7 1/2 Weeks Old

As I am writing this entry, Skeet is strapped to me in a front carrier. I don't know exactly how much he weighs, but he has definitely grown since my last blog. I really hadn't realized how much he has grown until I got the pictures that Eleisha took back when Skeet was 3 weeks old. A lot has happened and changed since then. At about 5 weeks he started eating 5 or 6 ounces at some feedings! And for the past week, he has eaten 6 ounces of formula at bedtime. Most of the time he manages to sleep for a bit longer taking the formula rather than breast milk. And last night for the first time he slept through the night! He slept for 7 1/2 hours. I woke up at 5:30, and Kirk asked, "Is that the first time he woke up?" I was like, "OMG yes!" On October 20th, I was lucky enough to get my first true smile from Skeet. Kirk's mom kept him for a couple of hours while I taught dance classes, and when I got home I started talking to him, and he followed my voice and grinned bigger than Dallas! It was so cute. A week later he began cooing and making different noises. And on Halloween night, he laughed in his sleep! THAT was cute. It's been the only time so far that has happened. He has started staying awake for longer periods during the day, and it has become a task trying to keep him occupied. The swing and his jungle playmat (thanks Brandon and Erica!) have been lifesavers. He loves watching the lights and listening to the music and jungle sounds. He also like laying in his crib and watching the mobile, but the music doesn't play for very long, and when it stops he gets very upset. This past Wednesday, November 11th (Daddy's 30th birthday!) we took Skeet to see Dr. Parks, an ear nose and throat doctor. We were concerned about the frenulum, or flap of skin underneath his tongue. It was attached all the way to the tip of his tongue. While he nursed just fine, we were worried that it would cause him to have speech problems later on. Dr. Parks said yes, it definitely needed to be snipped, so we had it done right there. All they did was lift the tongue, cut the flap, press with gauze, and let me feed him. It barely bled, and he began sticking his tongue out immediately. That was fun to watch, because before he could only lift it straight up. Now he can stick out his tongue and roll it around. For a day or two he worked it like you wouldn't believe; I guess because it was all so new to him. On the 20th we go for his 2-month checkup. I can't believe he's already that old! The time has really flown by. Kirk and I continue to be amazed, and we love him dearly.