four months

I know it is cliche, and totally over done, but seriously: how has it already been four months since Malaikah entered our lives?  And of course, how has it only been four months?  She continues to be a sweet, content, happy little girl and we love her so much.  She is a super sleeper - sometimes napping 3+ hours (!!!) and already giving me long stretches at night.  After the challenges, and sleep deprived months (years) with Kyalo, this feels like a real blessing to me!

Malaikah is happy - smiling and giggling all the time, contrary to what the photos here will tell you.  In fact, I have many friends who have asked me, 'does she ever cry?'.  Yes, yes she does.  When she's very hungry and I can't get to her in time she lets it be known!  But really, she is a joy to have around because I can plop her anywhere and she will generally stay there without fuss for a while.

She does have a pretty good stare down, and sometimes she can't be bothered to smile for your antics, which of course just makes people work harder.  We think she's going to be an intense, intelligent little girl.  And that just means trouble for us when she's older.

 See what I mean about a stare-down?  At least she has good eye contact!

And, of course Kyalo wanted in on the pictures.  And of course he was still in his jammies!  He does wear regular clothes occasionally, I promise.

We head to the doctor for another round of shots and a weigh in next week. I always love seeing how she's grown and learning how she's doing!  I think she's busting out of this 'Kenya' T-Shirt already, so it is a good thing Grandma is going there on Friday and can get me some more (and no, I'm not jealous at all about this, why do you ask??).

My aunt Marg sent me a beautiful hand-knit sweater shortly after Malaikah was born.  She was still so tiny it seemed huge and I was sure she wouldn't wear it for months.  Yet suddenly, when I looked at it yesterday, it didn't look so big, so I tried it on her, and what do you know, it fit perfectly!

proof that she does cry, see?

Isn't it beautiful?  Thanks Marg!

Now, for some fuzzy iPhone photos from the past month.  Sorry for the photo overload!

 big brother kisses.  he loves her so!

 rosy cheeks to kiss!

 another hand-me-down from Kyalo.  Answer: yes.

 Kyalo doesn't even read yet, but he likes to read to Maliakah.  Is there anything better?

this is totally out of focus but gives you a good idea of her big big smile.  Often when I get her in the crib this is the face that greets me.  Makes the day so much brighter!

sitting up in the grocery cart already (with some good propping on either side, of course).  Kyalo wore this sweater when he was a baby, and I'm so happy that I can use it again.  I'm not so happy about below zero degree days, though!

So, are hearts are very full.  The days are going so fast.  (the whole, 'the days are long, the years are short' adage doesn't seem to apply right now, for this stage. I wish it would slow down!).

Hoping to stop by here again soon...