Unexpected Blessing

Caleb has experienced his first Halloween and I think he really enjoyed it. He spent the evening with his Aunt Abby and Gramma. He didn't join into the festivities, of course, because they mostly consisted of watching movies, eating pizza, and handing out candy. We just gave him something to look forward to, that is, with the exception of handing out candy. If he wants to do that, he will have to do it on his own because this was the first and last year I will be doing that. I found it extremely annoying as I couldn't watch a movie without being interrupted. I'll just have to enlist him to help clean the eggs off of our door every year. Ahhh...Halloween traditions in the making!

Anyway, he looked so cute in his costume. I think he made a great skeleton. Abby bought the outfit a few months before he was born and I couldn't wait to see it on him. It was a little big and we could only put the whole outfit on him for a few minutes for pictures because it was too warm to keep him in it the whole evening.

He made a new friend too. Like me, my sister Abby is a cat lover. She has a cat named Onyx that, like all of her cats, has an interesting personality. He seemed to really like Caleb and insisted on cuddling with him throughout the visit. He would sit as close as possible to whomever was holding Caleb at the time and would eventually try to get into their lap where Caleb was sitting. I didn't get any pictures of it, but Abby sent me a picture of Onyx in his costume that I just have to share.

Caleb continues to surprise us with how fast he is growing and developing both physically and cognitively. He seems to recognize both mine and Keith's faces. His new favorite activity is lifting his head. He seems to think it is really great because it usually puts a really big smile on his face. A good portion of the time it will calm him down when he is crying if you will put him on your chest so that he can lift his head and look at your face or whatever is behind you. Keith has been working with him on holding up his head in a sitting position which Caleb has also enjoyed a lot. Of course, Caleb enjoys any time that he spends with his dad. It has been such a joy watching the two of them form a relationship. There is nothing else like watching Keith with Caleb. He's a natural. Ah, the joys of motherhood!

I thought I'd post a little something about Caleb's 6 week check-up for those that are interested. The doctor says everything is great. Of course, I had a lot of questions about things to which her answers were always "that's fine" or "that's normal." He is now 11 pounds, 15 ounces. All of his measurements are in the 50th percentile or above which basically means he's very normal.

We really like his doctor. She's very laid back about things unless the situation dictates that she be aggressive about the treatment. She takes plenty of time with Caleb and gladly answers any question.

Needless to say, he's growing a lot. He is also starting to smile. He smiles mostly at Keith, although he does smile at me or other people sometimes too. I should have some 6 week pictures to post soon.

It is hard to believe that Caleb is already a month old. Although, it does seem like forever since we reported to the hospital. He is doing wonderfully! He has already grown and has gained about 2 pounds. He also looks different than he did when he first came home. Sometimes he seems to change overnight. I know many of you have been awaiting new pictures and updates, but I just had to wait until I had these pictures, besides he doesn't do a lot except for sleeping.

My sister, Mindie came over and did a newborn photo shoot with Caleb. He did a great job. I have included a few of these on this post. They turned out great! Mindie did a wonderful job. She even got some with his eyes open. If any of you would like some of the pictures, just let me know and I will email them to you.

The past few weeks have brought a few changes. He has been opening his eyes more often. At first, he didn't open his eyes much at all. He now has a few periods during the day when he is alert and looks around. He really likes bright colors. I have found these toys by a company called Lamaze and he loves them. The toys have bright colors and different textures that seem to interest him, but his favorite seems to be just having someone talk to him for a little while.

The only thing about his alert periods is the fact that he gets somewhat fussy when he gets sleepy again. It isn't bad though, because after a few minutes of rocking and a short story and he goes right to sleep. We have been very blessed with how laid back he is. The only time he is fussy is when he is trying to communicate a discomfort to us. So, we know when he needs something. Otherwise, he is sleeping or quietly observing.

When he does make noise, it is really cute. The cutest is when he snorts. He usually does this when he is hungry and it always makes me laugh. He also has an assortment of grunts and whines that, unless someone is holding him, causes me to check on him. It seems that if exercise doesn't cause the baby weight to fall off, my constant checking on him will. Whatever works is fine with me!

His expressions are also entertaining. His face and eyes are very expressive. We usually get looks like "what is that" or "what are you doing, " but we also get a lot very sweet looks where he just seems to be studying the face of the person talking to him.

He really likes to be clean. He lets us know when his diaper needs to be changed between feedings. He also doesn't mind his bath. As long as he is fed, we get through a bath without one peep. He is content to look around the bathroom and observe the cats looking at what is going on.

Keith and I have really enjoyed this past month. Although it has been filled with challenges, the challenges have been overshadowed with the joy that is parenthood. We are treasuring this "newborn" period and are looking forward to all of the great moments that the periods to come will bring.

Well, with the exception of having more blood work done, this has been a really great day. The photo-therapy lights are gone and we have don't have any more doctor appointments for a month! Needless to say, we are all very happy and will now be on a more normal schedule instead of one dictated by a noisy machine.

He's napping now and completely oblivious to the day he's had. Ahhh, isn't that the life?

The cats are getting used to him and are starting to fall into their own place with the adjustment. Churchill is mostly interested in all of the baby gear. He will sometimes get close enough to sniff at him, but he doesn't do too much more than that. Pippin on the other hand is taking the adjustment differently. He is somewhat...protective I guess. He spends most of his time sitting next to the bassinet unless he is preoccupied with Churchill or eating. He usually stays close when someone he doesn't know is holding Caleb. The situation dictates his involvement. These are some pictures of the cats. I'll probably do that from time to time because they were our first "babies."

I really think they are going to have a lot of fun together when Caleb gets older.

Yes, yes, I know...a very cheesy reference to Coldplay. I just couldn't resist. Anyway, I know I haven't posted in a while and now that Caleb is here the demand for posts has increased. I finally have some time to sit down and write for a few minutes while Caleb sleeps.

His jaundice is working out of his system and we are very happy to have a break today from doctor appointments. I am relieved that for the first time since he was born, Caleb doesn't have to have any blood work done. His blood work came back yesterday with a 13.2 count for his levels, which is wonderful because it is dropping and will continue to do so.

I have had some requests for more pictures, so here are a couple of him at one week.

His personality right now is pretty laid back unless he gets too hungry and even then it isn't hard to calm him down. He sleeps well, which is a blessing. He is quite an angel.

Well, enjoy the pictures and I should have a new post soon reporting that the jaundice is no longer an issue.