Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Eight Weeks old on Christmas Eve


Life with Drew has been wonderful so far. I have already forgotton way too much, I wish I could preserve every moment.

We were talking how much more enjoyable the Christmas season has been so far because of his presence. He brings an excitement and anticipation that has been missing for some years now.
Meeting Santa this past weekend was great fun for all three of us - a tradition we will uphold each year. Other traditions will include watching "It's a Wonderful Life" and baking cookies, attending church on Christmas Eve and reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas". So much fun!

Drew is up to 11.2 pounds and becoming more vocal each day. He is good at finding his fist and soothing himself while gnawing away on his little fingers - if he doesn't startle himself or gnaw to hard.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Seven Weeks Old

It's amazing to see someone actually learning all of these small yet very important movements that we take for granted each day...rolling over, lifting up your head, grasping objects. Each achievement paves the way for the next.

Drew has been rolling to his side and he is especially adept at 'conversing' with us. He loves to hear us talk to him and then he responds with his own little sounds. Again, it's practice for being able to form his own words in the future. I can't wait to hear him say "Mama!" but that's getting a little ahead of myself.

Meanwhile, we put up our first real Christmas tree in the living room downstairs. It has colored lights on it and is full of a variety of ornaments, many from my own childhood. Both Andrew and I are enjoying this tree because it does remind us of our own Christmases past. And our hope is to give Drew very special memories as well. Christmas is going to be very special!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Six Weeks Old Already

Drew is a constant joy. He really enjoys his pacifier, adding grunts, squeaks and sound effects to the obviously pleasurable activity. Andrew and I began to put up Christmas decorations and Drew has been enjoying the lights. I also noticed Drew observing his own hands while nursing this week. This is a step that eventually helps him to gain more control of those little hands, once he realizes that they are connected to his own little body.

Last night we took him to a Christmas Party for Andrew's work. He met Andrew's co-workers. "Precious" and "so much hair" were comments used to describe him.

This week has been our first official week of the 'new normal'. Family has gone and Andrew, Drew and I are falling into our own routine and learning how to manage our new little family. Drew drives all of my activities now, allowing me time to eat, sleep and maintain the home while he sleeps or hangs out in his chair. He is good at occupying himself for short stretches. And Andrew jumps in to help when he gets home, bathing Drew or holding him when necessary.

Special things: I love holding him up on my shoulder and embracing him. His little arms stretch out to hold me back--it's such a sweet time...he is very interactive with us cooing and making many facial expressions often--he looks like he's about to say something and just doesn't have the words yet...he still has jerky little movements but not quite as dramatic as when he was just a couple weeks old...he loves to look at the black and white graphics we printed for him while being changed, they keep his focus quite a bit and are helping to stimulate his brain activity...

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Five Weeks Old


Yep, that's a real smile! He smiled at me in response to some prompting that morning and isn't it sweetness personified? He's getting better at holding up his head and even is working on supporting himself on his forearms and looking around. The doctor told us he was amazed at how animated he is for a one month old. We're working on a baby genius and he's coming along nicely...

Kidding, but for the most part Drew is doing amazing. He is a joy each day and so easy sleeping most of the time. Yes, that will change, but we feel fortunate that he is such an easy baby so far.

Today he went to Chuck E Cheese with his cousin Spenser and he also experienced his first snowfall this week. He's definitely got the good life so far!