Elise: Two Months!

Dear Elise,

Seasoned mothers warned me that the time would fly-- and, boy, were they right! Tonight I opened up your dresser drawer and hesitantly removed the stack of your newborn clothes. Already, you have moved on to the 0-3 month size! I'm thrilled that you are growing and thriving, but my heart sinks a bit when I realize how quickly it's happening. That's the story of motherhood, I suppose... 

Eating
You still have a healthy appetite! And, I usually can predict when you'll become hungry... Your favorite time to eat?: It involves me sitting down with a plate of hot food. That moment when I longingly move my fork towards a first bite-- yeah, that's usually when you start whimpering!

Sleeping
Your circadian rhythms seem to be well-established now! I'm a lucky mom! You still wake up once or twice a night to eat, but these feedings only seem to be little snacks. After a few minutes-- or sometimes even a few seconds-- you are sound asleep once more.

There have been a few nights when you've seemed inexplicably cranky. Daddy has figured out an effective (and hilarious) way to soothe you: He sings the Gilligan's Island theme song and moves you along with the tune. I don't know how he came up with this. But it works. And it's funny. (My favorite part is the little dip he does during "...the tiny ship was tossed...") 

Growth and Milestones
I returned to work about two weeks ago. It has been difficult, but June 2nd (my last day of teaching!) is just around the corner. In the mean time, Dad has been a wonderful caretaker! Today, he took you to your two-month checkup. The doctor was pleased with your weight gain-- you're just over 10 lbs now!

You seem to be getting bigger every day! Dad and I noticed that your cheeks seem much fuller, and you now have the slightest and cutest double chin (don't worry, it's cute on babies...really, it's a compliment!). Your arms and thighs are beginning to develop squishy-delicious little rolls! But perhaps your most noticeable physical change has been your eye color. For the first few weeks of your life, your eye color was unclear-- a dark, grayish color. Now, your eyes most certainly are a deep shade of blue! This is quite a surprise considering that, when I was pregnant, I pictured you as a little Asian baby. Who knew that you'd have blue eyes, blond eyebrows (!), and dark strawberry blond hair?!

Another recent milestone has been your increased alertness. You're awake A LOT throughout the day! I especially love it when you're in a smiley mood, squeaking and grinning. What treasured moments! 

Likes
-everything from last month
-hanging out in your swing, Baby Bjorn bouncer, or on your sheepskin rug when you're in a happy mood (you can last 20 minutes or so)

-making eye contact when you're especially awake

Dislikes
-everything from last month

I love you, buhbee!

Love,
Mom

Elise: The Six Week Update

Okay, so it's really the six week plus two days update, but it's close enough!


Dear Elise,

The other night I was trying to think of one word that sums up motherhood so far. To be honest, I was pretty stumped; no word seemed to capture it perfectly. Then, it hit me: joyous. Being your mom brings me a deep joy. Remember that joy is something deeper and more constant than happiness. Joy persists even in the midst of difficulty (and in the midst of poopy diaper explosions and 2 a.m. feedings!).

Eating
From Day #1, you've had an incredible appetite! When you're hungry, nothing can be done to distract you. You "peck" and open your mouth like an eager baby bird! You also pant like a little puppy!


Sleeping
Your first two weeks were tough, because Daddy and I were getting to know you. Thanks to your pediatrician's advice, some informative books, and good old fashioned trial and error, we now know what helps you fall asleep. Daddy has perfected vigorous side-to-side swinging in the Ergo carrier, which almost always puts you to sleep-- even when you protest. At night, I usually let you fall asleep on my lap (on the Boppy pillow) as I type on the computer. Once you are sufficiently limp, I carry you into the bedroom and put you in your "sausage suit" (I'll explain what this is in another post). I gently place you in your bassinet, and you sleep for 2.5 to 3 hours. You can be a noisy sleeper and let out an assortment of grunts and whimpers, but I'm getting pretty good at distinguishing your sleep noises from your waking noises. When you're ready to eat, you begin to grunt... You never cry! I wake up, remove you from your bassinet, and bring you into our bed. You nurse for a few minutes and drift off to sleep. I also fall asleep, but wake when I realize that you are ready to return to your bed. Your Daddy likes to wake up early, so he takes you between 5:30 and 7:00 a.m. and lets me sleep in! (Yes, your dad is awesome!)


Growth and Milestones
Dad and I weighed and measured you a few days ago. You were 23.5 inches long and about 9 pounds! You started smiling the day before we left for our visit to California. During our trip, Nana and I got many more heart-melting smiles out of you! You also seem to be learning how to coo. One evening while you were laying on my lap, I heard you squeak. When I looked down, I was surprised at what I saw...your eyes already fixed on my face and a huge toothless smile!


Likes
-eating
-sleeping on our chests
-eating
-staring at windows and lights
-vigorous motion
-warm baths
-going to Church (you're very serene in environments with music and/or ambient noise)
-EATING!!!!


Dislikes
-diaper changes when you already are cranky
-being swaddled
-being on your back when you are awake

I love you, baby bird!

Love,
Mom