Elliana Bell is 4 Months

Sweet girl you turned 4 months old on May 31. Unfortunately, we were in Stratford getting ready for your great grandfather's estate sale, so this post comes a little late. 

4 Month Stats
Weight: 12lbs 14oz (25%)
Height: 23.37in (12%)
Head: 16.5in (75%)

You are still a tiny little thing-smaller than your brother and sister were at this point, but your personality is just as big and just as fun as theirs. To see their updates from four months click here (Eli and Adi)

In the last month you have continued to grow and develop. Your personality is continuing to emerge and we are learning new things about you each day. Over the last month you have started rolling from front to back. You are really close to rolling back to front, but not quite there. We brought out the exersaucer at the beginning of May and you would have thought you were in heaven the first time we put you in it. Your face lit up as you discovered all the new toys in front of you. You have also discovered your feet--they are now a fascinating new toy. You love to grab them and put them in your mouth.

 

You are a very chatty little one. You have found your voice and you aren't afraid to use it. If we leave you and you can't see us, you are quick to let us know. You like being in the center of the chaos and you like to know that people are paying attention to you. You have developed this high pitched scream that is certain to gain our attention though--so not to worry, we do pay attention to you. When you wake up in the morning, you are ready to chat. Which is perfect since you are usually cuddled up in bed with me because I am too lazy to put you back in your bed after your second nightime feeding. It's the best to wake up with you because you are so so so very happy. Recently you have discovered your feet as well. So our new morning routine involves you playing with your feet and telling me all about your night. You are a pretty good sleeper--although you aren't sleeping through the night. You become very crabby about 7:30 or so and are generally ready for bed about that time. You tend to sleep until 2-3am when you demand a little nighttime snack. Then you wake up again about 5am for another little snack and some early morning cuddles.

You are getting better at taking a bottle. Your dad and I went on a date and your sweet aunt Cece was able to get you to take a bottle and fall asleep. Small steps...but we are hopeful that you will continue to grow to like the bottle as mom does have to go back to work sometime :). You still love your brother and sister and light up whenever they come near. And let me just tell you, they love you more than you will ever know. Your big brother is constantly checking in on you and making sure you have your paci or a blanket or whatever you might need. And your sweet sister loves to hold your hand and kiss on you. When Adi wakes up in the morning, the first thing she asks about is you. I pray that you all are the best of friends.

You don't like your carseat much. This is why we all flew from Dallas to Amarillo for Papa ER's estate sale. We had a blast taking you and your brother and sister on the airplane and staying in a hotel and all. We spent 10 days in Statford getting ready for and hosting the estate sale--10 long days. You were a champ though. Everyone remarked on what a good and happy baby you were. Of course, you were either being held or worn most of that time :). Your aunt Vicki got to spend some more quality time loving on you. Your pawpaw Lynn also got to meet you for the first time--he was pretty smitten too.

Elli Bell, you are a true joy. You light up any room you are in. You are a beautiful child with a joyful spirit. We are blessed to have you in our family.