6 Weeks and Counting

CAMERON
I am still a helpful, proud big brother even now that the novelty has worn off.  However, one of the ways I like to help the most mom doesn't find so helpful - I like to try and pick Nathan up when he is laying on the changing pad or is in his bouncy chair getting ready for his bath.  Mom says I'm not strong enough, but I'm a whole whopping 22.5 lbs (or at least that's their best guess).  I appear to be getting taller too as I can take stuff off the kitchen table and bathroom counters and even off the kitchen counter.

Some of my newest words include belly, milk, please, cracker (used for both graham crackers and rice cakes), more, and bye bye.  I will even use words without prompting if I really want something, especially food.

I just got a fun new toy this weekend - it's a ride-on trike with a long handle so mom and dad can push me until I'm tall enough to pedal myself.  We took it for a spin around the block yesterday and it was lots of fun.  I'm not that great at steering yet though.  I also helped dad plant flowers this past weekend and last night we planted a tree since the weather is pretty nice.  I'm also daddy's handyman helper.  If a toy is broken, I bring it to him and go stand in front of the closet where one of his screwdrivers is stored and then help him fix it. 

Another favorite activity is to push buttons (and not just mommy and daddy's).  I know how to turn the TV on both using the TV and also using the remote.  I can turn my CD player on, flip light switches on and off, and when given the opportunity like to dial phone numbers (I once called my Aunt Kali from mom's phone).  I'm just a busy guy with a lot of curiosity.




NATHAN
I am 6 weeks old today - boy did that go fast!  I'm still a real good sleeper most nights.  I usually go for about 5-6 hours and then after my middle of the night feeding, I usually go another 3 or so hours. Sometimes I will get up at after my 5:30/6 am feeding, but most nights I will go back to bed for another hour.

Many people have commented on my long fingers and toes and think I will be taller than my big brother.  Only time will tell.  I am already around 10 lbs according to mom's best guestimate and a weigh-in here at home on our less accurate scale.

I did have my first real cranky spell Sunday night.  Nothing was consoling me so daddy took me for a car ride so mommy and Cameron could finish dinner.  I was quiet the whole time even though I stayed awake.  I was fairly calm the rest of the night.  I do tend to spit up a lot after some feedings and am pretty gassy at times which can cause me to get cranky, but fussy but usually I'm a mellow guy, especially in the mornings.  Although I am definitely awake more during the day and much like Cameron (though not yet to the same extreme), I like to be in motion when awake.  As a result, Mommy doesn't get much down time during the day anymore and daddy doesn't get much when he gets home as I am usually awake and vocal in the evening.

My current likes include eating my hands, my pacifier, eating, being swaddled or held (I won't sleep for very long unless I'm swaddled, in my car seat or being held), grocery shopping, being outside, and watching people's faces.  My current dislikes include having gas, having skin exposed, getting changed (clothes or diapers - it's the whole skin exposure thing), and baths.

Finally, I saved the most exciting news for last.  I now smile and it's not just when I'm gassy.  Some mornings I smile at mommy several times and even gave her a huge grin one night.  My smiles are still few and far between (just ask daddy), but I am starting to be even more social and show my happiness.  Maybe one of these days mommy or daddy will actually get a picture as proof!

Love,
Cameron & Nathan