Month 4

Esme is 4 months old now and, being so new to the world, had a lot of firsts this month: first haircut, first time staying in a hotel, first time swimming, first fireworks show (pictures to follow, of course).

At her four month visit with the doc, Esme weighed in at 13 ½  lbs. and was 25 inches long. That’s 6 inches taller than when she was born! And only 7 inches shorter than Verne Troyer (Mini-Me)!!

even with all her growing, she's not quite big enough for the jumper yet

In the motor department, Esme is still working on rolling. She has begun to roll from her back onto her tummy, but, just to make us worry all night, not from her tummy to her back yet. It’s a work in progress. She’s mastered rolling onto her side and prefers to sleep that way – it’s very cute. Grabbing onto toys (and everything else) requires much less effort these days. When I hold up her mirror for her, she grabs it and holds it herself while making googly eyes at the baby she sees on the other side. She’s now figured out how to pull and release her vibrating car toys. Esme’s become an avid reader and regularly enjoys Jamberry, Mouse Paint, The Hungry Caterpillar, and several other awesome beginner books (which she also wants to hold as we’re reading to her.) She went through a phase of screeching and drooling earlier this month which have both tapered off considerably. Glad that’s over :)

found my toes!

Grandma Trudie came to visit for the 4^th of July and, in addition to the local fireworks show, Esme showed her true devotion to country by attending a scorching hot, outdoor Civil War reenactment in Gettysburg – what a patriot! Grandma found the tent selling paper fans and worked hard to keep Esme cool and happy. And what better way to end a hot day than to take her to the hotel pool for her first swim! She was a little confused and not so sure about the giant bathtub she was in, but we think that with a few more tries, she’ll be a little fish in no time.

getting ready for the 4th in our red, white, and blue gear

Coney Island's annual 4th of July hot dog eating contest (Esme ate 0)

intently watching the fireworks

the reenactment at Gettysburg, PA

apparently they don't expect small babies to go swimming as this was the smallest size swim diaper we could find. anywhere.

Zac stopped by for a few days as he traveled around the country and we all spent some time in NYC exploring the craziness that is the Big Apple.

ear-popping ride up the elevator to the top of the Empire State Building

at the top. Esme was hungry and nothing else mattered, but we got the picture.

M&M store in Times Square

Although common for babies to lose the hair they are born with, our sweet pumpkin kept all of her hair and has continued to grow more hair underneath. It became necessary to trim the stragglers, and thus, we have Esme's first haircut:

voila!