The Good News and the Bad News

The Good News:

Noah had his 8 week appointment today and, despite his parents' near constant concern about weight gain and successful nourishment, he's doing great. His doctor commented that he's gaining weight like a formula fed baby. I'll take that as a compliment.

Here are his stats:

Weight: 12 pounds 8.4 ounces (81%)
Height: 23.5 inches (81%)
Head circumference: 15.5 (48%)

The Bad News:

The 8 week appointment brings those nasty vaccinations. The picture pretty much speaks for itself.

(Sad, right?)

The nurse actually congratulated me when it was over for not crying. Um, I forgot I was supposed to. I guess I was just so focused on what she was doing and how Noah would handle it, that I forgot to shed a tear. Or, maybe I was saving those tears for 2 a.m. when he's sad and hurting.

We're doing lots of cuddling, sleeping and loving around here...and very much looking forward to about 48 hours from now when he'll surely be feeling better.

Getting Stronger!

He sits up!

Well, with a little help.
But, not bad for 6 weeks, right?
That strong neck is really helping him not topple over!
(Is it just me or is his hair looking a just little bit red?)

Right Now...

It's peaceful at our house.

An Update

This post is long overdue. Back in September my sweet dad had rather extensive brain surgery. So many of our dear friends have contacted us, wondering how things are going now.
Now that Dad is a few months post-surgery we're really seeing a tangible difference in what he is physically capable of. He walks more steadily, has greater endurance and the shakiness of classic Parkinson's is much more manageable. Often his body is completely calm. He is able to do little things like use a fork and knife quite capably and big things like hold baby Noah. That's his favorite.
We realize that Parkinson's is a degenerative disease but are so grateful that, for now, many of its relentless side effects have diminished significantly. What great friends we have, many who don't know my dad at all, who have asked and cared.

One Month!

Noah is one month old!

This little rocking chair was mine as a child, and now I think we'll watch Noah grow into it this year, month by month.

What a month it has been. I have never worried more, slept less or spent this much time at home. It's been wonderful and challenging, all wrapped up together.


It seems like every day Noah gets a little more comfortable and adjusted to life. In the past week he has:

• grown out of his newborn clothes and is diligently working on that double chin.
• lost a lot more of his newborn hair, which means his 'old man fringe' around the ears and neck is starting to show more.
• become much more vocal by screaming (of course!), grunting, and making those sweet cooing sounds.
• likes to be sung to - which I'll only do if Daddy is asleep or not home. :-)
• slept by himself for two nights (another hurray for that one!).
  

Noah's favorite way to get around is with his Dad -- as they fly around the house. Even in the worst mood, Nate can cheer his little guy right up.

After the pediatrician and my friend Chrissie recommended the Sleepy Wrap, I bought one. If you've got a baby who hates to be left alone or put down, but you actually want to get something done during the day, this is a must. It has saved me, and is definitely a highlight of the month for me. It's the perfect combination of being close to my sweet baby, but hands free and still a bit productive. Love it!

One more...because I'm absolutely smitten by him:

Whose baby is that?

This can't possibly be our baby:

You see, our baby loves the closeness of being snuggled, typically protests at being on his back, and shows all of his strength when a swaddle is attempted. But he sure is cute and darling and grunts just like our sweet Noah. Hmmm....
One of Nate's coworkers sent this little bassinet/rocker home with him last night (THANK YOU Amber!), and little Noah didn't mind it at all. I took a risk and decided to swaddle him when it was time for bed, and he gave me a look that just sort of said, "O.k., I guess it's not that bad."

For the first time in four weeks I didn't hold Noah all night long. I have few complaints about doing it, because it was what worked and I knew it wouldn't be forever that he'd need to sleep this way. Besides, if this is his 'sleep with mommy' stage instead of at two or three, I'm pretty lucky.

Sure, it was only one night, but I can't help but be optimistic. I think you're growing up Noah!