from judy's point of view

Vivi is 4 months old, hooray!! She had her well checkup and she's grown so much! She gained 3.5 lbs, grew 3 inches lengthwise, and grew 3 cm of brain.  She falls in the 75th percentile for her age in all those stats above. Another hooray, for being on track, baby!  

Weight: 14lbs 6oz
Height: 26.25 in
Head Circumference: 42 cm

It kinda sucks that the last two trips to the doctor, she got shots in her thighs.  I don't want her to associate bad things with doctor appointments, but anyways after the first year it won't be as frequent.  Oh by the way,  I love our doctor.  Simply because she's so gentle with Vivi, explains what she's looking for during Vivi's checkup, and answers my questions.  Back to Vivi, because she's such a trooper.  I planned and prepared for today (Vivi's due for vaccinations), made sure all my errands and chores completed and was ready to take on the miserable baby for the day.  To my surprise, she already got over it.  We got home, changed her diapers and put her on the gym mat.  I'm so proud of her because she completely went about her day; babbling, cooing, swatting, grabbing and kicking.  I'm so lucky we get along so well.  

Going through the pictures and videos from the last few months,  I amazed how much she's changed.   It's true what people say when babies grow overnight.  I've noticed her eyes are wider, got those chipmunk cheeks, and plenty of baby chubbiness.  

If you were to ask me what is her personality? I would say that she's mellow.   Strangers would agree to that.  She doesn't cry or whine unless she REALLY wants something - i'm hungry, i'm tired, i've got a dirty diaper, I need you to pay attention to me.  She's developed a schedule which helps the situation and sometimes I'm able to avoid those fussy moments.   She loves watching people, things, or anything that moves about.  Even Zak's screensavers, she's mesmerized.  If I need that 10-15 minutes to do something else, this is what I pull up.  Works like a charm.   Not that she needs constant attention.  She's good at entertaining herself.  Zak and I sometimes find her just chilling in her crib in the morning, playing with her hands or talking to herself.  Those are the best moments for Zak and I.  She's got the best smile when you come to greet her in the morning.    

Zak and I have noticed her bashfulness.  Zak says "Hi Vivi" and flashes his smile.  Vivi turns to look at him, seconds later she smiles and looks away.  Seconds later, looks back at Zak, smiles and looks away.   If we let her, this would go on forever.  I don't really know what this means.  It's not like she's shy around strangers.  Sometimes, she'll start talking to someone on the bus.  

I'm so happy to be her mommy.  She's still amazing.

Today marks Vivi's 2 month milestone - she is a thriving healthy baby girl. She had her well checkup and she's grown so much! She gained 3.11 lbs and grew an inch.

Weight: 11lbs 12oz
Height: 23in
Head Circumference: 39cm

She melts my heart. She holds focus and interest when I talk to her - something about her big brown eyes gets me. She's beginning to smile and LOVING IT when she wants to have a conversation with me! She's excellent at doing her "ahhh-ooohhhs". She's interested with things around her especially during our walks to the park or the market. No more sleeping the entire trip or staying in a position for long periods. She likes to sit upright or on her tummy. She's totally a chick magnet (babies and doggies seem to be both good ways to get noticed). I've gotten so many compliments from women. Anywhere I go, I get asked with how old, girl/boy, what a cute baby, her hands/feet are so tiny etc!

She had her vaccinations done and it was the most terrifying day for a new parent. I held her in my arms as she cried her heart out receiving 3 shots in her legs. What a trooper, she passed out before we stepped out of the clinic. As the doctor expected, Vivi ran a fever (up to 98F), extremely fussy, and cried if not held. I've never seen her so upset. She would fall asleep, startle herself and then freak out! Sigh.. :( I think it hurts me more than it hurts her. This went on well into the night. Zak and I took turns holding and soothing her to the extent that it felt like it was not enough. We decided to give her some baby tylenol hoping it will make her feel better. Finally, she falls asleep in Zak's arms, peacefully. A few hours later she looked better - her fever went down, she regained her appetite and was interested in a convo with mommy and daddy. Thank goodness!

1st video shows her lifting her head and rolling over. 2nd video is the beginning of her coos. And the photo is stating that she loves milk!