One Month (5 weeks)

Saturday was Sam's ONE MONTH birthday; but, I wanted to wait until after his appointment with the pediatrician today to post so that I could include stats etc.

Here's my growing boy:

I decided to start posing him each month next to this little elephant (thank you Aunt Delores!) so we'd have something to compare his size next to.  He loved it!

And for comparison...

Those onesies are the same size... Just look how he is filling it out now!  (The 2 month one is also size 0 - 3 months. No way it will fit!)

Size - 9 lbs. 15 oz. and 21.25 inches = 50th Percentile = Perfect
He has just about outgrown Newborn size diapers and is mostly wearing size 1 now.  As for clothes, it really depends on the brand, but Sam wears mostly 0-3 month sizes.  (Yesterday I put on a little outfit and it was way too tight... I felt like it was the biggest deal ever! How did my baby get so big and grown up so fast?)

Development - He is definitely becoming stronger - wiggling like crazy, trying to hold his head up, and stiffening his whole body when he is angry - and more alert.  In the last week or so, he has actually had some good awake time looking around at trees (his favorite), mobiles, and lots of faces.  He makes lots of noises - usually in the form of grunts and gurgles; and, sometimes uses his hands to hold on to his paci or my finger.  Precious. (P.S. I asked the pediatrician about the grunts, and he said: "Well, he's a man.  Of course he grunts.")

Personality - I would still say "fussy" or a little grumpy, but that is becoming less and less true (and really rude of me actually).  Maybe "persnickety" is a better word - like mom!   As long as we keep him well fed, clean, warm and cozy, burped and gas-dropped, rested, and just the right amount of stimulated... He is an angel.  That said, as I type this he is sitting in his car seat (on the sofa) perfectly content to gaze at the ceiling fan and coo.  He is the picture of sweetness.  Basically, he's just got equal parts mom and dad in him.  He gets quite anxious and worked up when things don't go his way (like me); but, the rest of the time, he's just an easy going dude (like Jeff).

Eating - My boy is an eater for sure.  He is eating every 2 - 3 hours or so during the day and usually between 10 - 15 minutes or 3 and 4 ounces at each feeding. I breastfeed for most of his meals, but usually one or two each day are pumped milk in a bottle.  Sam seems to like that just the same - especially when it comes from Daddy before bed! Overall, I think we are finally getting the hang of breastfeeding, and it is more enjoyable for both of us. (P.S. It kind-of amazes/fascinates me that my milk alone can sustain this little human. Crazy.)

Sleeping - Sam loves to sleep, just not always at the right time.  ;) During the day, I be sure to wake him so he doesn't sleep more than 2.5 hours.  At night, it is hit or miss most of the time.  Just this week we have started a more consistent bedtime routine that seems to be working.  He has a bath, bottle, swaddle, and rock; then we put him in his bassinet (in our bedroom) when he is just barely awake.  We moved the bassinet across the room so we wouldn't be as tempted to pick him up and put him in our bed at night, and have a loud sound machine and fan in the room.  Knock on wood, this appears to be helping him get two good stretches of sleep - one from about 10PM - 2AM and another from 2:30AM - 6:00AM (give or take).  I'm a happy mama!

Likes/Dislikes - He LOVES being outside - this is almost always guaranteed to calm him down/ keep him happy (outdoor dining is our new favorite thing).  He especially likes: going on walks in his stroller.  He also likes footsie pjs, his pacifier, car rides, being held, cuddling with Dad in the morning, Addy, lights and fans, his grandmas, and Target (or maybe that's just me). He dislikes: being cold, gas, taking too long to change his diaper, being woken up, being hungry,

Milestones - Everything has been a first this month... Pretty big month. :) I'm sure there have been other milestones, but all I can think of right now is that he went to his first movie - The Help - on Monday.  (Yes, I took an infant to the movies... It was a success. Score.)

Happy Feet!  

Dear Sweet Sam,

I can't begin to express how much JOY you have brought into my life these last five weeks.  Being a mom is the hardest job I've ever had, but it is also the most rewarding and wonderful.  Every day, even when I am groggy and a little frustrated, I feel like I am doing exactly what God made me to do. 

Thank you for blessing me with sweet sleepy-smiles when we are awake in the middle of the night.  Thank you for making even something as simple as going to the bathroom or sleeping absolutely adorable and praise-worthy.  I will NEVER view life the same way again.

Your daddy and I are already SO proud of you, and so thankful to be called your parents. Thanks for putting up with us as we navigate this journey. You will always be "the one we learn on," but I love thinking about all the ways we will get to shape each other and grow together in the next 18+ years.  You're stuck with us little man!

Love,

Your Mom 

And, to my readers, THANKS for reading all this... As a reward, I have a great giveaway coming up in my next post from the shop that made Sam's bedding (pictured above).  Stay tuned. ;)