365 Days of Duke - Days 15 thru 28

Baby Duke,

Yesterday you were one month old.  Before you were born everybody told us to enjoy every minute because it goes by too fast.  Boy were they right.

The first two weeks of your life were somewhat of a blur to me.  I was recovering from surgery and learning how to take care of you.  The last two weeks feel more like real life.  A new and different and better real life.  We are getting to know you and your needs and what makes you happy and content.  We are surprised every day by how much love we have for you in our hearts.  I'm sure your head has officially been covered in a million kisses.

You had your 4 week doctor appointment this week and you are growing and thriving.  We are so happy our little tiny 5 pounder now has some cheek chub!.  You really love to eat and based on how many hours we've logged in your rocking chair nursing I had high hopes for your weight gain....and you exceeded our expectations!  You gained over two pounds, grew an inch and a half and your head grew 3cm since we left the hospital!  You are still a teeny guy but you're catching up quickly.

Your stats on 2/22/11:

Weight: 7lb 4oz

Height: 20.5"

Head: 35.5cm 

The last two weeks you've been practicing smiling a lot - mostly in your sleep, but we know what that smile is going to look like when you officially melt our hearts with it.  You love to do whistle lips, you've spotted your hand a couple of times and you are awake a lot more during the day, mostly just looking around and absorbing your new home and our faces.  When you are upset the only thing that helps you stop crying is bouncing on the pilates ball.  You REALLY love bouncing.  Don't tell your doctor, but you will only sleep at night right next to me.  You hate your cradle.  It must be cold and lonely in there (even though it's right next to me) because you will only fall asleep curled up next to your mama.  I sure love it a lot....but sometimes I wish I could stretch out and relax for just one or two hours at night. We'll keep trying out your cradle and i'm sure one day you'll surprise us and stay asleep in it.  Until then, i'm going to appreciate every minute my baby boy wants to sleep right next to me.

You've been on a couple of walks, a couple of meals out, a trip to Trader Joe's and you walked to Staples with your daddy alone.  You guys were gone for kind of a long time and I did get a little worried, but I forced myself not to call and check up on you and of course you made it home just fine.  This week our favorite nickname for you is "mama's little sweetie roll".

Keep growing little boy....we love you!

~mama