Had to take a break there for a feeding... Normally Benjamin wants to be fed every two hours like clockwork during the day, then once in the middle of the night and once very early in the morning. He's been going through a phase the last couple days where he won't nurse as long or finish his bottle for several feedings in a row, then he'll double up for a couple of feedings. For those of you who don't know, I both breastfeed and give him formula. I have tried everything possible to exclusively nurse, but I think I will always have challenges with it and I'm too stubborn to give up entirely. It's expensive (formula costs an arm and a leg) and time-consuming (breastfeeding and pumping when I can) doing it this way, but I hope that I'm doing the best that I can for his nutrition.
Here's an area where there have been few challenges: crib sleeping. Benjamin seems to love his crib and sleeps for pretty decent stretches at night. We normally don't have too much trouble getting him to go sleep; he gets drowsy on his own, and as long as he's smack up against the side of the crib for security he's fine. Mike is still swaddling him every night, but it's more difficult to squeeze him in the blanket as he gets bigger.
It's reassuring to see Benjamin smile and hear him coo. For weeks and weeks, we've been waiting for some indication that he's content or happy or at least recognizes us. Now we definitely know when he's happy with what we're doing. He seems to especially like it when Mommy sings silly songs and makes funny faces. No, there won't be any pictures of that for the blog. He really does like constant stimulation when he's awake, and sometimes it's a challenge to keep up with him and his needs. While it was fantastic to see him smile those first few times, I thought we'd never catch him in the act for a photo op. These are the best so far... He loves having his chest rubbed and tickled, especially while he's on the changing table like he is here. Sometimes he practices making sounds so much right before diaper changes that I think he tires himself out.
Nanna, this is as close as you're gonna get to a picture of me. Most of the time I'm behind the camera. Benjamin usually likes car rides, as long as someone is in the back with him. We just bought one of those mirrors to put in the back seat so that we can see him while we're driving. I've been trying to get to the base trail as much as possible now while the weather is mild; in a few weeks it will start getting too hot to be out in the afternoon, then it will be miserable from early morning on. Benjamin seems to enjoy the walks, and it's one of the best ways I have right now of trying to chip away at my pregnancy weight. Unfortunately we have thunderstorms today and a cold front moving in, so no more walks until the end of the week.
I am really enjoying my time at home with Benjamin. I feel very fortunate that we're able to go down to one income and watch our budget so that I can stay with him for now. Mike has been trying to come home for lunch when he can, and he just can't get himself enough Benjamin when he gets home at the end of the day. We have a pretty good routine down right now and are getting enough sleep that we're not walking zombies. Most of the time, anyway :)