4 months old!

Lily, you're four months old now, and you're growing so fast. We're so proud of all the things you're learning and all the ways you're growing. You've become so aware of your surroundings that sometimes you even skip eating to watch what's going on, and you smile and laugh and "sing." You study everything and everyone with such intensity, and often you try to mimic Mommy and Daddy, or other kids. You stood up at a table, holding on just like you saw the big kids doing. You like to give Daddy kisses when Mommy does. You have your own program on the computer and you love to watch as your typing makes shapes and letters appear. You love music, everything from The Beach Boys (Little Surfer Girl) to Pomplamoose's music videos to David Bowie's Labyrinth soundtrack and They Might Be Giant's Here Come the ABCs.

You started teething last month, but you're still at it and slobbering everywhere. You have a new favorite toy in Sophie the Giraffe, but in a pinch anything will work, especially Mommy and Daddy's fingers! You love talking to Daddy and laughing and giggling with him when he gives you massages. You love it when he reads you books and when he holds your hand. Actually, you prefer to hold his arm, all of it, and you just wrap yourself around like you'll never let go. You love talking with Mommy. Sometimes when you're sad or tired or scared, no one else will do and you hang on to Mommy with all you've got. You love bouncing on the bed, watching Engine, and waking up. That makes us like waking up too. You love being at church and you're starting to recognize faces and voices and friends. You love seeing little R* at small group, and we love watching you together. Both of you are growing up so fast.

We love you, and you love us right back, and we think that's the best thing yet.

We're so thankful to know you and to have the best jobs in the world - being your parents.

We're so glad you're ours.