My Dearest Whitaker

My Dearest Whitaker,


You are one months old today. Most days I need to stop and remember that you are SO new since I feel that you have been in my life forever. I never thought that I could love someone as much as I love your sister but then you came along and it is safe to say that I do. For any future arguments, I love you both equally.

Since this is the second time at the "rodeo" [parenthood] for your dad and I, it has seemed far easier. It is like riding a bike. Your body remembers what it is like to not sleep, nurse, not be able to eat when you are hungry, and change 20 diapers a day. You also might be fortunate because we hopefully worked out some of the kinks of taking care of a newborn by practicing on your sister.

Since newborns/infants don't do a whole lot besides eat, sleep, cry, poop and pee, I don't have as much to "report" as I might in subsequent months. And although the only thing that you do is eat, sleep, cry, poop, and pee, I think all those acts are the most magnificent and fascinating things in the whole wide world. If I stare at you long enough while you are napping, you will eventually smile. It is the sweetest and most pure smile. One that says I am happy, warm, and comfortable right now. It is also addictive to watch and wait for it.

I guess the most important thing of note is that you are a super mellow and easy baby (or at least so far). When I mentioned above all babies cry, you have miraculously done very little of it. Not that you can't belt out a good wail when you are hungry or tired but for the most part you seem to be content to hang out. In fact, you are so easy, in terms of not crying, there hasn't been a time when we can't get you to stop in a matter for seconds. Except once, but that was because you were stuck in a car and hungry.

You are growing like a weed. At your two week appointment, you weighed 9 pounds 6 ounces, a weight gain of about 2 ounces a day. Dr. Sheridan said she likes to see a 1 ounce weight gain. This probably means, or we can only hope, that you are going to be taller than your dad and inherit the height gene from both sides of our families.

You are strong. And I am not just saying that because you are my kid. The nurses at the hosptial commented on it, as did our peditrician's nurse. You already have pretty decent head control and you are constantly pushing your legs against my stomach to try to "jump." We have started your morning exercises. I did these with your sister. Right now we only do arm exercises that consist of "out, down, out, and in," leg to hand stretches, and tummy time. Mae also participates and helps count out or wants her turn. In your easy going way, you let her take her turn. (Obviously, you are unaware of this).

You love or don't cry when we give you your bath. You actually kick your legs and enjoy when we pour the warm water over your belly and head. I would discuss sleeping but you are an infant and only expected to sleep three to four hours at a time. When you clock off five hours of sleep, I cheer a little but don't expect it to happen often.

You are all boy. You love to grunt, fart, and spit up. I know these aren't defining characteristics of a boy but I don't know a whole lot of girls that do these things. Or as least as adults. Again, I find this all fascinating.

Getting to be your mom is the most important thing I will ever do in my life. Thanks for making it an easy thing this month. (I am sure you are going to work me over for a month in your teen years to make up for it). Know that you are infinitely and endlessly loved by your dad and I, and will be month after month. Looking forward to a lifetime of memories with you.

Love you always, Mom