four months

Grady and Charlotte hit 4 months this past Wednesday.  I swear, these months are going by really quickly!  This has been such a fun time with the babies, because we're starting to see their little personalities come through, and they're starting to get more interactive.

Things to remember:

..Grady and Charlotte still like to be swaddled at night, but sleep unswaddled during the day..

..They're not really on a good schedule yet.  I'm really hoping that's coming soon, because it's tricky not knowing when they'll be eating or napping day to day..

..Just within the last couple weeks, they've all of a sudden been so much more awake during the day.  It's a lot of fun to play with them more, but it's definitely been keeping me busy!  It's a good day when I manage to take a shower or do the dishes..

..On the other hand, they've been sleeping in much longer stretches during the night... hallelujah!  I'd even say that they're starting to sleep through the night!  It's not always consistent, and usually one baby or the other will wake up and need some help falling back asleep.  But, we're making big strides from where we started!..

..So although they sleep for longer stretches once they're asleep, Grady and Charlotte are night owls to the max.  It's sort of ridiculous.  I've tried everything I can think of to get them to bed early (aka, when normal babies go to sleep), but they just won't do it.  They end up crying and crying in bed until they get all worked up and can't fall asleep.  Then their next feeding comes along, and I'm positive that they'll konk out after... and then they don't.  Crazy babies..

..Last month, they were starting to really smile... now they're cooing up a storm.  Grady is definitely a talkative one and such a happy kid (unless he's hungry or tired, then watch out!).  Charlotte is more reserved with her big grins.  We have to work a little harder for them, but it is so adorable when she gets going..

..They had their first real public outing to my brother's wedding reception at the beginning of the month and did really well..

..Subsequently, though, they came down with their first colds right after.  There was a lot of coughing, sneezing, and sniffling around here.  Luckily, the sickness didn't last long, and they're both back to their usual selves now..

..They are just starting into their 0-3 month clothes.  A lot of it is still on the big side, but they're quickly growing out of their newborn things.

..They have been wearing size 1-2 diapers..

..They've plateaued at drinking 5-6 oz per feeding..

..We will finally be blessing the babies on Easter Sunday!  We've been having to wait until the flu/RSV season is (almost) over.  Can't wait :)..

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- Grady weighs about 10 lb 12 oz as of a week ago.

- He likes to play with his hands and has found that they are fantastic things to  gnaw on as well.

- Goes from zero to sixty when he wakes up.  If no one is around to scoop him up right away, he gets very upset.  He's really started to become the feistier of the two.

- His legs are so strong these days.  He will stand for several minutes at a time, and loves it!  Now we just need him to strengthen those neck muscles and work on his bobble-head tendencies.

- Grady hates napping in his crib during the day.  Instead, he sleeps like a rock in his swing or the family room rocking chair.  Weird.

 - The other day, I was gone to a doctor's appointment, and Bryce was home with the babies.  He texted me and said that he had set Grady down on his back on our bed and left the room for just a minute.  Grady started crying, then let out a big scream and was quiet.  Bryce hurried back in and found Grady rolled onto his stomach, and sound asleep!  We figure it was some kind of fluke, but still... he rolled over!

- Like I mentioned earlier, Grady is such a happy boy.  He is very generous with his smiles and loves to talk to us.  It is absolutely the best!

  Conversation with Grady from Lauren Hoffman on Vimeo.

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- Charlotte weighs 11 lb 1 oz as of a week ago.

- She is usually a very content baby and can sit and be okay by herself for a short time, which is nice when I really need to get things done here and there.
 - She has really been showing us her sweet side these days.  She's not a big smiler yet, but they always come out most right after she wakes up.

- She has warmed up to using the Bumbo, which I love!  Thank you Katie and Caitlyn!

- She has gotten so much better with her feedings, but still has a hard time occasionally.  And every so often, she'll have a very explosive spit up (overshare, sorry)... it isn't pretty, and always very sad.  Poor girl.

- Charlotte has had a stubborn plugged tear duct pretty much since she was born, so her right eye gets very watery and goopy.

- She is the opposite of Grady- she doesn't particularly like to stand on her legs, but likes to be held and snuggled close, and she has a very strong neck to hold her head up with.

- Bryce has discovered a new trick, where Charlotte sits and balances on his one hand.  It's very entertaining, because she concentrates very hard while doing it, but likes it.

  Charlotte's balancing act from Lauren Hoffman on Vimeo.