Our Lil' Blossom is 4 months old already! It never seems possible that their baby-hood will fly so fast but it always does. One of her first big milestones came about a month ago when she started sleeping through the night - God bless her she will do 12 hours at a stretch most nights. You may all drool with jealousy now :)
The last couple of weeks have held some pretty big milestones, baby-wise. On the 29th, I had her laying on her blanket while I tidied the house. I had just left the room for a moment and when I came back... she was on her stomach! Since then she has nearly perfected the art, if she can just get her darn arm out of the way. She has gone from hating tummy-time to loving it, now that she can get there by herself. A few days later she rolled from front to back, but I'm not sure it really counts. It was more of a falling backwards as she pushed up, so I'm waiting for a more definitive show.
We also tried some "food" this week. She just doesn't seem to be getting satisfied anymore on breast milk alone. First we tried a little oatmeal, which she did alright with. Then we tried some diluted apple juice, which she did not like! We moved onto pear, which she likes much better. Hallelujah, at least there willbe another option for her since she HATES formula!
after her first cereal - not too messy!
Today we brought out the exersaucer. Lately, she hates to lay down! She tries to sit straight up out of her car seat, bouncy seat, off your lap, etc. Even when she's nursing she will try to sit up when she is done (and sometimes before she is done, OUCH!) She wants to be sitting up, or even better, standing up. So out came the exersaucer. She really liked it for about 15 minutes, which I figure is a good start. Rome wasn't built in a day.
first time in the saucer
We are so blessed to have Leah as part of our family! The last 4 months have been such a wonderful experience -her brothers are so in love with her, and she has her dad wrapped around her tiny finger. And I of course, adore her! Her smiles and laugh brighten my day and I love to see her with the boys - she is really starting to interact with them, especially Jacob. They take such good care of her, and have even made up a song to soothe her when she gets fussy. It started out in the car one day as just a sing-songy way to say her name, and now it's a full blown song they both know the words to, and sing in unison. And it works EVERY time. I have even found myself singing it at bed time to settle her down. It goes like this:
Leah Rae Barnhart
Leah Rae Barnhart
Leah Rae, Lea Rae
Leah Rae Barnhart
Leah's our best sister
And we love her so much
Leah Rae, Lea Rae
Leah Rae Barnhart
I know, it seems a little repetitive (especially when you're typing it!) but when you hear two sweet little voices singing it to calm their baby sister, it's the most beautiful song in the world!
Leah is growing way too fast. She is quickly approaching her 6 month birthday and is ready to be on the move! She graduated to her hi-chair this week, and has the appetite of a BIG girl! She still sleeps through the night, and is slowly learning to drink formula (thank heavens!). She also has been making attempts to move herself around, either by rolling to get where she's going or kick-scooting on her tummy. I am not ready for her to be crawling yet! 
and when there have been one too many hot days and late nights in a row: