Eight weeks old

Well, here we are at eight weeks old. Hard to believe. I still feel like I'm stuck in some kind of crazy time warp. Some days, I'm still lucky to get dressed by noon. Which brings me to my current dilemma: finding myself again. It is so easy to get lost in the demands of parenthood, especially with a young infant. I'm currently in negotiations to remember the importance of taking care of myself. It's so easy to get lost in putting the baby's needs first ALL the time that I often push myself way down on the totem pole. We're making progress though. Miles is doing so much better, he's really turning into a baby. His awake times are full of smiles and cooing. He is so talkative now-extremely charming. The crying fits seem to be abating. We have had very few these days. The only crying now is related to being hungry, tired or being placed in the evil, evil car seat (my friend Russin is letting us borrow a different model for a bit to see if that makes a difference-stay tuned!). Actually, even the car rides have gotten better. I really think we've turned a corner. Big, huge sigh of relief. With the holidays these past few months, we've had a chance to try our hand at lots of dinner parties. Miles is great. He sleeps, eats and then gets held by lots of volunteers. It's a wonderful feeling to raise a baby amongst such great family and friends!

Future best friends

Our friends, Russin and Dave, had a baby almost exactly one month after Miles. I'm sure there are lots of play groups in our future! Right now, just lots of sleeping.

Seven weeks

Things continue to get better and better, plus, he's more and more smiley and that certainly smoothes over any of the crying bouts we might have. We're still trying to work out a nighttime routine, since this is generally the trickiest time. Thankfully, he's a good sleeper at night, waking only to nurse and then goes back to sleep. Knock on wood that this will continue! Some major milestones this week: he gave me a few nights with 4 hour stretches of sleep-felt like heaven. Also, yesterday, he took a three hour nap in the cosleeper. Again- felt like heaven. I am also figuring out a strategy with the stroller/car seat combo. I try to head out when he has a full belly and/or is ready for a nap. Then, the protesting is not as fierce and he sleeps while I walk the dogs. I think I made it out twice this week so far. This is a huge deal everyone!
He still struggles with daytime napping and being able to settle himself and then stay asleep. Fortunately, he's been more accepting of the pacifier lately, which helps him relax. He really fights falling asleep, but we're patient and commited to helping learn to soothe himself and fall/stay asleep easily.
He's tracking objects and pictures like crazy. Craig (with the help of some coworkers) made some wonderful graphic cards that he enjoys. He has also started tracking our faces when we're talking to him or moving around him. He's very chatty and smiley first thing in the morning, which is a delighful way to start the day. Overall, he continues to be a darling and cuddly baby!

This was my attempt to catch a smile. It's really hard to be the one trying to elicit the smile AND capture it with the camera. It's more of a bemused expression, but trust me, the smile was there!

Impromptu gathering

A fun night with Mary, Sam and a baby burrito.

Uncle Alex and Aunt April

Alex and April are visiting from Oregon, so Miles had a chance to meet them. I think it went well.

Some day

....we'll master the Moby wrap. In the meantime, I love our efforts!

Boppy thief