It's been nearly two months since we welcomed our new baby into our home and we've finally adjusted to being a family of four. Obviously there are some things that will continue to adjust, but we've established a schedule and a method of getting things done that is working for us, and that's exciting.
Calvin is a great baby. He is growing so fast! At his two week appointment he was just shy of 10 lbs, and each week he grows lots more. He his wearing some clothes that Zoey didn't fit into until she was 4 months old. It's strange for me to have a big baby, since Gavin and I are both pretty small. Calvin's hairline receded and he rubbed a nice bald spot on the back of his head about the same time he developed cradle cap and baby acne. Over all, not his cutest phase. But his hair is starting to grow back, and as he becomes more and more awake and aware he's becoming downright adorable. He's conversational and talks and smiles a lot. Gavin and I recently took him with us to a YW overnighter and all the girls (and many of the leaders) took turns holding him and swooning over him in impressively high-pitched voices. He loved all the attention. Calvin is very strong and has always been able to hold up his head and look around. He started rolling over at about a week and a half. He's learning to sleep through the night, and although he likes to nurse every 2 hours during the day (ugh), he usually sleeps about 3-4 hours at a time at night. His record so far was a few nights ago, when he slept for 7 1/2 straight hours! That was pretty awesome.
Zoey is adjusting well. She has gotten past most of her jealousy. As Calvin becomes better at self-soothing, I've been able to give Zoey a little more attention. Zoey has been showing a lot of interest in the potty and is on the verge of training herself. I was planning to hit it hard in about a month, but she's got a head start on me. Hopefully we can get her at just the right time so that it'll be quick and easy...ish. Zoey's creativity has really blossomed. She loves to dance, make up songs to sing, color and play pretend. Her vocabulary continues to flourish and she's a very helpful big sister. She builds towers out of almost anything and calls them temples. When we're in the car she loves to point out all the church buildings she sees and say, "a church!" She gets very excited about church. She's memorized the chorus to several pop songs and sings along in the car. She tries to teach Calvin sign, moving his baby hands around and telling him in a squeaky voice what the sign means. She does Zumba with me in the basement, sometimes sitting on the sidelines shouting praises at me, which always cracks me up. She helps me with the dishes and laundry and loves being my helper, perhaps more than anything else. She's my little shadow. Whatever I am doing, she wants to do it too.
Gavin has started two new endeavors that I'm really proud of. He's begun putting his math teaching skills to good use as a tutor. For now he's tutoring one girl twice a week. He's hoping to get more kids to tutor with her in time. Apparently the new curriculum at that particular school is less than stellar. He's also started his own blog, which will mostly be about self-improvement topics, but also have some random ramblings. I'm very excited to read it.
As for me, I'm doing my best to be a good mom. I'm getting better at balancing my productive time with down time. I'm starting to get more consistent with the house and meals, and even getting some good exercise in about 3 times a week. I have a goal to lose 20 lbs. Then I will be back to my newlywed weight. I've got a long way to go, but I'm on my way. On my side is the fact that I can't eat chocolate or ice cream (or any dairy product, for that matter... or onions OR garlic), because they make Calvin sick. It's tough staying away from some of my favorite foods, but it's for a good cause. More than one, actually.
We're doing well. We love our home, each other, our neighborhood and the gospel. We recognize where our blessings are coming from, and are striving to deserve them.
Wishing good health and happiness to you!
The Reeds