WEEK SIXTEEN

At Oliver's four-month doctor appointment it was obvious he had grown since our last visit. He now weighs 16 lbs and is 26.5 inches tall. He's a big guy!I can't believe that the summer has come and gone already. I remember being pregnant and thinking how great it was going to be to have the summer off. And now it's almost over! Time goes by far too quickly...
My favorite of Oliver's recent developments has to be his infectious laugh. My husband and I can now really get him going – we've got it down to a science. As I'm sure most parents would agree, your baby's first laugh is the most wonderful, hilarious sound you will ever hear! In addition to his recently discovered laugh, he has also continued to coo and chirp incessantly, as if he is trying to find his voice. He LOVES to make high-pitched screeching noises. It's very amusing to watch and interact with him now.
I've never been one to engage in conversation with strangers on the street, but since having Oliver I find he has become a magnet for conversation, especially with other mothers. It's as though you are automatically enrolled in the 'Mommy Club' when you have a child. I love it. I think it's great that when you have a child suddenly all social awkwardness passes and you can share the common bond of motherhood with fellow women. Motherhood seems to defy race, religion and social stature and simply connects us together. It's a beautiful thing. I find it funny, though, that after these mini encounters the closing salutation is usually "well, good luck!" I guess, quite frankly, every mother knows a little luck is needed to be a parent. After sharing these experiences I always wonder, should I have gotten their phone number? Email address? Maybe they are like me and don't have a lot of friends with babies. Would that be weird? What would I say? "Call me sometime, we should hook up! " It's like dating all over again!