To Hallie: best baby in all the land,
This has been one terribly fun month with you! Are you still the actual happiest baby and always ready to smile and laugh. We love having you with us!
On the developmental front, you are still not super interested in rolling, but you will occasionally let us catch you at it, so as not to worry us that you're falling behind. It is very considerate of you. We've *almost* fully transitioned you into your sleep sack (rather than your swaddle), and you are not handling that freedom and independence with the reserve that I'd like; you are so happy to wave your arms around and stare at your hands. Recently, you've started turning yourself round and round in your crib, too. At least you are still a great sleeper; even if it takes a beat longer to actually get to sleep.
I pulled out the Bumbo recently as another seating option for you, and YOU ARE A FAN. You were so tickled your first time in it, and you've thoroughly enjoyed it since. You're not sitting unassisted yet, but we are building those muscles daily, and you do pretty well with some light props in place. You really can't help it that your cheeks weigh your head down and make it so very difficult to stay upright. Daddy also got out the Jenny Jump-Up for you a while ago, and you've recently figured out how to work it. It's so fun to watch you enjoy it!
You've developed a slightly heightened interest in eating, but it's still going at a leisurely pace. So far, you've tried applesauce, bananas, avocado, green beans, bread, and rice. You're not crazy about green beans, by the way. You love avocado. Everything else is just sort of fine.
A couple weeks ago, I was singing "Livin' On a Prayer" (because that's my life), and you tried so hard to sing along with me. It was the cutest, sweetest thing! We've caught you trying to hum or sing with us many times recently, and we all love it. I remember when you were just a few weeks old and hummed along in your sleep when we sang hymns at prayer time. I wonder if you're going to be musical...
I've learned that you don't waste your tears and fussing. If you're fussing, there's a legitimate reason. Usually a diaper, hunger, or tiredness. Sometimes a trapped burp. Or your headband has made its way down over your face. But you aren't a fussy baby, and you don't fuss for minor things. I greatly appreciate that.
Because you were born in The Time of COVID, you haven't met nearly as many friends as your sisters had by this age. But, this month, you met (and were held by) the Harbers (well, Mrs. Katie) and Ms. Mindy. It is so fun when I get to share you with friends; you are such a ray of sunshine, and it has been sad for me not to be able to share you with more people.
Wait. I guess I should mention here that you see everyone at co-op on Fridays. You're sort of a baby mascot in Claire's class. All of the little boys (there are 5 boys and 2 girls) are very taken with you- probably because you let out a monstrous burp during the prayer a few weeks ago and earned major points with them. It seems you can read a room and know your audience.
We love you so very much, Hallie. I can't believe I ever thought that four was just way too many children! What a poor person I would be without you in my life.
Love you love you love you,
Mommy
