Month 4

Dear TLG,

Many exciting things happened during your fourth month. Most notably I was reunited with CATTY for the first time since you were born. Your father generously offered to stay home with you, instead of the whole family coming to Ottawa. I think it was the right choice because although you are developing quickly, I don't think you would have been much use in picking up flower petals or performing a flash mob. If we're being honest with each other it took me one day to get over the guilt of leaving you, after which I fully basked in the glory of CATTY. By the morning of my return I was quite looking forward to being reunited with you (and Dad).

Another important milestone was meeting Reshree while spending time at the Baby Spa*. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on who you ask, this is the only CATTY Auntie that you've had the pleasure of meeting. I wish there was photographic evidence, but Reshree doesn't know how to upload pictures from her camera. I can report that Reshree held you and did not immediately throw you on the couch when you spit up. She displayed remarkable calmness.

Now let us circle back to last month's development points and see how you've fared:

1.Sleeping - Always an above average sleeper, you have only continued to excel in this pursuit. On average now, you sleep from about 730 - 7ish (with a snack break at 11pm). I have heard nasty rumors of something called a 4 month sleep regression, but we'll worry about that when and if it happens.

2. Laughing without hiccuping - this has also gotten better. But I"m not sure if this is because you laugh less, or if better control over your diaphragm has developed. You prefer to demonstrate your happy demeanour by constant smiling and cheesy charm vs out right laughing. The only surefire way to illicit a giggle from your not so tiny tummy is by throwing you up in the air, or tickling you under the armpits. Both actions which can be classified as child abuse if you ask the wrong people, so we do these things sparingly. Your father has also had recent success with "bicycling" your legs while you sit in your bouncy chair. You find this hysterically funny.

Another item of note is that you now really and truly recognize us as your parents. They (aka books and baby iPod apps) say that babies know their mothers from birth but I think that is just a nice story they tell sleep deprived mothers in the hopes that it will help them solider on through the early weeks. In the very beginning of your short life I don't think you knew who was holding, feeding or changing you. But this month I notice flickers of recognition and even enjoyment when me or your Dad pick you up, smile or talk to you. It is heartening to know that you perhaps you recognize the people that meet all your needs. A little positive reinforcement is welcomed, especially when you have spit up on me 4 times and it isn't even lunch time yet.

The final milestone of the month is being introduced to Sophie, your giraffe. In our house, Sophie is often referred to as the overpriced hipster toy. It is one of those trendy toys that I secretly love and your Dad openly dislikes. Although I do admit that $18 is a lot to pay for what is essentially a chew toy. And I have my suspicions about the claims of Sophie being made of organic rubber, lovingly molded by a centuries old method, high in the French Alps by Francisan monks. Please note that only half of this description is hyperbole. And yet despite your Dad's keen desire to have you buy North American, you love Sophie. She is intuitively constructed such that you can put her in your mouth with little effort. Her nubby little ears must feel great on your gums, as evidenced by the large amount of saliva that dribbles forth from your giraffe stuffed mouth. She has become your sceptor, waved around aimlessly as you survey your lands, wealth and flocks. And by flock I mean two giraffes made of rubber.

All in all I think this has been my favorite month yet. Rest assured, if it wasn't, I would tell you. Very little of this mothering business comes naturally, but I feel like we both had some successes this month. I'm looking forward to October which will hopefully be full of uninterrupted nights and debuting your fall sweater collection.

Love,

Me.