October 16th: 1 month

Happy 1 month, Ben! 

Benjamin, you are such a joy in our lives and you are certainly keeping us on our toes! I can't believe how quickly this first month flew by. You are already so awake and alert. You grow everyday! 

During your last day at the hospital, you tested at a high risk for jaundice. We had to bring you in for labwork the next day and the pediatrician ordered you a billibed to use at home. I was happy that you didn't need to be admitted to the hospital, but I maaay have cried a little knowing your first full day at home with us would be spent in a billibed. 

You were such a champ --- you never cried during any heel pricks for the labwork. And although you hated the billibed, you were really good as long as either Mom or Dad was next to you. We read you a lot of books that day! I also slept on the floor next to you all night and let you hold on to my finger with your hand so you would get some sleep. Your labwork the next day was improving, so we only had to have you in the billibed for half a day more. By your two week appointment, everything was looking good and you had gained back all the weight lost at the hospital plus an extra 6 ounces. 

When you were nine days old, we had the most adorable photos taken of you*. Although it was nice and cozy warm during the photoshoot, you were not a fan of being moved around and squished together! Every time the photographer would move you into position, you'd move back to where you were most comfortable. You gave the photographer some sass, and we kind of love you for it. ;) 

I mean, c'mon now. 

We love to catch your smiles when you're dreaming!

Too cute to handle.

Everyone was so excited to meet you. Your Nana stayed with us for a few weeks and you were able to get in a lot of good snuggles and bonding time. You really love to be held! From day one, you've had really good neck control. You don't love tummy time on your mat right now, but you love being held upright so you can look around. Your pediatrician was pretty impressed by your neck control and strength, and your Mom and Dad are already boasting about your strengths to anyone who will listen ;) Right now your one newborn-sized sleep'n'play fits perfectly, while your 0-3 month clothes are a little big. You are growing so fast, I don't think you'll be able to fit in that newborn size for long! You are sleeping for 3-4 hour stretches at night and 2-3 hour stretches during the day. 

You also had your first-ever playdate with your friend Reese (just five days younger!)**. She napped the entire time. I bounced and rocked you while drinking a large Coffeesmiths latte. ;) We're pretty sure you're going to be one active boy! 

Likes: Being held, rocked and/or swaddled; eating; "reading" books (especially books with baby faces and your farm animals book); car rides; walks in your stroller  

Dislikes: the billibed; your swing and bouncy chair; lying flat; baths; diaper changes 

Life is definitely different around here now, and we wouldn't have it any other way. 

*These photos WILL be showcased at your high school graduation, college graduation and wedding. 
**It took this new Momma two hours to get out the door for this playdate.