Visitors

Grandpa Bob, Aunt Patty and Uncle Tom came by for a quick visit not too long ago (ok, almost 2 weeks ago...I'm a little behind on blogging!)

Here's Grandpa Bob with both grandkids!


And with a silly Maggie:


Charlie meets Aunt Patty and Uncle Tom:


Maggie showed everyone her new swingset, and convinced Uncle Tom to push her for a while:


Charlie gets some sleepy snuggles with Aunt Patty:

One month!

Charlie is one month old now! And growing like a weed. He's a great eater, which has been a relief. Before he arrived, I got all the bottles and pumping paraphernalia ready because I was not at all confident that breastfeeding would work out for us this time, after the experience that Maggie and I had. And I was determined not to let it ruin our first weeks/months together if it didn't go well. But I'm happy to report that we are doing great!


As evidenced by how quickly he's growing -- a few days ago, he weighed in at 11.5 pounds on our scale at home! Now, I'm not sure how accurate that scale is, but even if it's a bit off, he's probably still gained a few pounds by now. Go Charlie!


I don't have an official weight to report because we haven't been back to the doctor and don't have to go back until his 2 month visit!! After he did so well with his weight gain that first week, the doctor said we could wait until 2 months to return (and also because he's a 2nd baby and we presumably have more of a clue what we're doing this time....hopefully....)


And further evidence: some of his 3-month clothes are getting too small for him! Already!!

Sleeping like a lamb...with the lamb his big sister brought him

Charlie's a fairly good sleeper, too. He's already sleeping for 5-hour stretches on some nights, which is great. He figured out his days and nights very quickly and just wakes to eat and goes right back to sleep. So nights haven't been too bad so far. My biggest complaint in the sleeping department is that he won't sleep lying on his back yet, so no crib/bassinet for him. Just like his big sister! He sleeps great if he's being held (of course!), or worn in the baby wrap or baby carrier, and in his car seat. So, he's currently sleeping in his car seat at night, though I'm planning to start working on transitioning him to the crib soon.


He refuses to take a pacifier at this point -- another thing we're working on. I'm optimistic that we can get him to come around on pacis eventually. He gets the funniest look of disgust on his face any time we try to offer him a paci -- it's hilarious!


So far Charlie seems like a pretty mellow baby. He doesn't cry or fuss much at all (yet!) -- generally just when he's hungry and I'm not quick enough to feed him. Or if we try to put him in the swing, which he hates.

Why are you taking my picture? It's time to eat!

He's starting to have more alert times. I'm looking forward to the time when he starts smiling and responding more to us. I just know he's going to get so much entertainment from his big sister, who loves to tickle him, pat his head, and bring him toys and other random items.


All in all, Charlie's first month has been SO MUCH easier than Maggie's was. Partly because I'm more relaxed, partly because he's an easier baby than she was (and hasn't had the sort of eating and sleeping issues that she had, thank goodness!) I'm really enjoying these early days and weeks, and savoring all the tiny baby snuggles -- this time around, I know that they won't last long and he'll be all grown up before we know it.

Playtime v. 2.0

Maggie loved this playmat when she was a baby -- still loves it in fact -- so she was pretty excited to get it out again and share it with Charlie!


So sweet!

Cheese sandwiches

Maggie's been eating "cheese sandwiches" lately -- not your usual bread and cheese (though she does eat that sometimes), but instead something else sandwiched between two pieces of cheese. Usually something strange.

Exhibit A: Cheese and butter sandwich


Exhibit B: Cheese and black olive sandwich


Kids are so weird!!

Dots

With my two babies in their matching dots jammies!


It's good we got this picture when we did .... Charlie's were wet about 10 minutes later!