Our little Kaia is just growing and changing so much. I can’t believe she’s 4 months old already!  Last week she visited the doctor and was 12 lbs 15 1/2 oz. That’s a whole pound in a month! She’s 2 feet long and and her head is still growing. (They were a little worried about it for a bit) She has stayed on her growth curve perfectly in all 3 areas.  She’s in the 25th % for weight, and 50th for both others. I just looked back to see Brit’s stats at the same age and he was 14.3 lbs and 26 inches. 34th and 88th% respectively. I didn’t realize he was so much bigger than her at this point.

She continues to be extremely alert and interested in everything–and everyone. The doctor commented on how strong she is when laying on her tummy. It’s true. She doesn’t like to roll over, but definitely can. She is also great at arching her back. I have to buckle her into the bouncer now because she slides herself down. And when she’s mad she really lets us know. I’m not sure if she’ll be an early talker, but from the way she constantly babbles and coos and talks, I think she might be.

Kaia with her admirer Maverick. He was just in love with her and couldn’t wait till he could hold her. He’ll be a great big brother.

She likes playing with her toys now. It’s fun to watch her grab and hit at things. She also loves to put EVERYTHING in her mouth. Especially her hands. Britton didn’t do that. It’s a little new for us.

Britton will sometimes hold her now. For very short periods of time. They look nothing alike.  Other than their skin tone.

She likes her bath and is always really good while she’s getting all clean.

I love her expressions. She’s almost as expressive as Britton.

Pretty little one

Kaia is the most social little baby I’ve ever seen. Mostly she’s happy if she’s being held, if people are talking to her, or it she can see what’s going on. She does not like to lay down for long and can sit herself up from a semi-reclining position. I think her abs are stronger than mine. Sometimes I get afraid when I think of the future with her. It’s going to be rough. I foresee a lot of drama, friends, activities and all else that comes with her being little miss social.

Well, hello!

She really liked the Bumbo at our friend’s house last week. And she liked all the people paying attention to her.

This is how I got ready for church this morning, because she wanted to be a crier little girl that had to be held. See what I mean! But, she is a really fun girl and I love playing with her. She loves to laugh and make conversation. She’s close to sitting on her own, but hasn’t quite gotten the lower back strength yet. I’m in no hurry for her to meet the milestones though like I was for Britton. I know they’ll come quickly enough and she’ll be a big girl soon.

She’s getting better at sleeping through the night–sometimes. Two nights ago she only woke up twice! 4 am and 7 am, then slept till 8. Though, last night she woke up almost every hour after 1:30. That was fun. Basically she wakes up, eats, then falls back to sleep, so it’s not like I’m up forever, but getting interrupted is not fun! I hope it continues to go better.

A while ago Britton said he wanted to play in the snow and make a snowman and a snowball. There wasn’t a flake in sight. So, I told him he could make them when it snowed again. His wish came true a couple of days ago when flakes began falling in the afternoon. He was very excited to see it outside the window.

We dressed him up in all his gear and out he went. Kaia and I stayed nice and warm inside. Oh the joy!

Running around the balcony making footprints. He’s really into that lately.

So much fun!

After coming inside he snuggled up on the couch to get warm. I left him all tucked in. Next thing I know he’s laying down on the pillow “resting” he said.

We’re lucky our kids still like to sleep in. We didn’t get up till almost 8!

We were very blessed this year. Friends and family were very generous and we had a great morning.

“Santa” brought Britton this:

And, though not much of this was from Santa, Kaia got ALL this!

She liked her first dolly from GG Karen

Britton wouldn’t open any other presents…

Mark got snowboard gear, and a couple of other little things

And I got a functional Bluetooth earpiece. Mark decided that it would be good for me to actually drive legally in California…and a little more safely everywhere else. I must say I LOVE it! So handy great to use.

Britton didn’t leave his train table for anything other than meals for 3 days! We spent the day just at home hanging out and enjoying each others company. We definitely had a great Christmas, even though it was just us.

Throughout the month we tried to get Britton to understand what Christmas was all about. We read stories, listened to music and read scriptures about it. Whenever we mentioned Jesus’ birthday, Britton wanted cake. He thought he should have one. But, I think we have a little more work to do, because sometimes he thinks it’s Santa’s.

This year we spent the holidays in our own home for the first time.  I’ve never been without family for Christmas, and I was a little apprehensive about it.

Before we moved we were a little excited because it was my mom’s “year” and since she had moved into the area we’d be able to spend Christmas Eve with family and then have Christmas morning at home, then see family and friends later in the day. Since we’ve been doing so much traveling to LA, we decided we were definitely staying at home.

But, I must report that we had a nice, relaxing time. I’ve never had less “to do.”

The week before my dad came out for a visit and we had a great time. Brit liked playing with him. He even watched the kids for us while we went to Mark’s work party. Thanks dad!

Britton gave me a great present when he decided to help me with the Christmas sugar cookies. Usually he pretends like he will for about 2 seconds, but then leaves. This time he even cut them out with me. Then frosted them!

On Christmas Eve we had a nice dinner and then opened our Christmas pajamas.

Thanks Grandma! We love our jammies.

Then we tried Skyping and Google chatting with my aunt, sister and cousins. It worked some of the time. It was nice being able to “be” with them for a little bit.

We read some Christmas stories and finished our “Christmas Chain” with our nightly scripture, then it was off  to bed  for Britton who was excited for Santa Claus to come and bring him a guitar. Maybe a train.

When we were in LA we went bowling with some of Greg’s friends. Britton loved it! He couldn’t hold the ball of course, so we sat it down and he rolled it (with A LOT of help). He’d get pretty excited and jump up and down.

He did almost as well as me. That’s sad.

Chez and Mom

Picking his ball

Brit and Grandma

This year we went to the aquarium for my birthday. It was pretty cool inside. Each area was decorated/designed with a different theme. Like the rain forest, or a desert with a flash flood.

Britton liked looking at everything, but kept saying “something else” after about 5 seconds. We thought he was bored, but at the end, he said he wanted to keep going and see more. Silly boy!

He liked looking at the fish through the glass. We will definitely have to come back. He and Mark are aquarium lovers.

Then we went home and had left over apple pie from Thanksgiving. It was pretty darn good. Yay birthdays!