"The future's so bright... ( Fiona 4.1 months)

...I have to wear shades."

I couldn't resist the infant sun glasses clearance at Target, especially since Fiona's not even supposed to be in the sun or wear sunscreen for two more months. Most adorable baby buys are impractical. But the future does look brighter as --I hesitate to say it and hope I am not jinxing anything--Fiona seems to have turned a corner. We encounter little set-backs but overall we have happier baby who coos more, smiles more, laughs, and sleeps better. Last week she showed off her new self to Great Grandpa Al who couldn't get enough of her dimpled grin and delicate squeals. When she's happy every ounce of her body shows it and her baby blue eyes sparkle. Musical caterpillar and turquoise bear with plastic hands are currently her two favorite toys. She enjoys the big swing for about 10-15 minutes and I can still count on the Symphony mobile to occupy her in the crib for a bit. Like her father, she also likes checking herself out in the mirror. We've moved into the big bath, using the mini inflatable tub-in-tub Marlo gave us. Fi was a little nervous at first and more hesitant to get her face wet but once she gets comfortable her legs & arms start slapping water and she throws a fit when it's time to towel off. We're still experimenting with the extra stinky (going in & coming out) super digestible formula for gassiness and digestive issues and at four months we introduced rice cereal for a little substance. She does Ok with it thinned out in a bottle but hasn't figured out spoons. There's nothing she likes more than stiffening out her little legs in a supported stand. Not only does she straighten out when protesting her car seat, but she loves being held up tall on your lap, the counter, the couch, floor... This made me think she'd pass on tummy time and go directly to walking but over the past week at night she's turned on her belly to sleep and has a new interest in flipping over during the day. If you can avoid a string of drool, she also delights in a Super Woman flight overhead.
You can spot our greatest development, and likely reason for mood swings, if you look closely above...Fi has sprouted two teeth smack dab in the mid, lower gums! Our pediatrician said he, "would be surprised if at 3 1/2 -4 months Fiona were teething," but my friend Karen, mother of three, had it right. Of course teething means more unsolicited advice from everyone I encounter, with a whole new litany of "unique remedies" for her discomfort. For now we're offering Tylenol, some Orajel, and cool chew toys, inccluding hands. She leaves a mark if you let her!
I tried a day back at work last week while Jim played Mr. Mom, with copious help from grammy. Getting up early was hard but it was nice to be around co-workers again and have something to do that was my own. I'm scheduled through mid-September and we'll see how it goes from there since Jim anticipates more international work travel.
I almost forgot another big milestone--As part of going back to work and needing more rest at night, I deposited Fiona in her room. She had been in the pack-n-play near us to feed frequently but now that's she 14 lbs and shouldn't have to eat as much at night off to enjoy her beautiful nursery. She didn't seem to notice the move and I feel good using the space we spent so long painting!