4 month Update

Natalie turned 4 months on the 27th of February and had her checkup the next morning. She did great as usual. This time she received 3 shots in her leg and only cried out for a few seconds. I must say I was proud of myself and looking for a lollipop because I did not cry this time! She is still a healthy growing girl. Only she keeps growing up and not out! She is 25 1/2 inches long (all legs), weighs 13 lbs, and has a 16 inch head. Since her two month visit that means she has grown 2 inches, 2 lbs, and 1 inch in the head. Of course that put her in the 90% again for height, 40% for weight, and 45% for her head. I thought her weight would have put her in the 25% because she is so much tinier than others her age. Anyway, the doctor says  she is gaining weight in all the right places and doing just fine. BUT, she did say more tummy time is needed. Oh dear! I asked Natalie if she was listening several times. As you well know these are not our favorite times. She has actually done a little better at tolerating it for longer periods, but then the screams and leg fits come.
Because she is so long and skinny she is currently still wearing her 0-3 month stock of clothing. The problem with that is the weather is getting warmer and all those sizes were for fall/winter. I had to buy size 3-6 month footy pjs because she needs the length for her arms and legs (for her feet, too)! It just swallows her up everywhere else. Not that she doesn't still look completely adorable because she DOES! So now I am in a quandry (sp?) as to what clothes to buy her. I hate to buy a bunch of 0-3 months if it only lasts another month before she finally busts out of them. However, the 3-6 month pants currently fall right off, and the onesies/shirts really swallow her up! What to do, what to do.......

Moving on

I've decided to start a collage of some sorts of pictures of Natalie with other adopted children we know and love. I would like to put it somewhere in her room where she can always view it.  Plus, I really feel it will be a great way to encourage conversation about adoption and her story.  Actually it will be great for all of our adopted children (when that time comes).
 I currently have 3 pictures and will get the 4th next week. How exciting is that? I think it will be very important for Natalie to grow up surrounded by others that are adopted like her. I think it is also important for her to be around families that "look" different (i.e. not all Caucasian members), and know that it is ok and completely normal!  Right now we have friends with a mix of Asian, Caucasian, and African American in their families. What a blessing!

Side note: Love to watch this girl stretching; especially first thing in the mornings=)