These Days: Mar 13, 2011

For the past few weeks we have slowly been adjusting to this thing called parenthood, and I think we are finally getting a few things down! Although I would like to take most of the credit, in actuality we have simply been immensely blessed with an amazing baby. I know, every parent - at some point - says that, and it is usually when the baby is fast asleep, like mine is at this very moment. But really, Caleb is amazingly good. Sure he still has his fussy moments and a pout that would make even Mother Teresa cringe, but at least now we know a few tricks on how to "turn those frowns upside down". Not only that but for the past 2 weeks he has been averaging about 5-6 hours of sleep every night! Oh sure, some nights we regress a bit but on average he is a champion sleeper, which makes for a very happy momma in the morning!

One of the most exciting developments of the past couple weeks is that Caleb cracked his first real smile! He has been smiling in his sleep since I can remember, but lately he has been having these huge ear to ear grins during the day, that are followed by some sort of sound effect. It almost sounds as if he is laughing, but I'm sure every developmental expert would shoot me down on that one. Anyways, the smiles are just melt your heart, ridiculously cute - if only we could get them on camera. He seems to know when the camera comes out and puts all of his tricks away the minute I get the lens cover off. I did manage to sneak a picture with my phone, as you can see below, but this does not do it justice. Really people, in person it's the cutest thing you've ever seen and will put a smile on your face no matter how cross-eyed tired you are or what a lousy day you just had. It's pure magic.

In other news, last weekend the three of us enjoyed our first "normal" weekend since the arrival of Caleb. There were no work distractions, no visitors, no obligations (well actually we did have plans but I got sick so there went our plans). It was just the three of us together and it was wonderful! Neal mowed the lawn while Sadie ran around helping, I paid bills, we made dinner and both took care of Caleb! To many of you that may sound somewhat boring, but it's not very often with Neal's schedule that we get to enjoy weekends such as that, so sometimes boring is just plain old welcome! Don't get me wrong, I would never trade our way of life for anything, but for 48 uninterrupted hours we were like a normal family, and as many of our friends are seeing their husbands off in the upcoming weeks, with us not too far behind, normal has never felt more wonderful or been more welcomed.

Enjoy the pictures! Until next time. xoxo