4 Months

We are a third of the way through Sweet Tater's first year. That is crazy to me! We have loved every bit of it. Every day he does something that amazes me. Really, I should say God amazes me. He created this little miracle and has ordained David and I to nourish, protect and discipline him, all while molding him into a person that will continue to share the love of the Lord with others. We consider it a great honor and privilege.

Tate has changed so much in just the past month. He is so much more alert and animated. I love how his personality slowly develops so we can enjoy each stage. Just when you think it couldn't get any better, it does! David and I were discussing yesterday how Tate really is the perfect name for him. Tate means "happy" and happy he is. He is always smiling, cackling or giggling. When he does cry, it can usually be blamed on us (i.e., kept him up too long or made him stay in the car seat for 12 hours).

Just before Christmas, we got his exersaucer out. I cannot believe how many parts this thing has. My mom called it "saucerville" by mistake, but I think it is very fitting. This thing is so huge it has its own zip code! David captured some pictures of me sitting in the sea of plastic parts. I should have timed how long it took me to put it together. It was all worth it because Tate loves it. Below are some pictures of his first few times in it. I love how his feet didn't touch the ground on the lowest setting...but they do now!

Tate has discovered the joy of putting everything in his mouth. He has become quiet skilled at sucking his thumb, Yeah!!! We no longer have to be on stand-by with a pacifier. Of course, this also means that drool is now a part of everyday life. He loves to chew on his rings, doggie blanket, or anything else he can get in his mouth. We think he must be teething because on top of all of these signs, he is also running a low-grade temperature off and on. However, I'm not expecting a tooth to pop through any time soon. I hear it can take months for them to appear.

On top of being much more animated, Tate is also more mobile. He has finally begun to "stand." The first 3 months of his life he had NO interest in standing, but now he wants to practice it all day long. He also has started rolling over from his stomach to his back. He tries to roll from his back to his stomach, but only gets as far as his side. It looks like it won't be long now though.

We go for his 4 month check-up on Wednesday and I am anxious to hear what the doctor thinks of his progress. I always like knowing where Tate falls on the growth charts. Last time he was in the 90th percentile for height...I wonder if he's still "tall." Also, the doctor will probably tell us we can begin feeding him solids. I can't believe it's already time to get out the high chair.