love,
Mama