Ringing in the New Year (4 months old)

Happy New Year! Mama is happy to say we were sleeping as the ball dropped; Daddy is the only one who made it to the countdown.  On January 5th,  Rick Enzo turned 4 months old and went crazy!  That morning after the swaddle came off, he rolled over for the first time on his own in his crib.  He is so strong and talking all day.  Perhaps he is taking after mommy more than daddy ("man of few words").  

Ricky loves his new toys, especially the blue & green Oball, and his Oball Froggy (from his friend Luke).  His grip and hand control is really improving now, although his strength is still tummy time.  At some moments he seems to defy gravity and looks like an acrobat. Rick Enzo loves looking at himself in the mirror now, and why wouldn't he...he's adorable!  Although he is still easily startled and not a fan of loud noises, Riri does enjoy a good game of peek-a-boo.  He is even more alert and physically active now, jumping and wiggling around. All this new development seems to be a bit overwhelming for Ricky, as he started waking more during naps and overnight.  Is it the 4 month sleep regression? a wonder week? teething? pacifier addiction?  ...who knows, but he is definitely maturing rapidly and we are loving every exhausting fun moment., especially the baby snuggles when he falls asleep and just won't let us put him down.  He is such a cuddler! It's amazing how much changes in just a week for this little man.  We practice our sit-ups together, which is the only workout Mama is getting these days.  Ricky loves airplane rides on mom's legs now, and flying high when Daddy lifts him up overhead.  Before long he will be just as tall as Daddy:) 

And just like that, it's highchair time!  Although he cannot sit up on his own unsupported yet, our pediatrician said to try it out since his head and neck are so strong.  So, of course when mama came home from her first long day back in the clinic Papi had put together Rick Enzo's highchair.  He loves it! As we near the end of the month, Ricky is sitting up with just a little support when he starts to tip over to the side...still finding that balance.  

We were also so lucky to welcome Ricky's newest cousin, Kalista Mary this month.  Uncle Mikey, Auntie Julie, and Fiorella became a beautiful family of 4.  Ricky is no longer the baby of the family.

In the last few record cold and snowy days of January, Rick Enzo got his first bites of oatmeal.  The only part he didn't like was that we couldn't get it in his mouth fast enough!  He even grabbed for the spoon to feed himself.  Later that week, Ricky tried avocado, and although it was mostly all over his adorable face, he loved it.  Our big boy with a big appetite.
Mommy's favorites of the month:  Ricky holding mama's face with both hands so sweetly, and giving him airplane rides
Daddy's favorites of the month: Seeing Ricky roll over and watching his crazy moves and high kicks on the monitor at night time