4 Months Old oh my!

Ariy turned four months this past weekend.  I can't believe it.  I have really enjoyed every month and the progress, growth and personality that comes from that but so far 4 months has been the best maybe.  He is definitely gaining personalty while really settling into a routine which I have enjoyed.

Highlights from the past month (really I write these so I will remember them as I know a lot of people really don't care for these baby details):

• He has learned to roll from tummy to back and back to tummy.
• Gaining control with hands and stronger ability to reach out and grab things.
• He gets frustrated when he can't reach something and get it where he wants it which is usually his mouth.
• This month may have been the possible onset of "teething" as he has started drooling and munching or biting down on things.
• He has officially found his thumb and enjoyed sucking it during naptime.
• He has started babbling and talking pre and post nap.  He seems to love the quiet time to test out his new found voice.
• He still loves new people and places and really loves to take it all in. 
• He really loves going to bed - we even try hard to keep him up later but he just loves it.  Sometimes once we start the bedtime process, he obviously gets excited. 
• He consistently is sleeping through the night and his longest stretch being 10 hours.  
• He is getting to be a little bit of a more consistent napper.  His first awake period is really short (45 minutes) and then he goes back to sleep for 1.5 - 3 hours.  Usually its around 2 hours.  The second two naps are anywhere from 1.5-2 hours.  He has officially dropped the 4th nap unless its been a busy day.
• His longest stretch of being awake is before bedtime which adds up to 2-3 hours.  This can also be his fussiest time of the day so we work to stay busy and entertained.
• He is officially weaned of the swaddle - so happy.  It took some time to get him to sleep soundly unswaddled but now he sleeps better. 
• Ariy has graduated from 3 month clothes.  He now wears anything from 6-9 months.  He is in th 90%+ for weight and head size and 75% or so for height.  Our big guy.

I have yet to do a photoshoot for 4 months old so I thought I would share a video from bedtime last night.  I love this little guy and enjoy his pre-bedtime talking. 

Cast your vote!

Ok...first off.  Rick, stop rolling your eyes.  Ok.  Soooo Ariy is getting ready to transition to a big boy bed aka a crib.  We are just now in the process of picking one out and since I am the most indecisive person ever, I would like you to cast your vote.  I will definitely use the results heavily to make my final decision so please vote.

Crib 1 - Black Jenny Lind style - source

Crib 2 - Cherry "wave" Crib - source

Crib 3 - Modern Grey crib - source













Crib 4 - Modern Navy crib - source


That last two cribs also come in white and natural wood.  I just tend to like the "different colors."

VOTE!!!

Transitions: A working mama

Tomorrow starts a bit of a new chapter.  I have been extremely blessed to enjoy and spend time with Ariy during my Maternity leave.  It has been about 4 months since I have worked.  That is just crazy!  I have really loved my time at home and have undoubtatly faced this transition with a little fear.  I actually woke up, wide awake a couple nights ago with a list of all my crazy fears in going back to work.  They might surprise you.

• Do they really think I can still do my job?  I kind of feel like I should be re-interviewed.  This just seems crazy.
• How many majors does George Fox have?  How many students does George Fox have?  Recent questions people have asked that I seriously had to stop and think about.
• How do a query something? How do I change my voicemail?
• Dress pants?  What?  Will I be able to get them buttoned? Where are they?
• Do I have shoes that fit my feet anymore?  Is being barefoot an option?
• If people didn't notice the "Stacey" bags under my eyes before I'm sure they will notice them now.  Make-up lesson on how to cover these bad boys up?
• Maybe TMI (does that mean too much information? shoot, I'm not even cool anymore) but what if I forget to wear nursing pads during a presentation?
• On a more serious note, will Ariy forget who I am?  Will I miss important milestones?  Will Rick get tired for recording every single moment of the day for me?  Will he return all my 100's of texts I will be sending (while simultaneously getting ALL my work done)?

So, I guess I am a bit nervous.  I think it is safe to say out loud, if circumstances were different, I would choose to stay home with my little boy.  I love my time with him and want to be a part of his young and constantly changing and growing life.   However, at this time in our life, we are thankful for this job. And, if I had to go back to any job, it would be this one.  I have been blessed with probably the best office anyone could ever have.  Everyone I work with is a superstar and I don't doubt I will be supported, encouraged, distracted (in a good way), challenged and entertained every day.  This will certainly help this daunting transition.  

Apple Tart - Our favorite summer treat.

One of the fun things about living where we do, is the abundance of apples in our back yard throughout the summer.  Or perhaps they are better referred to as "Grapple Trees" since the grapes are growing into the apple tree.

Last summer I was searching online trying to figure out an easy recipe to use our apples in and I discovered this recipe for the "Simplest Apple Tart."

It has become a regular recipe this summer and Rick and I have a hard time not eating the whole thing once it's done cooking.