Month 4 Week 1: Each in his own time

B's turning into such a delightful little 4 month baby boy!

Mommy lessons:

1. Milestone comparison syndrome:  Hubby and I have guiltily caught ourselves saying "he's 90% on this but only 75% on that" or "he *still* can't roll over on his own," etc.... We have to remind ourselves that every child develops at his own pace.  B can't always be above average, dear! 
2. Food fussiness:  After weeks of relatively easy and fast bottle feeding, B started getting really distracted -- taking 30+ mins to drink 180 ml (6.5 oz) as he tugged on his bib/my hair/anything within grasp, skipping a feed and/or not finishing his bottle at times.  We upgraded his bottle teat to level 2/M for faster flow and also positioned him to face outwards, sitting upright instead with something to hold in his hands.  That has improved things though he occasionally drinks only 4 instead of 5 times a day -- even going 10 to 12 hours between bottles!  That said, as his growth has so far been OK, the doc suggested not to worry and wait till month 5 before introducing solids.  I am however starting him on a trainer cup using this all-in-one grow-with-your-baby set. 
3. Socialising with baby:  B is becoming more responsive and selective with whom he interacts. He grins, squeals, laughs, babbles away when he's excited and also has a really loud high pitched cry now when he wants attention! (B has no idea what using your inside voice is ... yet). I've started to take him to some playdates with fellow newborn mom-friends and signed up for a few infant Meet Up events.  Am also thinking of teaching him baby sign language to help our communication.  Any recs? 

Baby milestones:

1. Tummy time everywhere:  He's been actively doing at least 30 mins now on the playmat, sofa, bed, mama's tummy, etc.  and seems to (finally) enjoy this more and for longer periods of time.  Once in a while he graces us with a wide grin when he discovers or accomplishes something like moving his hands forward, lifting his head up 90 degrees, making a full push up, etc.  
2. It's never too early to read:  Storytime has become a regular part of B's day and bedtime ritual now.  My parents introduced me to the wonderful world of books very early on and I wanted to do the same for him with series like Go Baby, Baby Touch and Amazing Baby, as well as some great fabric,  musical and classic baby books from friends.  It's a plus that libraries here are well stocked, in generally good condition and well used.  Can you believe B wasn't even the youngest member when we signed him up at 7 weeks old?  Kiasu Singapore!
3. His "I" is emerging - just flow with it: B's developing strong preferences and doesn't hesitate to show it.  E.g. When I turn on his mobile and he gets bored, he now uses his fists or feet to change the buttons.  He only likes the activity gym/playmat on our bed; put him down on it elsewhere and he'll just stare at it, unmoving!  He doesn't like to be rocked anymore to nap during the daytime and will squirm and squeal loudly; instead put him in his bouncer, rock/sing/shush gently for a few minutes and viola!