Eli 4 month old update (11/8/11 to 12/8/11)

Our little man is 4 months old!  He is 25 inches long and weighs 15 pounds and 2 ounces.  He had a good well visit at the doctor.  Dr. Frazier recommended that we start giving him a vitamin with iron, and Eli does not like it one bit.  Dr. Frazier said that his gums are swollen and he would probably be teething soon.  He did have to get immunizations, which made him a little fussy and caused him to have a low grade fever.  He did have one episode this month of being ill where he was coughing a lot, waking up really fussy, and had a runny left eye.  Speaking of eyes, I am still not sure what color eyes this little guy has.  They look kind of hazel or greenish, but it's difficult to tell.

Eli definitely knows his name now!  He loves being smiled at and enjoys when people talk to him.
He also enjoys taking baths, playing with the activity bar on his car seat, laughing at Isaac, and squealing when I get excited!  He is also babbling a lot, which is the sweetest little sound!  He seems to be interested in food as he is starting to stare at our food when we eat.  Eli doesn't mind laying on and playing on his belly now. 

Eli has had several accomplishments this month!  He is able to sit by himself for a few seconds before tumbling over.  He can sit easily with a toy in front of him and lean on his belly for a little extra support.  He is also able to stand with assistance, such as holding some one's hands. His balance seems to be improving, and he constantly moves his arms and legs for balance.  Eli made his debut as an actor!  He was in our church Christmas play (at Rich Pond Baptist Church) and was Deborah's son.  I was a little worried, but he made it through all three performances without making a peep!  Another big moment this month was Eli's first haircut!  We cut his hair on 11/24, so no more tangles!!!  It was definitely time for a haircut!  He is becoming more mobile.  He somehow moves all over his bed by rolling and scooting around.

Eli is awake more during the day, so he more aware of his surroundings.  He focuses on tasks and is grabbing objects better.  He is starting to really feel and explore with his hands and mouth.  He chews on toys, which is partly to explore things, but also since he is in the early phases of teething.  Everything he touches seems to go straight to his mouth, including his foot.  He loves putting his feet in his mouth.  He is also able to put his own pacifier his him mouth.

Our babysitter Valerie quite, and we are so blessed to have found Natalie!  Natalie is a friend from church and know she will take such good care of Eli, just like if he were her own son.  We are so thankful for her!  Eli's schedule is similar with his eating.  He nurses/eats 6 times a day, about 5-6 ounces of milk.  He has started to eat rice cereal but seems to spit most of it out.  He sleeps from 7:30pm to 6:00 am and I wake him up around 9 pm for his last feeding.

It is a joy watching our little fella grow and develop!  We are so thankful he is thriving the way he should be!