4 month appt...

Even though he is technically 4.5 months old, regardless, the stats from his appointment are as follows: big noggin, 24.5 inches long, and 13lbs 2oz. He is thriving! Go Charley! We were given the option of putting him on solids but we are going to wait a little bit longer, at least until he is 6 months old. :)

Charley's first dip, as in pool, haha!

So it was KIND OF warm so we decided to introduce Charley to the pool. Being as it that he LOVES his baths and splashing in the water, we thought he would enjoy his first dip in the pool. He didn't...and I'm guessing that is because the water was like 50 degrees. Oops. Maybe when it's warmer? Heehee...

Charley in his cool sunglasses.

Charley was checking out Jessica laying out across the way.

Right before the torturous dip.

Not too sure...

After screaming his head off, fell asleep on Daddy's chest.

This is a random picture from a couple of nights ago. We finally caught his mad face. Haha, way too cute. (slight resemblance to the Stay Puft Marshmallow man from Ghostbusters...)

Happenings

First off, the trip to California. When I had started to think about flying on a plane with a three month old, all I could think about is how everyone always complains about babies on the plane because apparently they cry a lot. Let me tell you, I was more apprehensive about breastfeeding in public than I was about actually having Charley on the plane. I wasn't worried about him crying or screaming or pitching a fit. Charley is pretty much chill unless he's hungry or overly tired which, as long as you get him down for his nap when you see his sleepy signs, you're totally fine. We bought one of those covers that you throw over yourself so I could accomplish this nursing around large groups of people. I really didn't have much of choice but to get used to this. The first time was kind of awkward because I always had pillows and blankets I could use when I was at home. Away from the comforts of my home, I had to figure out how I was going to hold him and somehow be comfortable at the same time. That was challenging. Regardless, we had a great trip. Charley did excellent with the time change and the shock of meeting a hundred new people. We didn't get much sleep and his naps were short, few, and far between but he did really well. He got back on schedule rather quickly as well. Below are a few pictures of the trip. I wish I had gotten more pictures of him with family. :(

Another topic, Ryan and I had been talking about going to formula due to the fact I'm still getting 2-4 clogged ducts a week, 80% of which are easily remedied while the other 20% leave me ill, sore, and 1 or 2 days out from work. It has become increasingly frustrating as I have and am doing everything I can do to avoid them EXCEPT taking lecithin everyday (blah!) which I have taken up now because I am at my wit's end. I'm in the vicious circle where I have a clogged duct, I get frustrated but the only way I can get rid of it is by nursing and in my frustration want to quit breastfeeding. As soon as I'm unclogged, I'm hunky-dorey and decide...nah, I'm good...I'll just continue breastfeeding. And thus begins the cycle. I was and still am set on at least continuing until Charley's six months old...a year would be great but we shall see. 

Charley is getting bigger and developing as every infant should. When he's on his belly, he thrashes around like a fish out of water. He moves like an inch worm. He's a lot more sturdy when he sits in his bumba chair. He laughs and talks A LOT more and is ticklish everywhere. He's teething like no other. He prefers chewing on his fingers and blankets than teething toys. Loves loves loves his baths. I usually end up soaked after a good bathing.