One Month

Dear Monkey,

Today you are one month old. You have pretty blue eyes that seem to be getting lighter every day. After a bath (which you still love), your hair looks very light on top of your head. You have a good amount of hair that is much darker in the back than in the front. You have a funny cowlick up front too - I wonder if it will be like your big brother Gator's crazy cowlicks.

You started smiling for real just a couple of days ago. You consistently sleep for one 4 hour stretch at night. BUT! You slept for 6 hours a couple of nights ago - I was very happy about that!
You went through a growth spurt late last week and I'm glad that we are on the same schedule now! That was a rough couple of days for Mommy. At your two week appointment, you had gained a pound already (10 lb, 9 oz)! I wonder how much you will weigh at your two month appointment.

On the day you were born, the Housing office for the Army post we live on called to tell us that there was a four bedroom house available if we wanted it. After we laughed about the timing of the phone call and then saw the house, we decided to move when you were just a week old. So, you've already lived in two different houses! We've spent the last three weeks getting settled into our new home. You don't seem to mind the swirl of activity around you!

You have met most of your immediate family - you still need to meet just a few more members. But that doesn't scratch the surface of all the extended family you still need to meet. We all think that you are a perfect addition to our family! You have two cousins that are just a few months older than you. I think that we are in for a great deal of mischief when you are a little older!

Your big brothers think that you are pretty cool. Gator really misses you when he's at school. As soon as he can, he finds you and gives you a kiss on the forehead. Bull took a couple of days to warm up to you. But now, he thinks you're great. Anytime you cry he says, "Mommy, Monkey is hungry. Can you feed him?" He has learned to (gently!) give you a pacifier if you cry in the van where the two of you get to sit beside each other.

You have had a stuffy nose for a few days and you're starting to get a little cough. You've lost your voice too. I think that you officially have your first cold. Saline spray, a bulb syringe, the humidifier and lots of TLC are the order of the day.

You are a very easy-going baby. There isn't a whole lot that gets you riled up, just the usual suspects. Your most fussy time is between 8 and 10 pm - not great for Mommy since that is when I get the most amount of work accomplished. You really like snuggling and riding in the sling seems to be a great alternative to sitting on the couch holding you all day. Mommy still has to take care of the big boys!

We are so glad to have you in our family. We're so thankful for your sweet disposition and your apparent willingness to be along for the ride. You already show an ability to adapt that will serve you well in this family! We love you!

Love,
Mommy