Four Months

 Height:  24"

Weight:  14 lbs, 13 oz

Gunnar's 4th month was a busy one with lots of "firsts." He listened to us play instruments and sing to him for the first time! I can't believe it took us this long. He was completely entranced watching us and loved listening. He often joins in whenever someone is singing to him, but not when the instruments get involved - then, he's all ears. He even got the opportunity to play piano himself! He really liked exploring the keys with his hands and he was particularly drawn to the black keys. Stuart thinks it's because they are easier to grasp; I think it's because he's like his mom and loves a good blue note. Click here to see a video of him playing. Password is Gunnar.

Gunnar Playing Piano

The doctor mentioned at his check-up that Gunnar needed to be doing more tummy time since he had not yet rolled over. Stuart followed orders and had him doing tummy time every morning and evening and was paid for his efforts in screaming and crying. Gunnar, like most babies, hated tummy time at first and it was often unsuccessful. If he wasn't throwing a fit, he was trying to fall asleep! But over time he got stronger and on February 15th, I turned around just.in.time. to see him roll from belly to back for the first time! He is still working on rolling from back to belly but we don't think it will be much longer before he's mastered that as well! He has become quite the social butterfly and will smile and laugh at almost anyone who engages him. He loves play time with us and gets especially excited when Stuart plays peekaboo with him - he kicks, smiles, and squeals every time! He also loves to play in the mirror, so much so that it has become part of the bath time routine.

He tried rice cereal for the first time on February 5th. Knowing we were starting solids before he was completely ready, I was hoping it would be the solution to my problem of not having enough opportunities to pump at work. So far, it's not working too well. :) He enjoys eating and likes the cereal, but developmentally, he's just not quite ready.

Sleeping became a problem as we battled the "4 Month Wakeful Period". Gunnar was fighting sleep at nap and at bedtime and was also having trouble staying asleep. He would wake up for his middle-of-the-night feeding (and many other times) and start babbling. We would have staring contests while I nursed, me willing him to close his eyes, but he won every time. There were many nights he was left to talk to himself in his crib until he fell back asleep. Thankfully, that period was temporary and we are now back to normal. In fact, he went his longest stretch ever on February 20th - 10 hours!!!

Gunnar had TWO special visitors at the beginning of his 4th month, one of whom was Grandpa! They had quite the time together - there was a lot of singing and silly sounds and of course, serious conversation. Gunnar loves to be talked to, but he especially loves to talk back! He also got to spend some time with Aunt Jess. He liked her silly faces and made-up songs. And our new nanny, Kelsi started this month. She has been wonderful so far and I love coming home to a well-rested and socialized baby who seems much happier.  :)