discovering your world

:: four months ::

You’ve always been a very alert baby. Since the day you were born you seemed interested in the things around you, especially people. We’re so glad for that since both daddy and I believe there’s no greater calling on earth than to love and care for (and about) people.

But as much as you’ve always been interested in the world around you, you’ve taken some huge—massive—leaps this month in actually comprehending it.

Some of the biggest differences we’ve noticed in your development this month have to do with speech and sound. You’re now able to understand tone on a far greater level. You respond differently to us based on the way we speak to you. We can tease you and play with you in a higher-pitched sound and you respond one way. We can speak in a softer, lower tone with you and you understand that means it’s sleepy time. We can say something in a gentle but firm tone with you and you understand that we mean business.

I realized this on a deeper level the other day when you were crying in your cot. I had just put you down for a nap and normally you chat to yourself for a few minutes and then drift off to sleep. For whatever reason this particular day you started fussing and crying. I knew you were fine – you had a full belly, a clean diaper, a comfortable environment – and so I went to you, placed my hand on your tummy, looked you in the eye and in a calm but firm tone said “Levi, you’re fine. Settle down please.” You immediately stopped crying, looked at me, and caught your breath. It’s hard to explain but I just knew in that moment that you understood on a far deeper level than you ever had before.

I know that language comprehension is an elusive thing – there’s not just one day that all of a sudden you will understand the words we are saying. Because it’s also the manner in which we say them, the tone, the volume, the circumstances surrounding them, the amount of times we’ve repeated them. But it’s so fascinating to see this whole world of language open up for you!

Of course within that you’re also learning how to speak your mind! I think I mentioned this last month too, but now a few weeks later you’ve continued to develop that so much further even.

You’ve been so vocal lately—in all sorts of circumstances and moods—but it’s especially obvious when you “yell” at us when you get angry or frustrated. I think you’re sometimes just frustrated that we don’t fully understand what you’re trying to say. (And believe me, it’s as frustration to me as it is to you.) You are teaching me how to really listen… and I realize that I still have so much to learn.

The process is a joy though.

What else have you been learning? Well, you now love blowing bubbles and raspberries, and you’re beginning to play with your feet/toes more. You scream with delight when playing peekaboo.

You’re also sitting up lots and much prefer to sit “by yourself” in the Bumbo than being laid down, or reclining in a bouncer. You talk to yourself in the mirror and love watching us do simple everyday things like brushing our teeth or doing the dishes. You’re also happier during longer awake times, which is really fun.

You continue to love being outside, and on days where you are fussy, a little trip out to the yard or around the block instantly changes your demeanor.

You love music – whether it’s listening to the live worship band at the base, having the stereo on at home or in the car, or just listening to me (or daddy) sing to you. (We’ve become very good at making up songs about anything and everything.) You’re even starting to “sing” along a little bit, which is soooo funny and cute.


And maybe the biggest news... you've officially started teething. We've suspected it on and off the last week or two, but we're sure of it now. This last week you've been up sooo many times all night long (and you've always been such a good night-sleeper). You've also had some trouble with your nap times and have been a little crankier and more clingy. It's been hard and frustrating trying to come up with reasons for it and ways to solve it. But then yesterday we noticed that there's a little sharp something under the surface of your gums on your top left side! Yup, your first tooth is coming! We used teething gel last night on your little gums and for the first time in over a week you slept normally. Oh little boy's getting teeth! So soon? Wow......

And as always, sweet Levi, mommy and daddy are amazed by you – how perfectly God made you and how wonderful you are. There is—and will never be—anyone else like you. We love everything about your personality and that we’re getting to know you more all the time. You make us a better family.

I love you my darling peach,

momma xxx