Happy 4 Month Birthiversary!

A Froggy lesson about Kaleia Shalom at 4 months.

Frogs are characterized by their long legs, short bodies, and big eyes.

Kaleia grew 1.75 inches this month, keeping her in the 90th percentile for length at 25.75 inches but dropped to the 50th percentile for weight at 13 lb 12 oz. Her eyes aren’t especially big but they are very expressive now.

Frogs have long tongues.

We seriously considered dressing Kaleia as Gene Simmons from KISS this Halloween. Her long, pointy tongue is very active, probably feeling her incoming bottom front teeth.

Tree Frogs have toe pads to help them grip vertical surfaces.

Kaleia’s froggy-ness was established early. As an infant she loved to sleep on your chest, legs bunched under her, arm flung around yours, hand gripping your sleeve. And the froggy-ness continues. Now her super grippy hands dart out like frog tongues to snatch whatever you’re holding. They are great for shaking the toys her sister gives her, but bad for Mama’s hair.

Neither of our girls are "cuddly" but Kaleia definitely loves to be touched. She prefers to nap in a sling, holding your hand.

Frogs are exceptional jumpers.

Kaleia is busy! Jump in your arms, jump in her jumper. She loves to roll and loves tummy time, only getting frustrated when she wants to get back to her back.

Frogs are loud and do more than “ribbit.”

Kaleia’s repertoire has expanded from the occasional coo to all sorts of vocal aerobics. She is much more vocal than her sister was at this age.

Frogs are indicators of a healthy environment.

If Kaleia is happy and sleeping well, the rest of us are happy. Luckily, Kaleia is the poster-child for “The Happiest Baby on the Block.” Except when she does her monster farts—I don’t know if frogs do that.

Frogs are symbols of fertility, harmony, joy and luck.

A year ago we were very surprised to find ourselves pregnant with Kaleia. Fertility indeed. We wondered how we were going to handle two little ones, have enough time and love for both of them, how Magnolia would handle it. Maybe God knew we couldn’t handle much more or maybe we’re just lucky. She continues to brighten our days and live up to the meaning of her name: joy.

Needless to say, we chose a frog for Kaleia's lovey. Magnolia has Mona, Kaleia has Rana. Look for Rana to make her blog debut soon.