Dear Simon,

Where in the world have four months gone already? I think this month you have changed more than any other month. Every day you interact more with the people and objects in your world. It used to be that I would look forward to times when you would sleep so that I could get a little rest. These days, I can’t wait until you wake up so that we can talk. Sometimes I even wake you up, though that doesn’t always go well for me.

This month, you were baptized. This means that you are a member of God’s covenant family and are entitled to all of the blessings that entails. We know that God’s spirit is at work in your heart, and we pray for the day that you profess your own faith in Jesus Christ. Until then, you will be surrounded by people who love you, both at home and in the church. And these people want you know that God loves you, and that you are ultimately His child.

You also had your baby shower (finally), which was yet another reminder that so many people love you. They brought many wonderful gifts—cute clothes (which you are already growing out of), books that will make you the smartest boy on the block, and all kinds of fun toys. Your parents might grumble every now and then that the house now looks like a tornado tore through a baby store, but we’re incredibly grateful for all of the support and care that has been shown to our family over the last few months.

One of my favorite new things that you started doing this month is the Full Body Hello. If someone walks into your line of sight, you will kick your legs, flail your arms, and wiggle your middle, and flash that smile that can be seen from outer space. That you are so happy to see me almost makes up for the fact that you are becoming more independent every day. You like to be on your back and kick. You’re still a bit of a snuggle bug, but not as much as before. You like to sit up, and you have much better head control, but you’re still pretty wobbly, so it looks like you’re agreeing with everything everybody says.

You also have become quite social. You do a lot of “talking” and sometimes your conversations with the ceiling fan are quite spirited. You have started smiling at yourself in the mirror, or maybe you’re smiling at two mommies. Either way, you are very engaging.

You still manage to keep your parents on their toes. In the early months, you had your guerilla pooping skills. Nowadays, you’re a bit manic. One minute, you might be screaming at the top of your lungs, like the whole sky is falling. And just when we’re about to execute Emergency Baby Pacification Plan #258 (which often entails pulling over to the side of the road and soothing you), you’ll suddenly keel over in mid-wail, fast asleep.

You still bring lots of joy into our lives, and I don’t think that’s going to end anytime soon.

Mama loves you, little man.