4 months

On Friday, January 20th, Oliver turned 4 months old. We had his 4-month doctor's visit the day before and he weighed 13 lbs 9 oz and was 24" long, putting him in the 25% for weight and height. His pediatrician said he looked great.

While we were in the doctor's office, Oliver did two new things. He rolled over (front to back) and sat up unassisted for a few seconds! We haven't seen him roll over again yet, but it was exciting to see. He continues to work on his grasping and seems to like trying to hold (and taste) his toys.

Last weekend was another first, his first road trip. We drove to Iowa City to visit with family. Oliver wasn't a huge fan of the car ride, but adjusted well once we arrived and was content to meet and hang out with his Grandpa Bruce & Grandma Jenny, Uncle Jesse & Aunt Eleanor, and Marsha & Ron. It was great to see them all!

Oliver and Grandma Jenny

in Grandpa's arms

on Uncle Jesse's lap

three generations of Bocks

I'm going back to work full time on Monday, January 23. I've arranged my schedule so I should only have to go in to the office 2-3 times a week. I'm conflicted about returning to work, feeling excited to get back to teaching and regular adult conversations, but feeling sad about leaving Oliver too. I feel fortunate that Chris will be able to take care of him while I'm at work though!

The past four months have been a roller coaster ride. We are learning a lot and enjoying being Oliver's parents!

16 weeks

Oliver turned 16 weeks old this Tuesday, January 10. At his last doctors visit (at 15 weeks) he weighed 12 lbs, 9 oz.

In the past few weeks he has started putting his hands in his mouth all the time. He has also been drooling lately which we're hoping is not a sign that teeth are on their way.



Chris is working at the hospital part-time now which means he's home a lot more. I love seeing my boys together!

Just yesterday he grasped a toy by himself for the first time. It has been fun to see him working on this skill for awhile and finally succeed. It was such a small thing, but I was so proud!

He loves the Bjorn carrier (the Swedes sure know how to make baby products!). Chris puts him in it to make dinner on a regular basis and he just hangs out and watches. I'm hoping he'll follow in Chris' footsteps and enjoy cooking (for me?) when he's older. We've been having unseasonably warm weather so far this winter and have been lucky enough to take him on a few walks in the carrier too. He is content to look around and suck on his hands, the top of the carrier, or both.

We're heading to Iowa this weekend to visit family and friends. It will be our first road trip with Oliver. We're excited for everyone there to meet him and hope the trip goes smoothly!