September 2006: All 4's.

Hey everybody! Did you miss me? Well, I had a great September. I turned 5 months old, and my motor skills are really revving up!

Motor Skill Extravaganza:
The coolest thing I leaned to do--at the very end of the month--is get up on all 4's. I only spend a few moments like that before flopping back onto my belly, but hey, I've got to start somewhere, right? Also, when Mama or Papa sit me up, I can stay for a few moments before tilting and toppling over. Soon I will be able to sit up all on my own--I just know it! In the meantime, Mama caught me sitting in the laundry basket (just trying to help with housechores). Also, as you all know, I've been rolling over for some time. I'm good at going from my back to tummy and now from my tummy to back as well. Even without crawling, I can make a lot of progress rolling and scrunching around. Mama found a new nickname for me inspired by my movements in my crib (i.e. Scoot butt up into air. Push body forward. Rinse. Repeat.). In my fuzzy green sleeper, I became "Little Inchworm." Forgive a little deviation from the offical topic--I'd like to note the other nicknames in fashion this month: they are Puddle, Cuddlebear, Babybear, and Sweetiepie. OK, back to topic. Here's a fun video showing my fantabulous flipping skills. BTW, for those faithful fans who wondered how much I weighed last month, the answer is 16 pounds. I can't wait to go back to see Dr. Price next month and see how much bigger I get.

Stuff to grab and chew:
Still no teeth (sigh). I am still chewing on everything, though, and that means I pay more attention to my toys. There is a soft fuzzy bunny that I can't seem to get enough of, and I get all excited (kicking feet and flailing arms) when someone gives it to me. Also, for some time now, I get fascinated by the camera (which sometimes makes it hard to get candid shots of me). I like to stare at it and try to grab it (video coming soon). Even with all these cool things, though, I still think that feet are tough to beat. Not just my own anymore either. Here I am having happily found GrandB's big toe. I have also started to notice other parts of me (usually inaccessible), which (whenever possible) I like to grab. Mama and Papa think this is cute, but they also seem to make sure I don't do it in public.


Music:
Music has been a great thing this month--I'm sure that Papa's and my folk-crunk band will come alive real soon. I've been working real hard and mastered piano under GrandB and Papa's tututelage. Those of you who have time, check out the video of me at the piano and listen--at the end I clearly say "I play." I'm also working on perfecting my percussion skills (see video).

Sleeping:
After five screamy nights in a row (terrorizing not only Mama and Papa but GrandB and Grandpa Marty too), Mama and Papa decided that help was needed. Now folks, before you get all uppity with me, do know that I've been letting these people sleep a LOT more than many of my peers (I know this through supersonic telepathy--but more about that later). I only get Mama up once (occasionally twice) to feed me with my little fussy noises. But I hate to fall asleep (the world is too interesting! and I'm too tired to fall asleep!) Anyway, at the very end of the month, they started following the suggestions in a book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child," which means I take longer naps in the day and go to bed much earlier at night. First, this has meant that I sleep the night through (and Mama and Papa ignore my sleeptalking and little fussy noises, since they don't mean I'm actually hungry). Apparently Mama and Papa are very happy about this. During the day, they put me down for 2 or 3 naps. I'm not sure how I feel about that--I mean sure, I'm tired and need a nap, but I really don't want to be left alone away from the excitement. Alas, this book they're reading says that they should just let me holler (up to an hour and only babies older than 4 months) until I go to sleep. I've only cried that long once. Anyway, I am generally happier now that I'm getting so much more sleep, so I guess I can't complain too much.


From Mama's Notebook:
September 7-8: "Ramsay pooped only in bowl, never in diaper for 2 days now!" [Well, folks, I hate to break it to you, but that didn't stick (no pun intended). I still am known to poo (and certainly pee) in my diaper. But Mama and Papa remain creepily enthusiastic when I relieve myself in a bowl instead.]

OK folks, that's it for now. Until next month!