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As of this morning (posted by Leana):

age: 4 months, 4 weeks (two days shy of 5 months!)

weight: 15 lbs., 13 oz.

length: 26 1/4 inches

general health: excellent

I'm starting to really like our pediatrician. He's a rather odd man, but he seems to know what he's doing and to have a lot of experience. He's careful without being alarmist, which is good for me (being as I'm prone to worrying where Miran is concerned).

P.S> Miran can now roll completely over from back to tummy in one go.

Laughing!

Our little boy can really crack up now -- this morning he had his most boisterous laughing session yet, with real giggles and chuckles. It makes my whole world when he's so happy!

Today we did a big baby shopping trip, including a brief visit with Allison and Glenn and their baby, Kannon, who is eight months old. He and Miran were really looking at each other for the first time, and with time flying so fast they'll be playing together before we know it. We also picked up a bunch of things we need: baby food-making supplies (he starts solids in a month, and we want to make our own baby food for the most part), some drool bibs (trust me, he needs them), an ear thermometer (yay! no more rectal readings), some teething toys, diapers (he's now on size 3!), and an "exersaucer" activity center (since he loved the one at my cousin's house so much).

Speaking of my cousin, Miran and I had our biggest trip ever this week with my mom. We drove first to visit my cousin, Emily, and her baby Gabriella, who is nine months old. Then we went to visit an old family friend, her daughter, and her new granddaughter, who is seven months old, in upstate New York. Miran did really well for the most part, adjusting to all the new surroundings and people.

Tuesday we go to the doctor's for a check-up, so I'll be back soon to post updates on his status.

P.S. Oh, and he can now roll from back to tummy!

further developments

It seems like every day Miran has something new he can do. He has now totally mastered the ability to hold onto and chew a toy (though picking it up once it's dropped is not there yet), and his latest hobby is batting at the toys on his bouncy seat. Oh, and he's just starting to have little tantrums, too -- angry shrieking and bucking when he's unhappy, rather than always the old-fashioned crying.

A different baby

Kieryn and I were musing last night about what a different baby Miran has become. Gone is that tiny fragile newborn, and in his place, an alert, curious, growing baby boy who becomes more of his own person every day. These days, not only can he coo, make eye contact, roll from tummy to back, etc., but he can:

1. roll over from back to side (In fact, side sleeping is his new favorite thing. We put him to sleep on his back but, invariably, he rolls over onto his side at some point during the night)

2. grab things more easily, and even put his pacifiers back into his mouth when they fall out (sometimes). He has a teething rattle that he's just starting to figure out.

3. stand on his two legs with only minimal support

4. push himself to standing from sitting with only minimal support

5. sit upright with only minimal support

6. fuss, rather than cry, when he's upset

He continues to be healthy, well, and strong. And usually, pretty sweet, too!

A heart-breaker!

A Growing Boy

New milestone . . . it's only happened a few times, but enough that it's not just coincidence: Miran can use his hands to get his pacifier back in his mouth when it falls out!

A Special Visit

Miran has now finally met his other granddad (Kieryn's dad), and they have taken to each other right away. It's great to see three generations of Phipps men in the same room. Since Grandpops lives so far away (in England), this time together is really special. Adorable pictures to come soon.

P.S. Miran's appointment with the pediatrician went well today. He now weighs 14 lbs., is 25 inches long, and seems to be developing right on target.