Mountain Mama

This week was Ben’s 2-month appointment. He weighed in at 11 pounds, 5 ounces (50th percentile), his length was 22.5 inches (25 percentile) and his head circumference was 15 inches (25th percentile). So everything was “normal” and right on track. The pediatrictian must have seen a look in my eyes when she told me his length was in the 25th percentile because she was quick to reassure me that it’s not an indicator of adult height and it is in line with the rest of his growth. I have to admit I wouldn’t mind if Ben got Tim’s “height genes” as opposed to mine. But we’ll absolutely love and adore him either way! The main thing sis that everything checked out fine! He got his first big round of vaccinations, which he took like a champ. He cried when they gave them and then stopped after about 10 seconds. He didn’t spit up or choke when they gave the oral one, which the nurse warned me ahead of time almost always happens. He DOES continue to spit up at least 50% of his meals, however.

The other big deal this week is that Ben started laughing!!! Real belly laughs! Sometimes he laughs at us, but he really likes to laugh at lights, the color red, and the stair railings. He also laughs at the little bear mobile hanging on his pack and play. We are going to try to find a battery-powered mobile for him for Christmas. That and some kind of a mirror toy.

I wish I had more time to write but this is a busy week! Our adventures include going to my great friend Becky’s Winter Program, going to Rt. 40’s Band and Chorus Concert, going to Accident’s Christmas Program, and going to Accident’s Band and Chorus Concert. Obviously, I am insane, but these are all things I really want to do! Not to mention regular Christmas preparation.

Yesterday Tim went on about how cute Ben is when he cries. I have to admit I was thinking the same thing… His lower lip sticks out and his brow gets crossed. Not that I *want* him to cry, but still…

A little while after Tim told me how cute Ben is when he cries, Ben started to cry. Tim said, “he looks like you when he makes that face!” I’m not sure how to take that…

Things I’ve Done This Semester (in order of importance):

1. Had a baby
2. Finished my Master’s degree
3. Turned 30

It’s been a busy Fall! And, yes, he actually did spit up on my gown!

Ben’s happy for me. He can’t wait to spit up on my gown and hood. Actually, it’s a fake graduation- they don’t confer degrees for a couple weeks. But still… FINALLY! I’ll have to get a picture holding Ben while wearing the regalia [and spitup].

What a difference a few days make in the life of a young baby! I definitely know what a “coo” sounds like now! Ben says the following “words:”

Hey
He
Who
Hoe
Ha

Notice a pattern? These breathy sounds are his coos!

His smiles are increasing in frequency and duration and sometimes are accompanied by the above words. It is so sweet! I hope he continues to be this happy and carefree for as long as possible…

According to What to Expect the First Year, by the end of the second month, babies should be able to do everything on the following checklist:

• Smile in response to your smile [check]
• Follow an object in an arc about 6 inches above the face to the midline [check]
• Respond to a bell in some way, such as startling, crying, quieting [check]
• Vocalize in ways other than crying (e.g. cooing) [hmm...]

He’s got the first 3 down. But my question is, what does a “coo” sound like? He definitely doesn’t make any sound that sounds like “coo!” The past couple of days he’s made what seems to be voluntary sounds (as opposed to involuntary crying, vocalization when stretching, etc). These fleeting noises are very brief and sound something like, “eh.” Is that his first attempt to talk to us? If so, what is he trying to say? He interacts with us a tiny bit more each day!

Here is Ben hanging out with his dad, who seems to grow more in love each day. Aren’t they just the handsomest pair?…