Four Months!

Dear Eden,

One year ago we'd just found out you were on your way. I was bursting with the news, but it was still a precious secret. I'd just begun to be sick - at the Passion Conference I had to keep eating crackers (and I swear if I never see a Wheat Thin again in my life I will be totally happy!). But I was already falling in love with you. And here we are, a whole year later, and you are four months old. I can hardly fathom how much life has changed since then. I never could have imagined how awesome it was going to be.

I love this age. You're getting more independent, playing by yourself some, but you still want Mommy and Daddy a lot too. You really know us. You catch our eyes in a crowded room and reward us with a huge smile. You're sturdy and strong, but you still like to cuddle too. Mommy's "Kissy Monster" routine is hilarious, and you're starting to "kiss" back - which looks oddly like you're trying to eat our faces. But we love it!

You're doing such amazing things lately. You started rolling over from your tummy to your back last week, and a few weeks ago you started laughing. You've discovered Nino, and you are totally content to stare at him. He wants nothing to do with you, but you love to pet him - and get a fistful of hair and try to eat him. Don't worry, one day he'll come around and you two will be great friends. You also love John and Kelli's dog, Bella. Monday night you told Bella a long, apparently exciting, story about your day. She was very patient and listened very carefully, and occasionally gave you some big, wet kisses to thank you for the attention.

You're learning to sit up! You can sit for a few seconds unassisted, but when you get distracted at all you topple over and smile. Today you, Daddy, and I went for a walk, then went out to lunch. And you sat in a high chair for the very first time! You did great! And we had you strapped in so you couldn't eat it. But you gave it your best shot anyway.

We've finally settled into an eating routine, and napping is coming along, though it's still a bit unpredictable. You're still sleeping through the night - last night you slept from about 7:15pm to 7:00am! And then again from 8:30 - 11! You're like your Dad - you like your sleep. If you've gotten enough, you wake up happy, but if you get startled awake or jolted out of sleep, you're Little Miss Cranky Pants for awhile.

I'm starting work on Monday. I'm so sad to be leaving you, but I know it's going to be great for you to be at home with Daddy. And someone's got to make some money so you can have diapers and stuff. :)

I love you baby girl. Keep growing big and strong!! And keep being the sweet, loving, fun, adorable girl you are.

Love,
Mommy

P.S. Aren't we a cute happy family?