Bennett at Four Months

Bennett Boy, Julie and Troy gave you just about the best 4 month old present ever. Your little cousin, Caulder, was born today, on your 4 month birthday. And, as if that weren't enough for you, you got a new little Buggy Buddy too. Amy and Jody brought Tradd into this world today as well. What a happy day. I hope you appreciate all the work on my part that went in to ensuring that these two little ones came on your 4 month birthday. I really had the hardest job. I'm sure people will think that it is actually the birthing mothers who have it roughest, but, as Gams says, "It's harder to think and remember that something needs to be done than to actually do it." (Or something along those lines. Although, she was usually referring to taking out the trash on Sunday nights and not the miracle of giving birth, but I think you'll agree the principle is the same.)

I must say, you showed off quite a bit today. You were a perfect angel as I dragged you from hospital to hospital. You did nothing but sit quietly and smile the whole time. You have made a lifelong friend in Darren with your flirtatious little smiles and coos. You won his heart immediately, and he must have won yours as well, since you saw fit to mark his shirt as your territory. Thank heavens he already has a couple of children himself, or he might not have taken it so kindly.

I can't believe how big you look next to these new babies. It seems like just yesterday (BTW, you'll be seeing that phrase a lot in this blog or any mommy blog, I imagine) that Jenny came by the hospital to see you. She had Cullen, who was only 2 months old at the time, in his carrier. He looked huge compared to you with all of 22 hours under your belt. Now, here you are, the elder statesman. How did it happen?

You have the most infectious smile and are quite generous with it. It used to be that Reeves was the only one who could really get you to smile, but not anymore. You smile for anyone. I have a ridiculous little ditty I say to you all the time, and I think it has only failed once to coax that dimple. "Benny, Benny Boy. The Benny Boy." I don't know where it came from (the tune, not the words), and I feel a little bad saying it all the time (seriously, ALL THE TIME) because Daddy doesn't really want you to be called Benny, but I can't help it. It makes you smile, and if you only smiled when I stood on my head, then I'd stand on my head all the time too. So I guess it's up to you. Once you start hating it, I'll stop saying (singing) it.

You're a tough little boy. Between your brother and your own fingernails, it's a wonder we haven't been to the ER yet. I think God knew what he was doing when he made it so that the younger you are, the faster you heal.

You're now officially in your crib, which means, by default, Reeves is officially in his big boy bed. I mention this for two reasons. One, you are a great sleeper. Once we gave you room to move, you started sleeping like a champ. You don't roll over yet, but you completely spin yourself around everytime you go to sleep. I would love to video it one night. I often wonder how you do it. The second reason is that, in addition to your length of sleep, you are also a pretty hard sleeper. I only know this because there have been more than a few nights where Reeves has let loose, fighting his bedtime, right outside your door. Knock on wood, it hasn't awakened you. I hope it stays that way.

Grandmama and I are convinced you are teething. You are constantly drooling, and you have already started putting any and everything in your mouth to chew on it. I think this is a bit early, but really, nothing would surprise me with you. Reeves didn't get his first teeth till he was six and a half months old. Of course, you blew past 10 pounds way faster than he did, so why not beat him to the punch with your teeth. I'm really fine with this except for the fact that your still nursing, and I would like to continue nursing as long as possible. I hope the teeth don't cut short these free meals.

You continue to adore your brother. And I'm beginning to think he's pretty fond of you too. A couple of weeks ago, I took him to a birthday party while you stayed home with Daddy. As soon as we turned out of the driveway, Reeves pointed to where you normally sit and looked at me and said, "Bubba?" wondering where you were. As much as he enjoys his one on one time with me, he misses you when you're not there. I am so looking forward to watching how y'all's relationship progresses.

Bennett Boy, you're an angel. You're such a good baby that even random people comment on it, not just family and friends, who are supposed to. And, of course, there's the dimple, and I have no doubt that you'll be using that throughout your life. I just pray I can withstand its powers. As your parents, it's our job not to give in to your every fancy, so you just remember that when you go cleaning out cabinets in a couple of years and try to flash us that dimple! We love you more than you'll ever know!