6 weeks

Today Ben is six weeks old.

Some milestones:

-Weighs about 11 pounds (most of that in his cheeks!!)

-Can hold his head steady while not supported

-Sleeps an occasional 4-hour stretch

-Doesn't hate tummy time

-When awake, is quite engaging and will stare deeply at you

-Is eating between 3.5-4 oz per sitting

-Is adorable

We went to my office yesterday for a meeting and a visit. Ben was great and was the star of the show.

I am looking forward to his first legit smiles (i.e. those not caused by gas or appear during his sleep) which, according to the "books" should happen any day now.

To Benjamin

Dear Benjamin,
Yesterday you turned one month old and the time has blown by in a flash. Between meeting your needs and dreaming about what type of boy you will become, the days pass quickly.
Your entrance into this world came early; you dictated every step and we have been following your lead ever since.
The changes we see in you already are remarkable. Everyone who visits oohs and aahs over how small you are, but Daddy and I can't get over how big you have gotten already. I think every ounce of weight you have gained has gone right to your cheeks!
You aren't on any sort of schedule yet but there is some pattern to your days. Eating still happens every few hours, and is usually followed by a nice period of alertness. Then you doze off to sleep again and we lather, rinse, repeat. Of course there is much pooping. Mornings seem to be especially interesting to you and you do not always nap. Silly Mommy realized only yesterday that simply swaddling and rocking you can help you off into dreamland so you're not so exhausted by the afternoon. Mommy's still learning! There have been a few longer stretches at night that you've given us but I'm not holding my breath. We are quite happy to continue to follow your lead.
You graduated to size 1 diapers which was nearly enough to make me cry. How is it that my tiny, squirmy baby boy is already moving on, leaving his newborn days behind?
We have been practicing our tummy time frequently and can already see that you are developing better head control. Your little personality is starting to show and it appears that you have a bit of a feisty side. You used to cry purely when you were hungry or in need of a diaper change, now you are crying for other reasons instead. I scramble to make you happy because seeing you cry breaks my heart.
Being your mother is the most important, hardest, most satisfying thing I have ever done and I will continue to do the absolute best I can for you.
I guess I'm already wrapped around your little finger--Daddy, too. We'd go to the ends of the earth for you Sweet Boy.
Here's to a fantastic month full of firsts and amazing memories.
Love,
Mommy

One month

Benjamin Jay is one month old today and boy did that month fly by! We have had a ton of visitors, all of whom remark about Ben's mellow and sweet personality.We attended the opening of our local fire house last weekend (in the middle of a huge snow storm) and were very close to getting our picture taken with

Mayor Daley. Ben has grown a ton this month and continues to look very much like his daddy.

But, as he reminds us every day, he is very much his own little person.

This is Ben's serious face--undoubtedly he is pondering his future an alderman in our ward.

Ben's sporting his Don King hairdo. Mommy's sporting her "convenience" hairdo.

It's been a great month. We have our next ped appointment tomorrow. Any guesses on weight?

Due date

Today, January 5th, was Ben's due date. I can't imagine still being pregnant!

To celebrate, we had our first photo shoot. Things started off okay, then took a nose dive. Better get used to it Buddy--Mommy's obsessed!

Uncle Dan!

Uncle Dan is here! My brother arrived safely in Chicago and made his way over to meet his new nephew.

First time he's ever held an infant--looks like he's a natural!

Ben also had his first real bath. He didn't hate it too much. Unfortunately I was unable to get a "during" picture (all hands were on deck, naturally) so the best I could do was an "after" picture.

Ben then proceeded to take a 3 hour nap...I think we will be bathing him frequently!

After a quick visit from Joey and Dad (on their way to a Bulls game) and Gram (Carole) and Gramps (Phos), we relaxed until it was time to venture out to Leah's for New Years.

Home by 9:30 and in bed by 10:30, I can't think of a better way to ring in the new year...with some Zs!

Here's to 2009, certain to be a very exciting year.