Ten Weeks

Dear Patrick: You are 10 weeks old!

You received your first dose of immunizations on Tuesday with Dr. C. Even though it's good for you to get them, Mommy had a hard time watching you scream in protest during the shots. Thank goodness for breastfeeding. It's the be-all cure for all that ails. We hung out at home for the rest of the day, allowing for lots of cuddles and comfort feeds. After the initial discomfort, you seemed to handle it all just fine. You have grown so much! Already you are 12 pounds, 10 ounces and 24 inches long. Right in the 75% across the board.


Your Mommy and Daddy both feel like they are getting a handle on this baby thing, just in time for you to do something new. Today was such an example. Mommy had lots of plans: Farmers' Market, housecleaning, dog park. Naturally, it all went to hell in a handbasket. You had a rough night, lots of waking up and very irritated. Too hot? Too cold? Sore legs from shots? Hungry? Who knows. Daddy got up quite a few times with you, for diaper changes and comfort. Your mood continued throughout the day. Very crabby. Few smiles. Fussing with every diaper change (very strange, as you normally love to have your pants off). So we tossed our big plans and just stayed home. We walked the dogs and the park close to home, where you got a good nap in. Then Dancia rolled in a giant mud puddle and won herself a hose bath in the yard. Darn puppy. We breastfed lots, we cuddled and read books. We napped on the futon. During your nice nap, I was able to get some cleaning done. This evening we finally got some smiles, and you have just settled into your bassinet for a hopefully good night's sleep.

Two weeks ago this would have completely unnerved me. I'd be in tears, doubting myself, frustrated with you. But I felt like I could handle this today. I threw out all expectations, abandoned my lists, and went with your flow. And we did alright, you and Mommy.


Overall, you are smiles and coos. You "talk" more and more. You have discovered your hands and love to chew on them. You can find your thumb and suck it with amazing irregularity. When you lay on your back you kick your legs with firm concentration. We make you lay on your tummy a few times a day to encourage muscle development. You aren't fond of this, but we do it anyway. You are mildly interested in toys, giving Mommy an excuse to pick up a few baby things. We have great bigger baby toys, but could use a few black/white soft stuff. Fun shopping!Your grandparents all seem to dig you. We had a fun weekend with all the family (except Auntie Beth and Uncle John Michael, who we all missed very much). Your cousin thinks you are the funnest toy ever. A doll that moves and smiles! Lots of diapers to play with! And a portable swing! She's even willing to share her "Nana" with you, so you are definitely "in." Mommy and Daddy were spoiled by all the grandparents holding you, and we could have used one in the car during our trips south when you REFUSED to sleep. And CRIED for most of the trip. Such a pleasure, your company was not.

You are so loved, my little biddy buddy, even when you are crabby.

Love
Mommy