Mmmmmm...rice cereal

Matea had her first taste of rice cereal last week and loved it! We couldn't believe how well she did with the spoon and actually keeping the food in her mouth. She didn't have any issues with her tongue thrust pushing the food back out and immediately had the instinct to open her mouth when the spoon headed her way. She's so advanced (Hmmm, which one of you reading this won't know that was a joke? But seriously, she is). We tried bananas last night and she had her first encounter with a sippy cup today. She's definitely a booby girl and does not like the bottle so it's nice to know now that I can actually leave her side for any length of time and she can survive via cup or spoon. This weekend she went five hours between feedings (usually only goes three) just because she didn't want the bottle.
Just before I typed this we were talking about how we won't ever go through these "firsts" with any more babies (thanks to Steve getting the big "v" a few weeks ago) but I guess that's what grandkids are for.

Growing Girl

Matea is growing up so quickly. She had her four month check up today and is doing well. She weighed 15 pounds, 9 ounces and is 27 inches long. She's in the 75th percentile for weight and off the charts in height. The poor baby had to get four separate shots but only cried for about 5 seconds once they were finished. She's rolling from her tummy to back, bearing weight on her legs, laughing hysterically at Bella, and practicing her sitting up. Dr. Teaford gave the green light to try rice cereal with her so we might do that tonight. She's still waking up several (that's right, several!) times a night so maybe the rice cereal will help fill her tummy a little.

Holiday Party

Last night was the MOMS Club holiday party and both girls had a great time. Bella loved Santa and dancing and singing for the crowd and Matea loved watching her big sister (you can see her smiling and laughing at Bella in the picture where she's standing up). I thought the girls looked too cute in their matching dresses and yes, I forced them both to wear things I crocheted for them for at least a few pictures. Bella was really well behaved, especially compared to some of the monsters who were tearing apart the clubhouse. As you might be able to tell from the pictures of Matea, she's in full teething/drooling mode. She chews on everything, usually her fingers, and her collars always have a ring of wetness.