Since the last update at the end of the first week, Samuel has woken up! The sleepiness newborns go through the first two weeks has worn off, giving us a glimpse into his developing personality. Samuel’s also been packing on the ounces. Up from 7lbs. 7oz. at his lowest point, he’s now at 9lbs. 12oz. and not showing signs of any slowing down (he’s gaining about 2 oz. a day!). He’ll be one month old on Monday, which is hard to believe, although life feels like it’s finally developing some sort of routine. His feedings are pretty regularly three hours apart and we’ve somewhat figured out how to console him when he cries for reasons beyond hunger. Thanks to lots of friendly feedback from my facebook profile, we had quite a few tricks in the hat to try out, as well some interesting ones, like CSPAN?! As of now, SJ calms down best to bouncing with us on the exercise ball and to the dustbuster on high! We also use the radio in between stations. He doesn’t like the pacifier, though, which is fine with us but makes soothing him harder.
As SJ has come alive, we’ve observed a few things about him that endear us to love him even more! We feel our hearts ever-growing with love for this tiny bundle of blessing and extreme cuteness. I mean, he makes even explosive diarrhea cute! So here’s a few observations and a couple statistics that you might find interesting:
- SJ Likes: bath time, being swaddled (in his Kiddopotamus), chest time with Dad (this is Dad’s absolute favorite too!), worship songs from the Powerhouse sung by Mom and/or Dad, rides in the stroller around the neighborhood, rides in the car.
- SJ Does Not Like: waiting for milk, pacifiers, nap time during the day.
- Number of Diapers Used Since Birth: about 200. At almost $0.25 a piece, that adds up quick! We’re planning on switching to cloth diapers around 3-4 months (Bec found a good deal on Craigslist).
- SJ Noises: As he squirms and kicks (he throws a mean jab) he makes little grunts that sound a lot like a billygoat.
Finally, Pippy and Champ have adjusted pretty well to having some major competition around the house. Pippy likes to loiter around outside the nursery, but took a good two weeks before venturing in to officially check out the scene. Champ sniffs curiously at Samuel, but feels free to roam about the nursery, usually perching on the back of the nursing chair. He’s been kicked out a few times for being annoying – no big surprise there. Check out some photos of the cats first meeting SJ as well as others taken since the last update.
I vote for the cloth diapers, but why wait until he’s 3-4 mo. old? Back in the late 1980s, before it was cool to be “green,” I raised all three of my kids wearing glorious cloth. I made my own baby food using my blender. Feel free to be different parents than the world tells you to be. Never used pacifiers. My kids didn’t like them. Good thing, too, ’cause I’ve seen so many parents have such difficulties breaking their kids from them. My brother’s twin daughters, now almost five years old, used theirs too long and they both have speech problems now. Wow, I sound like a pushy grandma, don’t I?
Parental advice is always gladly given, but it’s all the new parents’ decision whether or not to subscribe to these things. He’s a lovely little science project, so to speak, and someday you’ll look back and be glad for the things you did and didn’t do. Raising him up to love the Lord is the most important thing you can do. Far more important than how to handle the choices related to diapers, baby food, and pacifiers! Oh, and a funny story about the cats. Back when I had my kids, my best friend asked if we would be getting rid of the cats “now that the babies are here.” (I had twin girls) I asked why and she said that the cats would suck all the breath away from the baby. Being a Hispanic woman, she had been raised with their culture’s old wives’ tale that was far from the truth. Anyway, love the kitties a little extra as they get used to the new little one in the family. My kids are all grown now. Kevin is 23 and has a cat and a dog. Renee is 21 and has three cats; twin sister Christina has two. Blessings to all three of you. Enjoy Samuel and I know I don’t need to encourage you to take lots of photos. He will no doubt be the most photographed baby on the planet. Take care! Cheri and John Riggs [Michelle's archeologist friend]
I love the shot of you and Samuel. That tiny hat makes him look like a little hobo telling you a secret. Looks like an adventure.
wow, that pic of sj with courtney–look how he’s holding up his head? So strong for 2 months. He’s such an adorable little man!!!!
I didn’t know about Samuel until talking to Michelle. How adorable is he??? Congratulations to the both of you!
He’s got that same glazed over look his daddy gets when focused on the computer!!!