Scarlett the Starlet: Max is Four Months Old! (March 17, 2012)

Over the past month, Max has made an obvious change from newborn to baby, and his personality is really starting to shine through. And boy does it ever shine. Simply put, Max is adorable. Not only is he as cute as can be (except in the hair department; that could use some work, poor guy), he's also got the sweetest and happiest disposition. I can't go anywhere without strangers stopping to talk to him and tell me what a cutie he is. And I shamelessly agree with them while Max laughs, coos, and smiles adoringly at his many admirers. He's just a natural charmer.

Some of his tricks these days include holding his feet straight up in the air when he's in his car seat, holding onto his feet, grabbing and swatting at toys, rolling from belly to back, and gnawing on absolutely anything he can get his hands on. He can also scoot an impressive distance when he's on his belly. It's nowhere near crawling, but he sort of scrunches up and stretches out like an inch worm. Scarlett still adores her baby brother, and he loves to watch her and almost always tolerates her holding him.

He's a really big boy. When people hear he's four months old, they almost always respond the same way -- "wow, he's BIG!" I feel like he gets noticeably bigger just about every day. He's wearing 12 months clothes already, which actually makes me pretty sad. At just 4 months old, I can no longer shop for him in the baby section! At his belated 4 month appointment today with Dr. Curry, he weighed in at a whopping 17 lbs 12 oz (90th percentile), measured 27 inches long (greater than 98th percentile (meaning "off the charts")), and his head is 17 1/2 inches around (also greater than the 98th percentile). Dr. Curry noted that he's the length of an average 9 month old and the weight of an average 8 month old. This should serve him well some day ~~on the football field~~ on the debate team. Dr. Curry also noted how cute and smiley Max is, which I'm pretty sure coming from a doctor makes him certifiably adorable.

Max brings so much joy to our lives, and his amazing smile can brighten even the worst day (and we've had our fair share of bad days lately). We are so lucky to have him. Happy belated four month birthday to our sweet Max!

Handsome boy.

"What? Somebody's handsome? Who, me?"

You ever get the feeling that someone's watching you? Like maybe someone -- or something -- is lurking in the background looking over your shoulder, waiting for your next move? Yeah, me neither.

(In case it's not clear, that black blur in the background is ChaCha eying Max suspiciously. In reality, she's a huge Max fan, which is more than I can say for Winnie, who has chosen to completely ignore his existence.)

As Scarlett says, "Baby Brother, why you kicking, kicking, kicking?"