Four Months Old

Dear Rya D.,

You're four-months-old today! This month you started drooling big time. The upside to all this drool is that we don't have to fill the dogs' water bowl anymore because they just stay hydrated by licking your chin. Speaking of Bruco and Paolo, have I told you how much they love you? They adore you and judging by your giant smiles I believe you love them too.

You smile the most for Currier. We were worried that Currier would be jealous of you but he's not. He has loved you from the second he met you and you are fascinated by him. He wants you to be a part of everything. If we're about to head out somewhere he'll ask, "Is baby Rya coming?" and I'll ask, "Do you want her to come?" The answer is always, "yes". He also looks out for you. Whenever you cry, he yells, "Mom, Rya needs you!" If I can't get to you right away, he calms you by saying, "Sh sh sh, it's okay baby Rya." I'm not foolish enough to think you'll always get along this well but I am smart enough to know that you two have a special bond. It's comforting to know that you have each other.

You started laughing this month. Not for me though—just your daddy. He bounces you on his belly and sings silly songs and you think it's hilarious. At first we didn't know what the heck the sound was that you were making and then we realized you were laughing. You have a quirky, contagious laugh and I can't wait to hear more of it!

You still haven't slept in your crib in your own room. You sleep in a co-sleeper beside our bed. You usually wake around 4AM and I pull you into bed with me and nurse you until you fall back asleep right beside me. I can feel your tiny breaths and your warm little body against mine and that's my favorite time with you. I don't want these moments to end.

So Miss Rya Diane, I guess what I'm trying to say is we're all crazy about you! You're the perfect fit to our wacky little family.

All my love,
Mama