Eli - 4 Month Update!

I'm 4 Months Old!

Here is Eli's update from 3-4 months.  He hit a very exciting milestone this month, plus a few more firsts.  :)  I'm reminded everyday of how good of a baby he is and how lucky we are to call him our own.  Such a handsome, sweet boy.

Stats:
Eli was 15 pounds 5 ounces at his 4 month well baby visit.
Height: 26 inches

He wears 3-6 month clothing and Size 2 diapers.

Eating/Sleeping:
Eli is still exclusively breastfed, eating 5-7 times a day.  He has started to eat less times, but for longer periods.

Eli is still a great sleeper!  He goes to bed around 9:30pm and wakes up between 6-7am, just like last month.  He also takes great naps during the day (falling asleep around an hour and a half after the beginning of his last meal and sleeping anywhere from 30 min. to 2.5 hours).  My boy loves to get his rest!

Special Memories:
Eli has hit another big milestone this month....he is rolling over!!!  The first time he rolled over he went from tummy to back (daddy and mommy were both lucky enough to witness it!), but since then he only has rolled from his back to stomach.  He always rolls to the right.  Must be his dominate side.

When he started rolling it did mess up his sleeping a bit because as soon as I would put him in the crib he would roll over and get upset.  Once he got used to it though, he didn't mind anymore.  Every time I put him on his back to sleep he rolls over to his stomach and falls asleep.

Here's Eli rolling over.  He does it all the time, but it is hard to catch on video because he usually does it really fast and when you aren't looking.


Eli also went in the pool for the first time this month!

He seemed to like the water, but we had to take him out and hold him on a raft because it was too cold.  He ended up falling asleep sitting up on the jaguar float.  It was too cute.

It was also my first Mother's Day!  Eli was tired and not looking too happy in our pictures, lol.  I'm so honored to be a mom.  It's the best job ever.

Here are some other pictures from the month! ----

First time meeting my friend Maverick

Touching my toes

Handsome Boy!

Third Thursday Community Potluck Cookbook by Nancy Vienneau : A Book Review

Third Thursday Community Potluck Cookbook by Nancy Vienneau : A Book Review

This cookbook is a collection of recipes and stories taken from a community potluck in Nashville, TN that happens every third Thursday of the month.  The author, Nancy Vienneau, is a chef and promoter of local food.  Nancy and her friend Gigi started this potluck as a way to gather a broad range of community members together to share their favorite seasonal dishes.  They love to talk about food that is fresh, healthy, seasonal, and locally grown.  

This is not your average "potluck" cookbook.  You will not find recipes enclosed in these pages using canned soups or other highly processed offerings.  The whole idea is to bring your best to the potluck.  Something homemade and special.    

I really love the whole idea of this cookbook.  I would love to eat more home cooked, seasonal food--and have friends and family over to enjoy it.  The recipes truly sound delicious-- from the Cast-Iron Heirloom Tomato and Rice Bake to the Brown Butter Honey Cake, there is something for everyone.

I love how the chapters are broken up into months, with each containing recipes corresponding to that months seasonal food offerings.  I also love the stories told in the beginning of each month and throughout each recipe.  The pictures are beautiful and make me want to make everything all at once!  I just wish there was a picture for every recipe, though I know this is not economical and would make the book huge.  This is probably not a good cookbook for a beginner, but does have pictures and information explaining some of the cooking lingo.  Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in creating their own potluck or just wanting to make fresh, seasonal food.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Our Favorite Infant Toys

Around 2 months is when Eli really started playing with toys.  It's very exciting to watch him learn to move his little fingers. He bats at things dangling overhead and grasps small objects (which mostly end up in his mouth--I promise this child has been teething for awhile).

Here are some of Eli's favorite infant toys at the moment:

1. Sassy Go Go Friends Green Bird
 
This is the first toy Eli played with.  It was hanging from an activity mat at a friend's house.  He started batting at it and I realized he was ready to start delving into this new world of toys.  I love how it is easy for him to grab, is soft, chimes, and has patterns and colors.  Eli loves the little ribbon arms.

2. Sassy Ring O' Links Rattle Developmental Toy

Eli loves these links.  They are easy for him to grasp and have various textures on the different brightly colored rings. I like to hang them on his car seat, so he will have something to play with and look at in the car.  When we reach our destination I usually find him soundly asleep, holding on to one of the rings.  So precious. 


3. Bright Starts Take Along Carrier Toy Bar
 
You can also see this toy bar in the video above.  I hang it on his car seat and it keeps him very entertained.  He usually cries when I start strapping him in, but the moment I pull the toy bar up and hit the button that makes the tiger's nose light up and play music he quiets down and stares in amazement.

4. Rhino Toys Oball Rattle
 
What baby doesn't love a good rattle?  This ball is so much fun.  It is easy to grasp, has colorful beads that make noise when shaken, and is BPA, PVS, latex and phthalates free!  The only downside is that E gets a bit frustrated that he can't fit the whole thing in his mouth!

5. An Activity Mat
 
Activity mats are awesome.  Any one will do.  We have an older version of the one above that was passed down from a friend.  This really keeps Eli entertained.  Ours has lights, music, and a mini mobile.  He grabs and bats at the hanging toys.  Does tummy time while looking in the mirror.  I love that you can hang their favorite toys from it.  A great way to keep your child busy while you put away his laundry.  :)

6. Lifefactory 2 pack Multi Sensory Silicone Teether

These teether toys are Eli's absolute favorite right now.  The rings are light weight and easy for him to hold.  They have different textures, which he loves to explore by biting them.  He even plays tug o war with me because he doesn't want to let them go! They are made of medical grade silicone and contain no phthalates, PVC, BPA or latex.  My favorite part are that they are so easy to clean.  Wash with some hot soapy water in sink, rinse, and done.  Takes 2 seconds.  You can also put them in the refrigerator or freezer to soothe babies aching gums.

Are there any toys your baby loves that Eli should try???  Please let me know in the comments!  Thanks!

This is not a sponsored post.  I'm writing about these products solely because we love them!  Opinions are 100% my own.