Sleep Wars

Not long ago, in a pack-n-play not far away...
(That's the second Star Wars reference this week, I am a nerd.)
Well, the Dark Side still reigns as Domingo's sleep aversion shows no signs of stopping. I think it maybe time to move him into the other room. I've decided that I'm probably the one who keeps him up at night. He wakes up a little, sees me, and demands to nurse. Even when he's in the pack and play next to the bed, I think maybe he smells the milk maid and realizes that a free meal is only a scream away.
Now this phenomenon has started affecting his naps as well. Before I at least could catch up on an hour or so while he napped, I'd just sleep in the bed next to him, not so much anymore. Today he was asleep for 20 minutes before he woke up and wanted to nurse. I pretended to be asleep, and he kind of hung out for a few seconds before he let out a huge scream as if to say, "lady, I know you are faking, now make with the milk". So I nursed him, he fell asleep after maybe 1 minute, and then I left. An hour later he's still asleep. Now instead of being in my cozy bed with my sleeping boy, asleep, I'm out here, on the couch, with my smelly dog, writing this post. BLECH.
I think it's also the fact that he's completely out grown the straight jacket. He kicks out of it and squirms his arms out several times a night. Every time he breaks free he wakes himself up. I've tried to leave his legs out, to leave one arm out, tried naps without it completely. He's just not able to stay asleep. So when he breaks out, we have to put him back in, which wakes him up completely. Then he needs to nurse or be rocked back to sleep. I know this is my 17 millionth post on sleep issues, but it really is what my life revolves around these days. I'm so craving a full night's sleep. I love sleep, it's one of my very favorite pastimes, and I'm really good at it. But, here comes the big but, I just don't know if I'm able to let him "cry it out" at this age. He has no self-soothing skills yet. He's just starting to be able to put his hand in his mouth for more than a second, and he still spits out the pacifier more than he sucks on it. And he's not even 3 months old, I think I'll just have to wait it out, and hope it gets better.
So for now, I guess it's sofa city for me during the day, and up all night milk stand at night. I wish I had a happy sappy way to end this post, or at least a witty bon mot, but I'm just too tired to think of one.

Absolutely Flabulous

Ok, I know that it took 9 months more or less to get here, so I should at least give myself that long to return to the body formerly known as mine. But can I just say that it's utterly depressing to be nearly 3 months postpartum and still not fit into all of my clothes, particularly the cute ones? Even the clothes that do fit, fit me in this new and weird way. My body has become this totally alien thing to me now. Not a pleasant feeling for something I have been with all my life.
I'm really not someone who likes to toot my own horn, but here I go anyway. I've never been what you'd call rail-thin, but I have been physically active and fit pretty much my entire life. There was a time not too long ago when I'd be mad at myself if the only exercise I got was a quick 3 mile run. I mean, that only took 25 minutes!! There was a time, ah, let's call it law school, when I'd run 3 miles, go to an hour-long aerobics class, and then do sit ups and push ups or lift weights for half an hour. (When did I study you say? those stories are for another blog.) Now I didn't look like Jane Fonda, pretty much all the calories I spent came right back at me in the form of pizza, cookies etc., but I never put on weight, or if I did, I could get it to come off with just a little extra effort. And it's not just about the way I look, exercise is, for me, the other side of the food coin, both make me feel really good and I need good food and quality workouts for my physical and mental health.
Flash forward to Feb. 2006, only a few months pregnant, still not gaining much weight, still really active, running, aerobics etc., and then I had to stop cold turkey. No more exercise until further notice. A few months later, all looks good, I got the ok to do light exercise again, and then in July- bed rest- oy! It wasn't super strict, I could get up to make my own meals, but when your body is used to some form of physical activity every day, even just walking to the Daley Center from the parking garage, and then you go to sitting on a couch or in bed every day for 2 months there are going to be some pretty horrible side effects. Namely, my sides have effectively expanded. I dropped 25 pounds in the first 2 weeks after Domi was born. If I had only gained 25-30 like I had planned I'd be a-ok. Unfortunately those last 2 months of veal-ification did not do this body good, and I still have about 12 extra pounds hanging around.
The first two months of Domi's life, I was trying to figure things out and get into a rhythm. Now that the boy and I have bonded and have our little routines, I've started thinking more about getting back to where I was before physically.
Those first few runs were really demoralizing. They didn't feel good. My legs felt like tree trunks, my knees were not used to the extra weight, and my lungs were on fire (I'll spare you the details of the gastrointestinal side effects felt later that night, but you can probably imagine). I mean the muscles in between my ribs hurt, what do they do, help you breath? I needed to get back in to breathing shape?
It was so sad. That once quick 3 miles took me 10 minutes longer than before, and not just that, I didn't feel good afterwards, I didn't want to exercise, that was the worst part! I exercise to feel better, to combat stress, not to feel horrible! I used to cherish my workout time and guard it jealously, now I have to force myself to go and make deals with myself to keep running (one more song, 5 more minutes, a walking break after this hill etc.) when I just want to stop! But I am as stubborn as I am lazy, and I'm not going to stop. Last night when Chris asked how my run went, I actually said it felt better and it was true. It's really not easy or fun at this point. Being sleep deprived, having my muscles atrophied and being heavier than I've ever been (while not pregnant), does not make exercise the most fun, but it's worth it. And Domi was definitely worth it.

Las Paraguayitas

I know this blog is called "Domi's World", but at casa de Domi, these ladies rule the roost. We hung out with them this weekend (this is a picture from my mom's house in Paraguay) and they are so hilarious. I can't wait until Domi is old enough to play with them. I wonder if they'll boss him around the way my sister and I used to boss around our little brother. Okay, she bossed, I pushed, teased, fought with, and generally made life miserable for the poor guy, but the love was always there! I remember when Leticia and I were in junior high, and he was probably in 2 or 3 grade we would "let" him hang out with us if he made us grilled cheese sandwiches. One time I think he made me scrambled eggs. Come to think of it, he owes us a lot, I think his love of cooking can be traced back to those early days of waiting on us hand and foot so that we'd let him watch Bon Jovi videos with us.
Anyway, it's so great that the twins always have a playmate to hang out with. This weekend they were playing "snow white" and one would take a bite of the poison apple and fall down and the other would come up and kiss her and she'd wake up, then they'd switch. I tried saying that Domi was the prince and hold him over the sleeping one, but this was met with skeptical stares, since he's obviously too little to kiss anyone let alone be a prince on horseback. I hope they'll let Domi into their little circle when he's old enough to offer something other than intermittent smiles and lots of drool. Maybe I should start teaching him how to make grilled cheese sandwiches just in case.

Lawrence of A-baby-a

Or "bib fortuna and son". If you got the second reference you are a nerd. Chris is modeling the baby straight jacket, and I love the onesie that Domi's wearing. It was a present from my office-mates and he looks like he should be out swabbing a deck. My only concern with it is that it's a 6-9 MONTH SIZE!!! I know that they often label the sizes older than they should be, but cripes he's not even 3 months yet.
And the rolling strike continues, I'll keep the blogosphere posted if he deems rolling worthy of another go, but right now it seems like he forgot how, or just got to heavy to push over. Now he lays on his tummy and when he gets bored or tired he tries to flip over by pushing but just gets frustrated and puts his head down and cries. It is too sad! It's like he's tasted sweet freedom just to have it snatched away. So I give him a little push and all is right (back) with the world.

As promised...

Here is the video of Domi rolling. I'm glad I taped it (4 times) since he's decided rolling over is passe and he's not so into it anymore.



Domi rolls over on Vimeo

It's only natural

Well, it's time for the obligatory "nursing post". I figured with all the brew ha ha with Delta airlines kicking a nursing mom off the plane, it was appropriate.
This weekend we saw lots of family, some of whom had never met Domi before, others who hadn't seen him in a while. Regardless, the universal remark upon seeing him was "He's enormous!! WHAT are you feeding him?" You'd think I was plying him with beefcake 4000! Well, he's a 100% breastfed super baby. Leticia said it's time to use the growth hormone-free breast milk, but we keep our cows and our moms BGH free. I just feed the beast when he's hungry, I can't help it if that's every 10 minutes!
Not literally, but it does seem like he's hungry a lot of the time. For awhile I was worried that it wasn't hunger, but boredom, or tiredness, so I often try to distract him with a game, or a song, or a walk. Or I try to put him down for a nap if he's fussy. But when he's hungry there is no distracting him, and forget about a nap. It's so true that hunger cries sound different that other kinds of cries, and when he's hungry people within a 10 block radius know it. Also when he's fussy but isn't hungry he gets really mad when I try to nurse him. So there's nothing to be done but feed him when he's hungry!
It's possible that it's a result of his very fussy period where nothing would soothe him except a little nursing. Maybe he just got used to eating more and often, so now he's hungrier than other babies. Either that or I should market myself to GNC for those who wish to bulk up.

Hangin' with the Primas

Well, we made it to abuela's from South Bend in one relatively sane piece. Actually Domi was a super star in the car this time. He slept pretty much the whole way, only a few minutes of screams here and there so we really can't complain! And he took the pacifier for a 30 minute stretch, I had to hold it in most of the time, but he didn't look at me with that disgusted look he usually gives when I try the pacifier, so, progress!
Then we went to Tia Leticia's and played with the primas for a while. They will wear anyone out! So then after an unsuccessful attempt to have you sleep over there, it was back to abuela's to sleep, perchance to dream, and definitely to eat. In this picture you are really showing off that toad-y double chin of yours. You are getting to be such a monster baby, you look almost the size of the girls!

Turkey coma

We have so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. What a great holiday. We had a wondeful time and as always a terrific dinner with TOO. MUCH. FOOD!! Sadly I'm already dreaming about delicious turkey sandwiches with Tia May's mayonaise. I'll post pictures tomorrow since Daddy doesn't know where he put the camera and I'm about to go into food induced hybernation. Ahhh the holidays.

Off to South Bend!

We're off to South Bend for our traditional Thanksgiving festivities. This will be the 31st year my family spends Thanksgiving with family friends in South Bend. That's pretty impressive, and it's Domi's first time (also prima Elena's first too)! Unfortunately Leticia is on call so we'll have to make the rounds this year too, back to my parents' on Saturday and then home Sunday. I'm sure it'll be fun but exhausting.
I'm sure it's global warming as every year in my youth, the trip to Indiana would be marked along the way with grey skies and much "lake effect snow". This year it's like in the 50's and not a snow flake in sight. I can't say that I mind, unless of course the planet is going to turn into water world. Then I mind, I'm definitely not bikini ready yet. However, Domi is. Here is a recent pic in all his bathing beauty.

They're back!

Abuela and Tia Leticia and the gang are back from Paraguay! This includes the fabulous primas, who (no surprise) were the stars of the show. Leticia said people-total strangers- would cross busy streets just to give them kisses, ask to keep one of them etc. etc. I guess it's not often that you see two blond identical 2 year olds on the streets of Asuncion.
Everyone had a good time, despite my parents getting sick, the girls getting diarreah (from too much fruit and juice) and my abuela (Domi's visabuela China) still not doing so well.
According to my mom, the plane trips were fine (There were 6 in total). They went swimming everyday, and the girls ate everything in sight! (Again, no big surprise.)
I'm still a little sad and jealous that we didn't get to go, but next time when Domi's a little bigger we are so there! If those guys can handle the trip with those two demons, we should have no problem with one right? I can't wait to see the pictures, but until I get some, here is one of them at my and Ian's birthday party right before they left. I don't know why but they both look pretty angry at their ice cream.
Edited to add: for those playing at home, Sofia is in the black track suit Graciela in the white turtle neck.
Also Edited to add: is it just me or does Sofia have a Jimmy Connors circa '77 vibe going in this pic?

Yes but does he fetch?

Well you are 10 weeks and 4 days and you have learned how to roll over from your tummy to your back. I have to say I'm impressed. I was going to post something about how you and I are both lazy because you only like to nurse lying down next to me, but I guess the only lazy one around here is me!
I couldn't figure out how to post the video I took on this blog, but maybe Chris will. Anyway, I was totally shocked and kept putting you on your tummy and you kept on rolling over. You did it 8 times today!

Another quick visit

Just to be a completist about the face close ups, here is a picture of Tia Jennifer and Domi. He wasn't in the best of moods as you can see. We had a nice visit from Freya and Jennifer, and Daddy and I got out for a walk in the crisp November air.
Then later I went for my first real run in soooo long. Since February I was not allowed to do any serious exercise, and then the last two months of being pregnant I was on bed rest, so nothing physical at all! Then 2 months of newborness, so after all that my body was and is in a serious state of flab. So now I'm paying the price for it. After my run today my body is violently revolting (only 3.5 miles, such a sad state of affairs). It seems it was perfectly happy to forever remain an atrophied blob and my decision to change that was met with serious resistance. Well, resistance be damned, if I'm going to be able to run 13.1 miles in February I have some serious work ahead of me. But a little hard work never hurt anyone right? Um, I'll keep saying that until I can feel my legs again.

a quick visit

Today we had a quick visit and saw Tia Hez and Tio James' new place. We had a nice early dinner and then showed you off at our friends Matt and Dorothy's place. We didn't stay long because of sleep needs. You wouldn't take a nap at Hez's, so when we got home you were exhausted. I've come to realize something about the car and you. You are fine for about 10 minutes but then you start to FA-REAK out. Hopefully this won't last and you'll become one of those magic babies that love the car and instantly fall asleep as soon as the engine starts. But until then maybe we should invest in some earplugs.

A common dilemma

But that doesn't make it any easier.
Last night I took Domingo to my office Thanksgiving dinner party. It was really nice to see everyone as it's been a really long time since I've been out of the office as the whole bed rest/premature labor thing took me out of commission a whopping 2 months earlier than expected. Domingo was the star of course. I'm pretty used people saying "HEEYYY! How are you?" and not looking at me at all, just straight to the baby. It doesn't bother me, he's pretty darn cute. Everyone said Domi is gorgeous etc. etc. It's what I love to hear!
Anyway, I hate to be derivative but being there, with all the gang, and being repeatedly asked when I was coming back has put work and returning to it at the front of my mind, where I'd rather it not be. I would much rather not have to think about it at all. That is my usual m.o. when it comes to dealing with stressful things and decisions, out of mind, out of a problem right? Not very healthy or functional I know. So we have to think about it, talk about it, and plan it out. A much more practical way of dealing with the world.
I know this is a very touchy and personal subject and everyone is entitled to an opinion and everyone believes that their way is the right way. I'm not so sure. My sister said it best when she said that it's a no win situation. You go back to work for financial, intellectual, or whatever reason, and you do not get to spend your days with this ever-changing and amazing creature. You may miss some or many of those big firsts: first word, step, temper tantrum (well probably not that one). But most importantly, no one on earth can take care of your child the way that you can. Even if it's grandma, an aunt, or even dad, there is nothing like a mother. Of course the relationships with these people are crucial and hopefully very strong, but they are just different. But in our case it would be someone from outside the family, either day care or a nanny. There are sooo many issues to deal with there! I'm very uncomfortable putting tiny baby in a day care setting, and I'm also not too hot on having someone I don't know basically raising my children.
Or I could stay home. You get all those moments and firsts, raise your own kids, etc. etc., but staying home in my opinion is a much harder job. At work at least I know what I'm doing. I get positive feedback from my boss, my clients, my co-workers. I feel good about what I'm doing, I know that my talents and mind are being productive (being a poverty lawyer, I think I can safely say that those things are true, maybe not the case if I was another kind of lawyer, har har!).
At home I don't know what I'm doing. I have an idea, but let's face it a lot is going on by trial and error. There's no positive feedback from an infant. There are great moments like I said earlier, but Domi doesn't take me aside after a particularly satisfying meal and say, "you know mom, that was grade A stuff, good job!"
And then to look forward, say you stay home until the child is a little older, say 2 or 3, what if another one or two come along? When to go back? Will all my knowledge, and my little experience be completely obsolete? Or what if I never go back? What'll I do when the kids are in school? How can we pay the bills?

In my family the women all always worked. My grandmother worked, she loved her job and had to do it to support her family. My mom was the same way, she went back to work right away, luckily loves her job because she had to do it to support her family. Growing up I had those women as role models, so I figured naturally if I ever had children, of course I would work outside the house. The fact that I spent 3 long years in law school and have a mountain of school debt doesn't hurt that assumption either.

But after I left my parents' home, got married etc. I've met people who decided to stay at home. It's very attractive to me in theory. I don't want to only spend 3 of Domi's waking hours with him on the days I go to work (let's hope he starts sleeping better at night, or maybe I will spend more than that with him!). Especially now when he's just starting to "wake up" to the world and become more interactive. But on the other hand I really like my job, I like what I do, I like my supervisors, and all my office mates and would hate to lose that. And after talking to my boss, the situation will pretty much be how I wanted it: part time, the days that I wanted off, starting sooner than I had initially hoped (darn you bed rest!), but he'll be a solid 4 months old when I return. So that's where it stands. My first day back will be Jan. 8, 2007, I'll be working 4 days a week with every Friday off. We have to start in earnest looking for a nanny pretty soon.
OY! There are no easy answers here, but I know it's something that people all over have to deal with. I guess the most important thing is that I love my son. I love him so much and want to do what's best for him. Part of that includes doing what's best for me, and our family as a whole. So there'll be more thinking about it, talking about it, writing about it, and complaining about it, mostly the last part, that's what I'm best at!

my new crying technique is unstoppable

Oh my cod! Karate snoopy has nothing on this boy. Domingo is completely anti-sleep. Yesterday's shots, while they did produce a temporary lethargy, did nothing to stop Domi's up at 2 a.m. reign of terror. The doc said the shots often help babies sleep better at least temporarily. He fell asleep in the car after screaming for about 10 minutes, I wanted to drive to Wisconsin rather than wake him up to take him inside, but he didn't even stir. So I thought we'd be totally set and I could actually clean or do something requiring more than 15 minutes. Nope, sorry try again later! As soon as I got out my lunch he woke up in a FOUL mood. The shots must have been really painful because I dosed him with baby tylenol and in a few minutes he was happy as a clam, but not sleepy at all. Then last night/this morning he woke up at 2 a.m. again and didn't really go to sleep again for a solid chunk of time. He would grunt and squirm and wake up and cry pretty much every hour until at 6:00 Chris took pity on me and let me sleep until 8 when he had to get ready for work. This has been his general m.o. for awhile and it's beginning to take a toll, my brain is beginning to fry (beginning?) and it's 2 pm and I'm still in pyjamas, haven't brushed my hair and my gut is hanging out from under my tank top. Not too pretty.

Anyway, I think he's starting to become more aware of what he wants and become much more frustrated that I can't figure it out. Yesterday we were playing and he was really happy, then he started to fuss and an instant later it was scream city. I went through the usual suspects, and then when nothing was doing it I got out the swaddle blanket, because if your going to be a crab apple, you are going down. And much to my shock he started settling down. Now he was just crying the familiar "I hate this swaddler, must free arms... WAAAAH" cry, not the "so help me if this stupid woman shoves her boob in my face again I'm going to scream out a lung" cry. It was really amazing. I could totally tell he was getting really frustrated, and as soon as I figured out that he needed to sleep, and started going through the sleep motions he was calmer. Unfortunately for Domi, the straight jacket is my go to when I have no idea why he's crabbing, even if he's not tired, and if he hates that thing when he's sleepy he hates it with a white hot passion of a thousand suns when he's not. It's hard being a baby.

Two month check up

So we went to your new pediatrician for the first time today. The reason we left the old one may or may not be the subject of a future post, we'll see if I get to it. Anyway, you were a super trooper and did a great job of showing off all your amazing tricks. The doc. was really impressed and said that you look terrific and you're doing great and we're doing everything right and to keep it up. Ahhhhh just what I've been longing to hear. (everyone will also take notice that you are no longer even the tiniest bit yellow)
She even said that she had to keep reminding herself that you are only 2 months!
Here is a list of your amazing deeds:
On your tummy you can hold you head up steady at 90 degrees and can push up to your chest with weight on your elbows, you can bring your hands together, can reach for things and occasionally grab them (by happy accident), you smile and coo and laugh and can say a-goo (apparently the combo is tricky), you can scan an object 180 degrees and have been doing that for awhile. So all in all, you are doing everything you are supposed to and a few things that are a little advanced. (we wont tell that you had performance enhancing steroids in utero)
Chris put it best when he said that it's very easy to not get hung up on developmental benchmarks and percentiles when you are hitting all of them, but it is really nice to hear the professional say that you are a terrific baby.
I did point out that you have an umbilical hernia, but she wasn't at all concerned, said it's very small, and will most likely heal on its own in time. So for now you have an outie on your giant belly and it's very sweet.

So here are the stats: weight 14lbs. 2 oz (90th percentile)! holy moly that's a heavy baby! length- 25 and 1/4 in. (95th percentile) enjoy it now kiddo, I pretty much guarantee that with my genes you aren't going to stay in either of those camps for long. And finally head circumference 15 and 7/8 in. (25-50th percentile) huge baby, tiny pea head, oh my.

The last thing we had to do was of course the worst, the shots. You were such a good boy and it must have really hurt because you're little face got redder than anything I have ever seen. But you stopped crying quickly and then went to sleep. I didn't take any pictures, it's probably better not to remind you, so I'll post another one from this weekend the caption of which should be "Good grief, is this shirt too small already?" p.s. Thanks for the shirt Freya. He looks more like Linus to me though!

My new discovery

I have discovered the secret of mothers everywhere. I remember in those early days of having a baby I was marveling at how any parent ever got anything done with an infant. I mean I am barely getting out of my pyjamas by the time Chris gets home from work. How do people do it?

I have figured it out, they PUT THE BABY DOWN!! I know that this is probably so obvious to most people that it doesn't even deserve a second thought, but these people have never met Domingo. He is not a fan of being anywhere but up in arms. It doesn't even matter whose arms they are. However it can get very tiring when the only arms around are mine. This is also a problem when trying to do anything, like eating, cleaning, going to the bathroom etc.etc. And PLEASE do not say, just do all those things while he's taking a nap. There are many things wrong with that statement when made to me, not the least of which is the fact that he is a very light sleeper, so any little thing wakes him up despite the loud white noise maker we use. Oh yeah and he is not so hot on the nap scene anyway, success is a 45 minute stretch without having to get back in there to nurse him back to sleep.

So I have decided to take a cue from Chris and just put him down. I discovered that this is what he does when they have Daddy Domi time, so he can make his coffee and eat his oatmeal. I suppose that Domi will not be permanently scarred by sitting in the swing or in his crib for 10 minutes while I have breakfast. On the other hand my kidneys seriously complain when I forgo peeing for hours on end. I've done this (as you can see from the picture) with some limited success. I just have to be quick like a bunny and things get done!

However, I'm sure I should relish this time when he wants me near him, and pick him up every chance I get, because soon enough he wont want me so close and cuddly.

Over the river and through the woods

This weekend we went to your grandmother's (not abuela's) house for the first time! Overall I'd say the trip was a great success. You screamed pretty much the whole way there, but were your usual charming self again for most of the time we were there. You really got to spend some QT with your grandma and far far, and Daddy and I got in some much needed naps.
And you made a little (HUGE) new friend. Mateo is only 4 months older than you but he is gigantic! We thought you were a bruiser, but Mateo makes you look like a feather-weight. Don't worry, you'll catch up soon, and then you'll be able to play rough and tumble with that big guy. But then Mommy's back will be destroyed from picking you up and holding you all day and night!
You are still having some sleeping issues but we had a really good ride home and you actually slept in the car most of the ride instead of screaming. I think we are almost at a break-through point with the pacifier too. You don't gag on it so often and will take it for a little while without screaming like I'm trying to stick a hot poker in your mouth.
All in all it was a really nice weekend. I'm so glad that both sets of your grandparents are so close by, and you'll get to see them so often growing up.

My new sleeping technique is unstoppable: part deux

The getting to sleep part- not a problem. The staying asleep part? Not so much. Oh and tonight? Not at ALL!!! Domi is a fickle being. But he's still very sweet.
Day time naps are hit or miss. The root of the sleeping woes in my opinion is the evil baby straight jacket and the fact that Domi can't STAY asleep without it. He fails his arms until it wakes him up with out the tight near-Houdini-proof swaddle. I say near Houdini proof because Domi manages to wiggle his way out of it every now and again and he wakes up because he's punching the air in his sleep. As soon as he can sleep without moving that thing is sooo history.

My new sleeping technique is unstoppable

Not really. But I'm really trying to implement the tips and techniques from my baby sleeping bible, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child.
Today Domi had two really good long naps, but one was super late, he didn't wake up until 7. Then we conducted our "routine": food, poop, bath, lotion massage, book, and bed. It took a little less than 2 hours; 40 minutes of which was in an attempt to soothe Domi to sleep, meaning nursing him into submission. But after about 40 minutes of patting the giant Buddha belly and shoving my boob in his face, we had success. And no crying!! Weissbluth you are a genius. I put him down before he was really over tired, (I don't think he was really tired yet either, but he got there) which is the key.
We'll try to keep this up and hopefully you'll learn how to put yourself to sleep and we won't ever have to cry it out!
Since Daddy forgot the camera cable at abuela's here's an older picture. It's my favorite outfit and you've pretty much outgrown it. You look super cute on Daddy's hairy legs.

Two Months

I can't believe it's been 2 months already! You are getting so big so fast. This is the main reason I wanted to start this blog, to make sure that I write down and remember the detailed tiny minutiae of our daily lives. And who wouldn't want to read the Chronicles of Domi?
You have changed so much in these 2 months. You are now a bonafide superchunk! You went from 6 lbs 12 oz at birth to 13 lbs 9 oz at last check, just like mommy you love to eat! When you were born we said you had a nickel butt, because it was just the size of two little nickels, now it's more like a Sacagawea dollar butt, still, it's pretty tiny compared to the rest of you. You are still a tall drink of water- 22.5 in. when born, 25 now (according to mommy's tape measure) And you are such a beauty!
Sleep is still elusive, but I think we are officially over the 6 week fussiness peak (I hope I didn't just jinx us). You still hate the swaddle, but can't sleep without it. I think that pretty soon though you'll be less prone to startle, be able get your hand in your mouth and keep it there, or learn to accept the love of the pacifier, then the swaddler will be gone. Here's hoping! Until then I'm happy to act as a human "pepe", and the evil baby straight jacket will keep you cozy and warm and keep your hands from punching you in the face. Daddy and I are also learning the tricks of the trade of getting you to sleep. You only like being held upright, and we do the "milk shake" we hold you really close and shimmy, it usually conks you right out. The sound of running water usually puts you to sleep too. But of course nothing works like a little boob action. That is the ultimate argument settler. No matter where we are, no matter how fussy you are, you calm right down when there is a boob in your face.

You are a tiny hercules. Here's a list of your feats of strength:
You held your head up pretty much from day one, and flipped over from tummy to back when you were 7 days old!! You have yet to have a repeat performance, but you've come really close, and are so strong you'll figure it out soon. You also break out of every swaddling blanket invented, even the miracle blanket otherwise known as the evil baby straight jacket!
You have discovered a new register in your crying. I don't mean to laugh, but it's really amazing and cute when you hit notes above high C.
Bathing has also become a favorite time of day, a far cry from how it was at first.


But the best is first thing in the morning. You are so happy and talkative when you wake up in the morning. You love "Daddy Domi time".
It was a long road to get here, but we are so excited to be here. You've already changed so much, and we are looking forward to every moment.

Let's get this party started!

This whole "blogging" idea came from my friend KMW (names in initials to protect the innocent). I really like the idea of having an electronic "baby book" that family and friends can check in on every now and again, and even if no one reads this, it's nice that we can memorialize the little pitfalls and triumphs that are having a baby and starting a family.