Elysia - 4 Months

Elysia Jane

 

(Our sweet Elysia is 4 1/2 months old now, so this post is a little late, but Thanksgiving was sandwiched by two flu outbreaks, and blogging just didn't seem as important when we were all trying our hardest not to get sick (again)).

Sweet Elysia, you have been with us for four months now, and every day that passes is another day God has blessed us  to spend with you.

You are growing so fast (14.7 lbs and 24.5 inches at your 4 1/2 month/4 month wellness check)--and are wearing a combination of 0-3 and 3-6 month clothes, though the number of the former that still fit is shrinking rapidly. I put the small outfits away with a sigh, not knowing if I'll ever get to use them again, and cherishing memories of when you wore them. You are very strong and liked to be carried on the shoulder, but you are not content to leave your head there--you must push off and take in this world around you. You have rolled for me a few times but don't show a lot of interest in making it a habit. I'm not worried--your sister taught me that you will come to things when you are ready, not when people say you *should*--and when that time comes you'll be just fine.

Speaking of your sister, she still adores you and has most recently taken to shouting "Ellie Belly!" when we come out with you first thing in the morning. (For the record, and for your sake, I hope it doesn't stick, though it is ridiculously cute.) You have taken quite a liking to Elaina yourself in the past couple of weeks. You love watching her run and, when she's close enough, you never hesitate to flash her a gummy smile. You do the same to your daddy almost every night at supper. You sit so still in your Bumbo but I see you eyeing him, just waiting for the chance to catch his eye so you can charm him again.

You still aren't a great sleeper, partially because you've decided there's no better spot than right next to Mommy. Part of me writhes at the thought of how we're going to break you of it, but the other part loves waking up to the smell of your sweet head every morning. That part, coincidentally, is also too tired to fight with you about sleeping in your bassinet at 1:00 in the morning, too.

You have discovered your hands and can bring toys to your mouth (though they aren't nearly as fun as fingers). You even try to reach for the bath water I dribble on your tummy. And we suspect you may be teething--the drooling is out of this world--just yesterday I thought I was going to be minus a thumb when you were through. You are also beginning to accumulate nicknames: Ellie, Elwe, Ellie Belly (those two courtesy of Elaina), E2, and, my personal favorite, Ellers.



You are a sweet, sweet girl, and you like to be on the go (part of the reason I haven't sat through but one or two sermons since you were born...), and your smiles and coos warm our hearts as they break them. We pray for your heart, for your health, and that you will always know how very much you are loved.