4 Months

Christmas Eve wasn't just Christmas Eve, it also marked Elgin's fourth month, and we managed to take time to duly note the passage of moments that lead to this ripe old age.  At four months, our boy already experienced a rough respiratory virus and the secondary ear infection, but neither dampened his spirits.  We have us a happy, jolly, charming boy who rarely complains.  The completion of his third month also marked a very vocal baby boy who delights in our faces--especially when they are expressive of surprise or feigned fright.  It's not hard to get a laugh from him.  Just wiggle your eyebrows or make your mouth into an O.  The saddest thing, though, was that for a few weeks, his voice was too hoarse to make the loud squeals and shouts he so longed to use to impress us.  Elgin, we were impressed with you.  Your body shouted your delight, despite the lack of sound.

Now, my personal favorite thing that EW does is to suddenly stop nursing, turn his head to look right into my eyes, and crinkle his body with sheer ecstasy and start cooing and chatting, almost like he's telling me how happy he is to be my baby.

The pleasure is mine, Elgin.

He's a drooley boy.  We go through several bibs and a few outfits a day just trying to keep the boy dry.  His hand is in his mouth except for when he's nursing or gumming a toy or a bib (which is just between his hand and mouth).  The prominent drool doesn't prevent others from remarking on his size--mainly his length.  Elgin is a long baby, much like his older brother was, and I'm anxious to learn his measurements on Monday at his four month well check.  No one is looking forward to the shots.

And, of course, to truly note the start of Elgin's fourth month, the camera was in full force:

Elgin, you are so loved.

What's Happening!!

Way back on November 28th, I returned to my full time employment, and it was also the day that Granddaddy passed away, so my work week was cut short.  It was an incredibly tough week, but it was also the prelude for Elgin's first week of school. So, on December 5th, Elgin started school just down the hall from his big brother.  Considering we already did a trial separation period, the transition was fairly smooth, and since he was sound asleep when we parted, it added to our ease at departure time.

Within his first week of school, EW contracted a virus that led to bronchiolitis, and breathing treatments ensued.  On a very positive note,  Dr. Song checked Elgin's diaper while we were there for our visit, and, to my delight, the mess was blood free!  Thank you, TED.

Breathing treatments helped with, well, breathing, and we still do about three a day.  Unfortunately, though, a secondary double ear infection was diagnosed on EW's follow up visit on Wednesday.  Grandjane is our more-than-willing sitter/ baby holder who cared for both boys while school is out for a two week Christmas break, and I feel so grateful that her schedule allows Elgin a chance to recuperate away from general germs.  Next week, Nana will have her turn.

In the midst of the return to work, the breathing treatments, the antibiotics, the early mornings, the interrupted sleep patterns, and the general chaos, we seek small moments of peace with our boys.  It's then that I remember that I'm surrounded by love, adorableness, spunk, humor, and lots and lots of drool.

I'll upload pics to this post soon... got to get some snuggling done now.

Making me smile

We took these pictures about a month ago, and I'm not sure what it says about me as a mother that the awkward poses, the goofy smiles, and the perilous blades of grass brought my biggest smiles when I looked back on them today.

And I love the spit bubble.