Raising Schuurmans: 4 Months Old

     This past Sunday, our sweet Titus turned 4 months old. He is SUCH a joy to have around. He smiles constantly, especially when people talk to him. He's really laughing now and Marcus is the number one reason he does. They have a wonderful relationship thus far and I pray it continues all through their lives. I know it doesn't seem possible since they're so young, but they REALLY do have a close relationship. Marcus asks, "Where's Titus?" as soon as he wakes up and once Titus sees his big brother, his big blue eyes LIGHT up with excitement. It's precious.
     On Tuesday, we took Titus to see Dr. Love for a well-visit and all looks great. He weighed 17 pounds, 9.5 ounces which puts him in the 84th percentile and he is 27 3/4 inches tall which is well above the 100th percentile. When comparing his height and weight, he's in the 24th percentile meaning he's just a big ol' boy. Dr. Love reassured me that he's not over-weight but he's super tall and definitely thick. Remember now that we call him our little linebacker. :)
     His head never has been a great shape, but according to Dr. Love it's forming the way it ought to. He still has a slight flat spot on his right side, but since sitting up more and doing lots of tummy time, his head is rounding nicely. Other than that, Titus got 2 immunization shots in his thigh, one that he took by mouth, and had a small procedure done on his "manhood." Everything is good down there and we're thankful for another great visit with our beloved Dr. Love.
     Titus is now rolling over with ease, back to belly, and belly to back. He typically rolls right, instead of left. He's holding his head up and will just SMILE so big when you congratulate him on his accomplishments. His big head helps him roll back onto his back, which he can do going in either direction. He's spitting up less than before (thank goodness) but it's still more than I remember Marcus ever doing. Dr. Love said that it's more than likely just the muscle on his esophagus that hasn't quite gotten strong enough to properly seal yet, which is common in babies. Along with the spit up, he is now beginning to drool, so we go through multiple bibs a day. He LOVES chewing his fist and has a slight love for his paci when he's sleepy. He doesn't really like it much when he's awake and alert. Dangly toys are a new phenomenon for him and he's starting to grab anything in sight. He's moved out of the "infant" stage and into the fun baby stage. We love our sweet Titus Jeffrey and are so blessed to have him be the fourth member of our family.