4 Months

Babykins is officially 4 months old. Here's a review of the fourth month.

I learned how to put you to work folding clothes as we packed for our trip to the lake house.

We enjoyed some black light bowling

You got to meet Aunt Emily and Uncle Jon

You went on a speed boat for the first time. You were not a fan of the lifevest, but you got over it and fell asleep most of the time we were on the boat. You were precious and this was your attempt at smiling. Poor child.

The night before we drove home from Houston you stayed up late watching the French Open with Papa, Grammy, and your dad. I was amused by how much you enjoyed TV. You still watch it and grow frustrated if people get in the way of you and a TV with something on its screen.

You wore your Bush onesie for the first time.

Your nighttime routine has grown to include reading. You especially like the Little Pookie books by Sandra Boynton.

Hanging out at church early Sunday morning while I pump and Dad is in his 6:45am meetings. Sunday is not so much a restful day for us. But you make the most of it. Even if it means amusing yourself with my support wear.

Look! It's Atticus and Atticus!

This was your first attempt at a self portrait. I was going to take a picture but you hit the button before I could. I'm glad you made kissy lips in the shot.

Dad's first Father's Day as a dad! I made you guys matching shirts. You do not look so pleased with yours...

Your archnemesis is either your hands  which seem to scratch you or hit you willy-nilly, or this spider that Grammy gave you for Christmas. When he slides down the bars of your activity mat you grab his feet and put them in your mouth.

You really enjoy sitting in your seat. While you are still slowly learning to like tummy time, you do enjoy sitting up. You're pretty good at it too.

We ventured out to an Asian market the other day and you were very curious about the things around you.

But you were less curious about this hat we tried on at Target.

Here's how you stacked up when we measured you at 4 months: 26.25", 14.4 lb. you're tall and skinny- the opposite of me!
 

To My NOLA Baby

Dear Atticus,

       The other day while we were hanging out in my room as I cleaned, I came to a fun realization: we're both NOLA babies. While GG came here eventually, she was born and lived in California during her earliest years, Pops is from Cuba, and don't even get me started on where your dad is from; Texas is a world of its own. But you and I, we share something special. Our birth certificates say New Orleans proper. In fact, the hospital where you were born is less than a mile and a half from where I was born.

       What's so special about this city, you may ask? I understand. Growing up, I didn't think there was anything special about New Orleans other than the fact we had Mardi Gras which, to be completely honest, gets a little old once you grow up unless you have some libations in you or are new to the area (thus Dad's fascination with it). And while you were born the day after Mardi Gras, I'd like to tell you my sweet, that New Orleans is much more than that.

       Did you know New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz music? When you were in the NICU those first few weeks your nurse said you had a particular fondness for the music of Louis Armstrong, another NOLA native. While your taste in music has certainly expanded, you still enjoy a nice jazzy tune whenever I sing to you or we listen to the radio.

       I'm sure this is no surprise to you, but New Orleans is known for its food. While I was pregnant with you, all I wanted was spicy food; no pickles and ice cream or chocolate covered weirdness. Spice was what I wanted and it was easily satiated by the myriad restaurants in the area. Lucky for you, GG is Cajun and Creole (please note my sweet, that there is a difference) and an amazing cook so you will undoubtedly taste all sorts of dishes from her kitchen. And while Cajun and Creole foods aren't all spicy, note that the spice runs in your veins. You're going to be a bit more colorful than your counterpart in other cities across America. Embrace it. It will make you charming, feisty, wise, and a lover of life.

       This city is a great representation of your heritage. The Spanish and French influences run deep and quite apparently. But the mix of other cultures has made New Orleans quite possibly one of the most foreign cities in the United States. Given that your dad and I met in Europe, the feel of this city has an especially strong pull encouraging us to stay here.

      I'm sure you'll come to a point when you want to leave. I don't blame you, I did too; that's why when GG and Pops said "UNO or BYU" I chose BYU. If you choose to go elsewhere for school, I completely understand (unless it's LSU; we're a Tulane/UNO family. Purple and gold are only acceptable if green is included). Growing up I thought New Orleans was so boring. I mean, everyone I knew was from here! There was nothing unique about being from here. As I got older, I particularly got fed up with the private school/public school issue (sorry if you want to go to a private school, but it's probably not going to happen) and the snobbery of so many people (thus my dislike of LSU as well) and what felt like the backwards thinking of so many (as you probably know by now I also lean left politically which probably didn't help the situation).

       When I went to BYU I felt like I would finally be getting more culture in my life. But boy was I mistaken. Sure, they have their own culture which is great and fine on its own, but baby boy, it's pretty white. I know your paternal grandparents are from that area and they're amazing people, but I knew something was wrong when I got near-giddy at seeing a black person on campus. Sweetheart, one of the things you will eventually learn to love the most about home is the fact that you will meet people from all sorts of backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures, and together, their influence and the interactions you have with these people will help you become your own person.

       While New Orleans does have a bit of a reputation when it comes to crime, know that because of where you grew up, you will be more street smart because of it. It may not seem like something to brag about, but there were many times while I was out at night in Belgium that I just knew not to do certain things, avoid certain people that my companions were clueless about. I chalk this up to the fact that I was more familiar with these things than they were. Does this mean I like the crime here? Not at all. But there is always a silver lining, my dear.

       I know you will probably want to spread your wings and your horizons and explore the world around you. And I want you to do that as well. But know that deep down, you are my NOLA baby. The jazz heard downtown and the delicious food surrounding you are only parts of what make you what you are.

       And never ever forget; it is ALWAYS okay to cheer for the Saints.

 

 

Month 3

Well, my monkey is now 3 months and a week old. Woohoo! Here are some highlights from when he was 2 months old... It seems like it was only a couple of weeks ago.

 

We went to get some cloth diapers (the real deal) to use as burp cloths since they're super absorbent. But when we left the store it was POURING (this picture doesn't do it justice). I forgot my umbrella so we were stuck under an awning for about 15 minutes until I had the revelation, "I bought burp cloths because they're super absorbent." It wasn't my brightest moment. But you didn't seem to mind. You were asleep the whole time.

You enjoy your swing. Especially with you super soft blanket under you. And no pants on.

You also look pretty spiffy with shades on. Happy first Mother's Day to me!

As I was going through familysearch.org I decided to update your info. They asked me how I knew...

My craft room is shared with your bedroom. Because you REALLY like your changing table and it has rails on the side, I let you chill out there until you get fussy. But apparently you went the "fall asleep" route instead.

You still have awesome hair. I love it.

Although your dad thinks you already have daddy issues, I beg to differ.

I would say that after your parents and grandparents, your cousin Jackie is one of your biggest fans. She loves to look at you, kiss you, and bring you your pacifier.

3 months (Hey, I at least got it on your month marker this time!) 23.75", 11lbs 12oz

You really enjoy the backseat when I can make faces at you.

You REALLY don't like tummy time. Most of the time you cry in rebellion but this take you decided to take a different approach. Touché.

On date night after taking family pictures.

I'm a lucky gal having two handsome guys like you two!

We were playing with my phone so that you could see yourself. You were a bit confused. But hey, I would be too with a crazy-haired woman behind you.

"Get that light outta my face!"  I'm not saying you're just like your dad, but most mornings you are not a fan of the lights when we turn them on. We wake up pretty early on days when I have to go to work which necessitates Dad cuddling you and feeding you while I pump and get your stuff ready downstairs. 

"What's pumping?" you ask? Well, you, sir, were pretty stubborn and decided not to nurse from the tap. Since I still want to give you breast milk, I hook myself up to a pump 7 times a day, 30 minutes (at least) each time and get you stuff. I don't like it, but hey, at least you still get the good stuff. Plus, since you don't eat as much as I make I get to donate the excess to a couple of families in the area whose babies need milk too. It's a win-win.

A few little memories

For a historian, I really suck at tracking the personal history of myself and my child. I had the goal of taking a picture of Atticus every 1 month anniversary of his birth. The first month I reminded myself to take a picture but forgot throughout the day and just took one after Justin had swaddled him before going to bed. For the second month I reminded myself and just forgot to take a picture until the next day. So I'm just going to share a few pictures and write down a little bit about my favorite child under 2" tall (although, given his recent checkup that will probably end soon as well). I hope you'll forgive me as I post a ton of pictures to help me (and maybe one day Atticus) remember some important things about my little boy's first two months.

Born 2/13/13 @ 9:19pm. 7.4#, 21"

You spent two weeks and three days in the NICU

After almost two weeks with a feeding tube, you decided it was high time to get rid of it and ended up taking it out yourself.
"Who, sweet innocent me?"

You came home 3/2/13



From the get-go you were a very active sleeper. You broke out of swaddling blankets and Velcro swaddlers. You'd also scoot your way across the bed like a little inch worm. Your dad and I would place bets on how far and in what position we would find you each morning.

Your first bath 3/6/13

One month!

After your first Sunday at church 3/17/13. 

Despite your sleeping habits, you're actually a very calm baby.

You also have amazing hair when you sleep.

Your first ferry ride was on the Algiers ferry 3/30/13.

Happy Easter!

You were blessed 3/31/2013. Contrary to the face you are making, you were actually calm while lots of men that love you held you and your dad blessed you.

You really like music. Especially Motown and anything with a good beat.
"Hip hop hooray!"

Your "first" George's Favorite from Hansen's Sno-Bliz. We'll need to take you back in the not too distant future so you can have a real one.

You are your dad's favorite toy. And you look a lot like him.



I thought it was amusing that I call you my monkey and the first toy you actively tried to reach and play with was a monkey.
A little after two months: 10.5#, 22.75"

It stinks not being able to spend every day with you since I have to work. But I like sitting in the back of the car while Dad plays chauffeur so that I can see your happy, toothless smile. It makes it easier for me.

Although it seems you get tired of me playing paparazzi.