So, we got to the point where we realized that if we were going to be productive around the house (ie: chores and such), we were going to HAVE to put The Kid down somewhere. “Somewhere” could only be a few places:

– Crib
– Swing
– Nuzzled in the corner of the couch
– Activity mat

With any of these above, you had a ticking time bomb from the time you set him down to the time he would get fussy, or just want attention. We also had a hunch that he just got tired of being on his back all day, or sitting reclined in his carrier or swing. When we sat him on our lap, he was developing great head/neck control and was very attentive to everything around him.

Enter, the Bumbo. This incredible invention provides great support in all directions for babies that can’t quite sit on their own. The only requirement is head/neck control. So… we swung by Target last Saturday and picked one up. We honestly thought that Reed had to still be a bit older to use one, but our friends confirmed that as long as he had the head control, he would be safe and comfortable.

It worked!! Reed fit comfortably in the seat and had great control of his head. It was truly a moment of epiphany for Julie and I, as we realized how easily we could set him ANYWHERE we were and give him something to chew or play with to be occupied. He does lean forward a bit when at rest, but can easily pick his head up to look around. Overall, I think it is a feeling of independence for all THREE of us.

Full Photo Gallery

-RB

We’ve got lots to tell you about Reed, so in no particular order we are going to brain dump on you what we have experienced in the last month. We are likely going to update this list in the days to come as we remember stuff, so check back later as well.

 – He smiles consistently – when he wakes up, when he gets excited, and after a diaper change
– Reed is still in his “Daddy phase”.  Anytime he sees Randy after a long absence he immediately smiles and talks to him.  He loves to just stare at Randy too.
– Stares at lights and fans
– Sleeps 8-10 hours a night since 8 weeks
– He’s interested in toys now – will hold them and pull them to his mouth, but will not re-grasp them if they fall to the side
– loves his activity mat (thanks, Greg!)
– talks to himself when he wakes up in the morning – we woke up to squeals and giggles in the baby monitor one morning, the best sound ever!
– falls asleep like his mom – asleep as soon as his head hits the bed and usually doesn’t even want a pacifier
– still majority breast fed, zero to one formula bottle a day
– pulls his feet up to his chest, but no interest in turning over yet
– wearing 3-6mo clothes at 9 weeks
– loves his swing – either sleeping or content and awake (praise the Lord for this wonderful gift from Cindi)
– He loves being outside – if he gets fussy we put him in the stroller and head for a walk.  Just walking outside calms him
– He has two tooth buds that we noticed at 11 weeks but he’s been chewing on his fists since 9 weeks
– He has discovered the television and goes into a trance when it catches his eye (which we try to keep to an absolute minimum)
– Sits on daddy’s lap comfortably – will sit for extended periods of time awake or even fall asleep
– Squeals with delight when he gets excited – makes all kinds of noises now, but none compare to a squeal of happiness

And here is a collection of pictures from the last month as well.

We have been a little slow in posting updates.  I will try to get back into the blogging groove.

Reed’s 2 month appointment with Dr. Purnell went well, except the shots of course. He had to get 5 shots in his fat little thighs.  I was strong while the nurse was in the room and didn’t cry, but as soon as she walked out and I could start dressing him I had big huge tears falling down my face.  I wasn’t expecting that reaction and was rather surprised at myself.  Reed fell asleep almost immediately which made the drive home better than expected.  When he woke up around lunchtime he screamed so much and was in such pain that I cried again.  Once we got some Tylenol in him he was ok and rested well the rest of the day.  Shots are not fun and I can understand why my mom said the number one reason she would not go back to work in Dr. Purnell’s office after she retires from the school district in 2 years is because she hated giving the shots.  Not fun at all.

Stats: Weight – 12 pounds 8 ounces, 75th percentile,  Height – 23 1/2 inches, about 55th percentile.

Reed is in a daddy phase right now.  The moment he sees or hears Randy his eyes light up and his whole face smiles.  Sometimes he even squeals with delight.  He might love his daddy, but he definitely is on my schedule (which is wonderful).  His best time of the day is first thing in the morning.  I love going to get him out of his crib and bringing him into our bed to wake Randy up (yes, Randy sleeps very late!!) He is always so happy and ready to wake up.  The best news is that he has been consistently sleeping from about 10pm to 5am.  This has been happening on a regular basis for the past 2 weeks or so.  I can only pray this will last once I start back at work.

J

Reed has been flashing smiles for a while…but I didn’t count it until I thought he was intentionally smiling.  Today was the day.  I put him in his crib this morning for his nap and when he woke up he was happy and kicking his legs like usual.  I turned on his mobile above his head and as soon as he saw the animals moving he intentionally smiled.  Then he did it again!!  Obviously I don’t have pictures yet, but he is going to Aggieland this weekend for the first time.  I’m sure he will be all smiles while we are there 😉