Bringing Up Baby

Dear Declan,

Today is February 1st, 2013 and you are two months old! Time has been flying by so fast, especially since Mommy and Daddy aren't getting as much sleep.  You are getting so big so fast!

At your most recent doctors visit you weighed 9 pounds! Only a month ago you were 7 pounds 12 ounces, back to your birth weight after you lost a pound.  Now you measure 22 inches tall, last time you were 19.75 inches.

None of your newborn clothes fit anymore and you have entirely moved up to 0-3 month sizes, which are fitting quite well if not a little big.  Surprise!! You now love baths! What happened to my apprehensive little one?  No, not you, you're brave and can find the fun in anything now, even if it means attempting to pee on Mommy's perfume (at least I have quick reflexes and have stopped it before it happened).  One of your favorite things to do is swim in the big tub with Mommy holding on.  Its such a good workout too and knocks you right out.

Although you've been holding up your head for some time now you are getting much better at moving it and holding it steady.  You can turn in every direction to look at what you hear and find interesting. You are getting so much stronger each day.  You have the most beautiful eyes Mommy has ever seen. As of right now, they are still very blue but seem to change each and every day. You have great big, sparkling eyes, topped with the longest eyelashes we have ever seen!

You are really starting to become more aware of your surroundings. You are starting to stare at people when they talk to you, and it’s adorable. You are smiling not only in your sleep, but socially.  You have even had a few little giggles here and there. Aunt Nicole was able to get one out of you by tapping you on the nose and making a funny noise - you thought it was the greatest thing!

When anyone talks to you, you almost always smile back. It’s the sweetest thing in the world.  Even when you aren't happy that pout that you inherited from Mommy is just too cute for words - sorry Daddy, now you're surrounded!  You are also starting to talk and coo like crazy, and it makes Mommy’s heart stop every single time. I love hearing you explore your voice.

You still aren’t a huge fan of Tummy Time, but you do tolerate it pretty well. You are getting to be so strong! Mommy & Daddy let you try your Bumbo and you love it. You enjoy sitting in it and looking all around and watching Mommy and Daddy eat dinner. The first time we put you in it, you were all smiles and talking up a storm.  It was funny to watch because you didn't know where to look next.

We had our first long road trip to visit your Great Grandparents in Ohio.  You were such a good sport and we only had to make a few stops along the way.  It snowed a lot of the time we were there so we didn't venture out at night.  Your Great Grammey and Popop were so happy that they got to meat you and it was so special to share this time with them.  When you weren't eating or sleeping, which, let's be honest, is most of your day, you smiled and made their day.

One day was particularly snowy and we needed to stretch our legs so we braved the cold weather and bundled you all up to stay warm!  Daddy was quite the chef for everyone this trip and let you snuggle extra with Great Grammey and Popop, they were so very happy to meet you.

We are looking forward to all the new adventures we will share together!!

Love Mommy