What a Difference a Few Weeks Make

One Week



8 Weeks

FYI

I finally figured out how to open up the "comments" to anyone! Now you don't have to have a gmail account to leave us messages, and we'd love to hear from you!

Some Holiday Ice Skating Fun

Two Months Today

Jules,

Today you are officially 60 days old. How crazy is that?!? You still have wonky sleep at night, you're nursing less often during the day, and you have a loosely structured nap routine. You love to "swim" in a deep bath; kicking your legs and floating on your back. It makes you so tired and relaxed at the end of the day that you go right to sleep quite easily after your baby massage.

You've taken to gnawing quite hard on your knuckles - turning them red from all your chomping. And you've figured out how to let papa and I know you're mad. Just this week you screamed at him when he was trying to help you get your binky back in at nap time and you were getting frustrated. And I was trying to trim your nails while you were eating but you kept grunting/screaming at me every time I tried to hold your hand still. We mostly just laugh at you - it's pretty funny to see you screw up your tiny face in anger. But you've made it quite clear you don't like to be bothered while you're eating.

We just celebrated your first Christmas. Claire, Tessa, and Uncle Kenny were all in attendance. We ate good food while you mostly slept, and you were passed around and loved on the entire time. You were given alot of cloth and wooden toys - just like you're mama likes:) As well as some adorable new outfits from papa, and a beautiful handmade blanket from your Auntie Lily. There sure are a lot of people who love you and are ready to spoil you rotten.

You've grown so much in the last month! I'm putting together your photo album and I keep looking at pictures of the tiny little bean we brought home from the hospital. Now you've got big round cheeks that everyone comments on, an adorable double chin, and the cutest chunky thighs and arms ever. You've started to enjoy you're bouncer even more, and even discovered the fish that twirl on your swing. I got you a crib mirror for xmas and you are mastering pushing up on your arms and picking up your head to look at yourself.

I think one of your permanent nicknames is going to be "Thrasher". All morning long while I'm trying to feed you, all you can do it punch and kick me. For hours at a time you squirm and twist and turn, making it very clear that you should be at the center of our attention. If I happen to fall asleep you make sure I'm awake again as soon as possible.

On days when papa works nights he loves to lay in bed in the mornings and snuggle you, and then hang out with you in the nursery while he gets ready for work. He gets up in the middle of the night and sleeps in the glider so he can help you and I can get some sleep. And every day before he leaves he comes and gives you kisses goodbye. Today you looked up at him and gave him the biggest smile. It was amazing. You are our beautiful little boy and we love you so much!

Always,
Mama
xoxoxoxoxo

Shaw Elves

A little something to brighten your day. And make you laugh. ALOT.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1470549922
(it may take a minute to load)

Thanks JB!

Bouncer Accessories

When we busted out the bouncer when Julian came home as a "place to stash the baby", we took off the toy bar. It just seemed so huge compared to our tiny little baby. But lately he is so much more interactive and seems so much bigger! Pete remembered that we had it and got it out this morning. Between the waterfall all it's flashy lights, and the toys he can hit and kick, and the monkey and frog that move back and forth- it was a huge success!

Not to mention the added bonus of the ceiling fan, whom we've dubbed "his friend Mr. Fan". This kid could stare at a stationary fan for ages, turn it on and it's even better! Oh yea, and that cute little outfit he's wearing? Already to small - short at the wrists and ankles. This boy is getting huge. We're already having to cycle out the smallest newborn clothes!

Baby Announcement/Xmas Card

We've been working on getting pictures of Jules to use for a Birth Announcement/Christmas Card. It's not as easy as one would think to take good pictures of a baby, let alone try to get that baby to fall asleep in a box under the christmas tree! But I finally was able to get some good ones yesterday once he passed out. These didn't make the cut for the announcement, but are so cute they just had to be shared.

Tummy Time

Jules loves to do his tummy time and will usually just hang out checking stuff out and lifting his head to look around. We try to do this a couple of time a day so he can build up his neck muscles. The best part are all the grunts, groans and other associated noises he makes while he's doing his thing, it always makes us laugh! This time he mostly just drooled on his hand (which he is starting to find on his own) and rubbed his face in the soft blanket.

For Natalie

One Month Today

Dear Julian,

Today is December 1st, 2007 and you are one month old, and we are so thrilled to finally have you here in the world with us. Your entrance was slightly more dramatic than we were expecting but in the end it every twist and turn was worth it. You've changed a lot in this last month, and it's taken me a bit by surprise. Your little body has grown a ton, and every day I can see changes in your adorable little face. The cheeks are bigger, hair longer, and eyes are wider and as blue as could be. Your little arms and legs are getting roly poly, and your belly gets bigger and bigger all the time. You’re a terrific eater!

As every day passes you are more and more awake during day time hours, and the early morning is the most interactive part of your day. You love to kick your legs and punch your arms into the air, or even better into our faces while we have our morning cuddles. You love to stare at our faces, and we can tell that you recognize our voices turning your head back and forth as we talk.

Your big brother Nico seems to be adjusting very well to your arrival. He loves to get treats that you squeeze in your tight little fists and when you cry he comes running with a worried look on his face. He loves to snuggle us all on the couch when you’re in your boppy nursing or hanging out. It's going to be fun watching you grow up with him and learn to play with him.

You seem to be a very laid back kind of guy, only crying when you’re hungry or tired or want to be held. The middle of the night isn't very rough because you make your needs know by little grunts and noises rather than wails. Most days are full of two hour naps on and off, with many hours of awake time, but slowly you are adding time between feeds and naps. Though most days you’ll only nap swaddled in your swing on the highest speed – I fear we’re going to need to buy stock in batteries for that thing! When you are upset we shush in your ear or say "heeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyy" over and over to get your attention, and you seem to love music like Bob Dylan and others with deep voices and calm tunes to help you settle down.

Papa is back at work now, but every day when he comes home he gives us all big hugs and kisses, and tells us how much he loves us. I send him pictures on his cell phone whenever you are being extra cute so he doesn't miss any of the good stuff. It’s so nice to watch the two of you together, and to see more and more everyday that you look like him.

I love to give you eskimo kisses and smell your sweet little noggin. I love to watch you sleep with your little clenched fists and pursed lips. I love giving you baths, you just close your eyes and lay back to enjoy the warm water pouring over you. And I love holding you as tight as I can without squishing you while whispering "I love you" into your ear.

I hope you always know how dear you are to us, how much you were wanted, and how happy you have made us. Our little family has expanded, and I couldn't imagine a better gift, or better life than with you in it.
I love you my darling boy!

Always,
Your Mama
xoxoxoxox