Month 3: Henry progressively got stronger, more coordinated, and more vocal this month. He got really good at holding his head up without being so wobbly. He began to get the whole open-handed grasp thing down. He actually found his hand, and it rarely left his mouth. He still loves to kick his piano, but he developed the vocals to create a rich melodic accompaniment. He must have gotten that from his dad because I have sure never developed the musical inclination. I do enjoy listening to it though, especially him. It is the most beautiful music I have ever heard.
Month 4:
He has really developed a personality this month. Smiling and laughing at things and people he that he genuinely finds funny or satisfying. He has the sweetest little laugh when he gets rolling. He also likes to really belt out the noises when Sam plays the guitar. Do I see a family band in the future? Maybe I could dance...
He definitely notices when he is left alone now, especially when mommy leaves the room, and he is beginning to make the connection between people he knows and doesn't know. He also seems to know when he is in public and that it is time to put on a show (smiling, making noises). We think he is going to be a schmooze and ladies man. He was definitely hollerin' at a shorty at Cracker Barrel the other evening.
I could go on an on about Henry. He has become so dynamic, and it is difficult, impossible even, to paint a complete picture. He keeps us on our toes and surprises us with new noises and abilities daily. My newest favorite thing he does is put his arms across my chest when I am holding him facing in; it is almost like he is giving me a hug. Extra cuddles are much needed when the weather starts to cool down!
With my return to school, I had to leave Henry. While I know he is in good hands with grandmas, it was still difficult. I get to be home most of the day on Monday and Wednesday and all day on Friday, so I am thankful for that time. Tuesday and Thursday schedules take me away for a little longer because I have to commute to Cullowhee. Being away from Henry has thrown some wrenches in nursing. I have to pump while I am away, but the pump is not as efficient as him. My body produces milk on an as needed basis, so if I am not pumping as much as he actually eats, my body will only produce that much milk which wasn't leaving very much to store up for when I am away. I was running a little close for a couple of weeks, but I think I have my supply back up and have a good store of milk in the refrigerator for when I am away. It is hard to believe I am almost half way through the semester. I will not miss pumping! It is inconvenient, but I guess it affords me some freedom and allows Henry to continue to get breast milk.
Besides Henry and school and trying to keep things going around the house (which is only possible with help from some awesome people), I haven't been into too much- there isn't time really. I make to an occasional yoga class, usually bi-weekly. I am looking forward to fall break. It just so happens that Sam will also be on fall break for a few days, so we are running away to the beach. This trip is much needed! We have managed to get into a few things for fun here lately, though, with Henry. We went to the LAAFF festival and saw some neat acrobats and then to French Broad Chocolate Lounge. We also went to Wicked Weed and French Broad Chocolate Lounge (see a trend here?). And just this past weekend, we went to The Hop for some lovely fall inspired ice cream (ginger molasses), walked at the Botanical Gardens and UNCA, and then for a birthday dinner for my mom at Cracker Barrel. We like to get him out and about now and then. It is good for him to get used to going places and good for us to get out of the house a little.
Dear Henry,
Well, first off, thanks for not pooping/peeing on me lately. You've grown a lot and become more aware of the world, which has made life interesting.
A few highlights:
8/10: Made Henry laugh with slurping noise.
8/18: Henry made pterodactyl noise.
9/3: Henry enjoyed reading of the nursery rhyme "Carrion Crow" from Mother Goose.
9/7: Listened to rain on the back porch.
9/8: Henry laughing at me when I got home.
9/13: MASSIVE poop while at Wicked Weed restaurant.
9/14: Henry fell asleep while I played him guitar. Later that day, we listened to Unwed Sailor and hung out in the living room. Very relaxing.
9/17: Made Henry laugh rocking out on the guitar.
9/23: Watched a great sunset.
9/24: Made Henry laugh with Donald Duck noises.
9/26: Henry reached for me.
I try to play the guitar for you every day. I usually stick to these songs, but am working on a few more:
"Jesse James"
"Streets of Laredo"
"Darlin' Corey"
"B'ile them Cabbage Down"
We also go look at the chickens at least once a day. The other day, your Mom got a little upset with me because since you didn't have your socks on, I let you put your feet on the grass. You seemed to really enjoy rubbing the grass and the dirt, and I guess your feet got pretty dirty. I tried to explain that that's just what boys do.
I'm not sure what we are going to do for our afternoon walks now that it's gotten colder. There's only so much room to walk around in the house, and no chickens to see inside.
I think back to the night you were born. You were just totally in shock and crying, as your mother and I were, also. You just had no idea what the world was, and now, you seem to have a better idea and just laugh and laugh and smile and smile, as your mother and I do, also.
That's about all to report. It's been amazing watching you slowly become more aware of yourself and the world. I love you very much and think about you all the time.
Love,
Dad