Up North

We are catching up for August, where you spent almost a week up in Northern Minnesota with the Himan/Masterson clan - thanks Grandma & Grandpa Himan!

You were much loved by all the aunties, uncles and grandparents - but Grandpa Himan wins the prize for tucking you under his arm and letting you take long naps in the shade resting on his "shelf". Grandma Himan meanwhile was busy being the pied piper with the other mobile kids.

Lots more rolls now, every morning we find you awake on your back (after rolling from your belly).

First rolls!

Last Saturday morning you were playing in your gym (the playmat with the dangly birds and amazing star that lights up and plays music - one of your new favorite places) and you rolled from your tummy to your back - and were quite surprised!

Later that day Daddy went upstairs to get you from your nap and found you lying on your back, looking a bit pleased (we now put you to sleep on your tummy). You've repeated the feat one more time since.

You've gotten quite good at knowing how to get the musical star started by kicking your legs, and getting the music going with vigorous kicks in your bouncy chair.

Generally you're still all smiles (except when you're tired) and I still look down in the middle of night while changing your diaper to see you grinning up at me, and though I know I shouldn't play and wake you up, I can't help but smile back. You're too darn charming.

Country Time

We just got back from Boise, visiting the Claytons, and your first airplane ride. You did great on both trips and pretty much slept the entire time in the plane. The car, however, is not your favorite. Even with mommy sitting next to you in the backseat, you scream the entire way. We haven't been on a car trip longer than 1/2 hour though, so we'll see how long it will take to eventually give in and rest.

You spent a long time looking at Sadie, the Clayton family dog, and seemed to enjoy lots of attention and hugs from 3 1/2 year old Amaia.

We could tell you weren't used to the 90 degree heat, you got pretty cranky at the ranch and though you really love your warm baths, you were not impressed when Mommy tried to cool you off in the wading pool.

I visited a newborn last week and realized that you aren't the smallest weeble around anymore, which makes me a bit nostalgic for those rough first few weeks!

Alex turned 8 weeks old (2 months!) this past week. I think both Jeff and I are amazed at how fast time has flown by, though it hasn't always been easy - and in fact, was quite hard those first few weeks. This past week Alex started doing "push-ups" - lying on his belly and lifting his head up with his hands. He is also cooing a lot, and sleeping a lot too! We saw Dr. Kasinski for his 2 month check-up and she remarked at how much he has grown, and how strong he was.

10.5 lbs at 2 months! You have really been responding to Ben's voice too, and I've watched you turn toward him when he lies down next to you, alternating between kissing you and trying to crawl over you.

2 months old

Tommorrow you are 8 weeks (2 months!) old. You are super smiley when you are awake, and even want to smile when you are super tired - you'll go from smiling to crying in a matter of minutes when you are tired. You are also grabbing more at things - your birds on your playmat, mommy's baby carrier (more like swatting at this point, but a great effort). You LOVE to sit on the changing pad and make faces at mommy and daddy, you also love both baths and showers, and getting massages from mommy - especially when I rub your tummy.

Another First....

You, Daddy and Ben had your first all boys outing today. You went for Bagels and Noahs and then to the Daddy Park - officially called Jackson park, but the majority of the parents there are Daddy's is seems.

It was quite a sight seeing your Daddy bottle feeding you at the same time he was pushing Ben on the swings. He needs 2 more arms for such occasions.

All in all, you were very good. As was the super patient Ben.

After the playground you and Daddy zonked out for the best power nap ever. 2+ hours of full recliner slumber.

Showers and Smiles

You had your first shower today, with Daddy and Ben, and you seemed to love it. No complaints and you stayed in a long time.

You are getting more and more alert every day. Your happy place is still the changing pad in the bathroom in front of the mirror - where you give yourself big juicy smiles and even entertain yourself long enough for Mommy to take a shower. You have also been smiling a lot more lately in big wide-mouthed grins. Your legs are also getting a LOT stronger - you can practically kick yourself out of our arms. I weighed you at the baby store on Wednesday and you were just over 9 lbs.

Last week you had a hard week - lots of crying and fussing and general discomfort. Maybe it was all the growing you've been doing and new things you are paying attention to? The past few days you've been much calmer and have been sleeping a lot better.

6 weeks old tomorrow! Time is flying by.