Newsletter: Month Five

Dear Ian, Today you turn five months old and you are a man on the move! Well, as much of a move as a little boy can be who can't quite sit up. Your father claims that when you draw pictures of your Mommy one day they will just be pictures of a camera, but I think it's worth it to catch moments like these. You worked on your letter B for about three days and then moved on to other things. Had I not grabbed the camera, I would have missed it.

Speaking of capturing moments, you had your first school picture this month. And so it begins. I'm expecting a Scholastic Books order form to come home any day now. You wore a cute little set of overalls that your Uncle Perry wore almost 40 years ago. It made you look all the more like him. We bought a small collection of the prints out of duty, but I'm happy we're collecting photos of our own.

We ... well let's be realistic ... I keep the camera and the iPhone next to the bed to get cute pictures of you sleeping or waking up in the morning. The iPhone is particularly handy at restaurants since it's already on the table. But you're starting to get grabby these days so we're already starting the game of keeping things away from you. You studiously watched every spoonful of soup I conveyed to my mouth with wonder until you then decided to latch onto the cup itself. Thankfully, no babies or broccoli cheddar soups were harmed.

This month brought one my favorite milestones of yours, the day when you could first use your jump up. Megan and Ben gifted us with one that was well loved by both their kids and I've been anxiously awaiting when we could install it. We're still getting the hang of installing you into the jump up and it's not helped by the moment your butt touches it you are bouncing to beat the band. But I'm not sure who has more fun, you or anyone watching you.

Every month I sit down to write one of these letters and I think "I don't know that much has changed." And then I start writing and can't believe how much you've grown in just one short month. It's a paradox of parenthood. So many of these moments I want to freeze in time while at the same time I'm looking forward to new things we'll be able to do in coming months. It's a series of snapshots I want to cherish forever. I'm so happy you're in our lives now.

Love, Mama

Newsletter: Month Four

Dear Ian, Tuesday you turned four months old and as your Grandma said, you're not a baby anymore, you're a little boy! I have been writing this for the last three days, so I think we're finally getting to the point where days blur together. I feel like the next newsletter I'll be writing to you, you'll be getting your driver's license.

Yesterday we took you for your 4 month check up and you did great! You're 17 pounds now and still well in the 95th percentile for height. Already you're getting used to the sleeves being too short on all your clothes. Study hard and get a good job so you can afford shirts and pants that fit!

I took the afternoon off so that we could cuddle after your vaccinations, but you were a real trooper. You hardly fussed once we got home and after a three hour nap, you woke up all giggles and smiles. I live for those kinds of days.

You've been rolling over like a champ now, and it's hard to keep you on your back for long. This makes diaper changing a bit more adventurous as you try to wedge yourself into the railing. Just this week you've started sleeping on your belly, usually with your butt in the air. You can easily hold your head up and are working on little baby push ups.

We've also finally gotten to where you can fit in a simple sling. When you were a month old it was like trying to hold Jello in a bag as you slid and wiggled everywhere. But now you just pop right in. This would be great for carrying you around except that you weigh 17 pounds (!) so all that weight on one shoulder kills me!

You're chatty and smiley and all around good-natured. We're still having our daily lunch dates over at day care and it's something I look forward to very much. Soon enough we'll be past that stage, so I consider myself lucky to get this much time with you.

You have a killer grip on anything you can get a hold of, and usually that involve my shirt while I'm trying to change your diaper. You get this really serious look on your face when you grab me, like "WAIT! Let's talk this over. We don't have to resort to baby wipes, do we?"

Speaking of talking, you have "discovered your voice" as they say in those baby books. Last night while the Olympics were on TV, you sat in your chair and squealed at the hockey players! It was hard to tell the difference between you and your father.

We have lots of debates over who you look like. I should really start a survey. You certainly have your father's barrel chest. And you have your mother's complexion. We'll see if you keep up this enthusiasm for hockey. But I know you're my kid because we both think farts are hilarious.

Love, Mama

Newsletter: Month Three

Dear Ian, Today you turn three months old and it's been a hectic month. We sailed through Christmas and New Years and you were a big hit for those festivities. On New Years Eve, your daddy and I went to see Avatar in all its 3D magnificence while you stayed home with Grandma and Grandaddy. I was hesitant to leave you because you'd been fussy all day. I fidgeted in the theatre line and considered calling several times but was afraid I'd start crying if I heard you crying. I'm glad your father was driving home because after being away from you for four hours, I was ready to break a lot of traffic laws to get home as soon as possible. We walked in the door and you were limp in your Grandaddy's arms, droopy-eyed with fatigue. It was a rough evening for us both, but we soon were snoozing in the recliner.

We took our first overnight trip with you that next weekend as we trekked to northern Virginia to see all your aunts and uncles. There was a waiting list to hold you and you behaved like a perfect little angel all weekend. I was very proud of you.

It's been a big month of firsts. First movie night for your parents, first sleepover at the Smiths, first day at day care, first cold (thanks to day care), first plane trip, first hotel room and first conference. It's a lot to keep track of!

Day care is working out well for you. All the ladies there are sweet to you and you seem happy. Your poor mother is a wreck, but that's another story. We at least get to visit at lunch every day and you're only across the street from work. You did pick up a bit of a cough that first week, but took the whole thing in stride. I worried about traveling with you if you were sick, but you didn't let it get you down. Let's hope you inherited your grandmother's talent for cheeriness in the face of adversity.

This last weekend, your father and I had to go to a conference in Boston. I couldn't bear the idea of being away from you for four days, so Grandma got to go on her first plane ride in decades and helped us tend to you over the weekend. It all went amazingly well and you were an expert flyer both there and back. Our colleagues had asked me to bring pictures, so it was a real treat to bring an actual baby in the flesh instead.

This last month going back to work has been hard on your mama. You may notice a distinct lack of updates on this web site as it's been hard to rally for much writing. It's been hard to rally in general. Your grandaddy called last night and claimed that "Mom says I should come see Ian because he's a lot more interactive." I suspect that Grandaddy was being a bit mopey about the house and Grandma hoped that a visit with his grandson might cheer him up. I told him we were out but I'd come by once we got home. He acted like it wasn't a big deal, but when he saw you come through the door and grin for him, his whole demeanor changed. He spent a good 30 minutes just squeezing you and laughing, saying over and over "he's just so awesome."

So while things are tough for me and your Grandaddy right now, there are still bright spots. It's as if you know when we're feeling down and you really lay on the charm for us. It's amazing to me how much power you have over other people for someone who has trouble holding his own head up. Thank you for cheering me up, little buddy.

Love, Mama