4-month birthday!

Uh-Oh.

I've never been a traditionalist. I don't send birthday cards. I stay home on New Year's Eve. It takes me months to write a thank-you card. I try to keep up with the hubbub of holidays and customs and pleasantries, but nearly every greeting I send out has the word "belated" in it somewhere.

So here we are, at Dustin's four-month birthday! 1/3 of a year old. He has grown so much ... from 9 lb 2 oz, to 17 lb 3 oz. Writing out those weights brings to mind ordering meat from the deli counter. He's changed so much: he's become more aware of the world around him, and more interactive with it. In particular, his sticky little hands have become more interactive with my hair, glasses, mouth and nose. It's fun to see him explore his world, but it can get messy!

We didn't take any pictures of him today. I didn't send out any cute announcements to my family (which helps them remember his birthday!) But we'll acknowledge it here, and while the little tyke is sleeping upstairs, I'll pretend to lift an imaginary glass of champagne, and toast to the next third of a year!

Happy Birthday, buddy!