I'm a big boy now!

Today Ben had his one month checkup at the doctor.  I wasn't concerned about his growth, but as a new mom you want to make sure your little one is healthy and on track.  Well now, there is certainly no doubt, our boy is doing well.  Our tiny newborn is now a whopping 10 lb. 9oz. and 22.5 inches long!  That puts him in the 85% for length and the 75% for weight.  He is a big boy now!

I of course had to brag on my boy and tell the doctor how he is starting to smile in response to us talking and playing with him and how he loves tummy time.  She was quite impressed that he is doing so well for a 4 week old, but I am not surprised, because I already knew that he is the best kid in the whole wide world!  (I have been waiting so long to be able to bust a few buttons over my child!)  Did I mention that he lifts his head up really well and can turn it side to side while on his tummy?  I am pretty sure he is going to compose a symphony next.....or maybe just roll over. :)


There is nothing like being a mom to humble you.  I felt like I was finally in my stride and getting the hang of this new role, and then Ben up and decides that he won't take a bottle and would like to make breastfeeding more difficult.  It amazes me how a previously put together, mostly stable mommy, can so quickly fall apart.  Fortunately there are lactation consultants with great advice, a husband with great hugs and a mom with great encouragement.  It really is a full time job to figure out this feeding thing and get it right.  And like most jobs, it is all about on the job training, and a big learning curve!  The good news is that he is eating, gaining lots of weight, and doing well in spite of his worried mom.  


With the extra weight, Ben is just getting cuter and cuter.  His cheeks are just even more kissable and he is inching his way out of his newborn clothes.  It is a good thing that he is so cute, especially when he has moments like this morning when he had projectile poop (yes, I did say projectile poop--us moms use fancy words like that) all over his outfit, the changing table, and a pile of clothes nearby.  Not 10 minutes later he decided that wasn't enough and peed through his new outfit and the blanket he was lying on.  Then this afternoon he decided to attempt his aim again and got me, his clothes and the poor changing table again with a urine fountain mid diaper change.  I have never done so much laundry in my life!

At the end of the day, after a dozen diapers, fussies, hiccoughs, several naps (some successful and some failed), and a few loads of laundry, I can still say that this is the best job ever.  I looked over at my husband last night while he was on the floor next to Ben, cheering him on as he turned his head, reveling in every face and movement Ben made.  I realized that this is my favorite place to be, with my incredible husband and my precious son.