Unconventional Moby Wearing

Isaac has spent a lot of time in this Moby. When he was a newborn, sometimes the best way to settle him down during the wretched "witching hour" was to wrap him tightly in the Moby and walk around with him until he fell asleep. It worked every time. When Ben would take the night shift in between feedings, he could get Isaac to sleep by snuggling him in the wrap. And once I was moving around more after surgery, I would put him in the Moby to get things done around the house. I'd explain to him every ordinary task I would complete, and he'd listen patiently, nestled snugly against my chest, until he fell asleep. Perhaps, from boredom. Using the Moby was a way to sooth him or keep him close when I needed two free hands.

Now, Isaac prefers not to be wrapped tightly in the Moby. He wants his arms free and his body propped up so he is free to turn any direction. He's oh-so curious about the world around him. So, in an attempt to give myself a free hand again--this new baby freedom meant holding on to baby-- I've turned him around in it so he can kick and flail and watch everything that's happening. I know this is not the right way to use the Moby and sort of defeats the purpose of true "babywearing," but my baby loves it. He watched me pack the condo for hours positioned this way! It's a win-win situation.

Mama and Baby Self-Portraits

Smiley

Sleepy

Snoozing

I don't have a lot of pictures of myself with Isaac, so I decided, in these last few days before I head back to work, I'd rock the self-portrait shots.

Bright Eyes

Here's my bright-eyed boy at eleven weeks. With each passing day, Isaac discovers more and more of the world around him, and it is so fun to watch. Having a baby who finds his fists and feet amazing truly makes you appreciate the small wonders of life.

Isaac and Daddy

Cousin Love

Beck and Stella were very excited to meet their new cousin, Baby Isaac. (All of the little ones call Isaac "Baby Isaac." It is his rightful name and position in the family, after all.) Aunt Sarah tells us that Stella talked a lot about Isaac in Kansas--she couldn't wait to hold him. Stella and Isaac spent a lot of time together while the Malinowskis were here, and boy did Stella love to play with Isaac, rub his head and make him smile. He enjoyed her attention, too!

It's tough being so far away from family, made even more difficult by having our own little one. Of course we want Isaac to grow up knowing his cousins and grandparents, aunts and uncles like we did as kids. And it broke my heart when we had to say goodbye to everyone as they left for Kansas (Stella was so, so sad that she had to leave), but we have made a life for ourselves here, in Colorado. In fact, if all goes as planned, we'll be moving into our new house in Louisville before too long. We sunk our roots here years ago, and Colorado is the place we call home.

For now, we'll just have to settle for frequent trips to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kansas. And hopefully the family will make more trips to Colorado to visit us, too. From here on out we'll even have the space to house everyone. Finally! And, I'm still holding out hope that the families will all move to us. Colorado is such a lovely place to live, don't you agree?

Meeting the Malinowskis

Isaac Laughs!

It happened! It finally happened! Isaac laughed today and we caught it on video:

Little man, how you tug at my heartstrings.

Last Day with Grandma and Auntie

Isaac Enjoys a Spring Day

Today Isaac and I sat out on the patio for an hour enjoying the beautiful spring weather. First we nursed in the shade and then Isaac was content in his rocking bassinet, looking around at his new surroundings. It was a welcomed taste of warmer days ahead. We're looking forward to letting our little man explore the great outdoors soon.

The Fam at RMNP

Rocking with Grandma Cheri

Isaac and Aunt Rachel

Two Months Old

Isaac is two months old! He has already grown so much -- at 13 pounds he is nearly 5 pounds heavier than his birth weight! Isaac still eats every two to three hours, though a few nights this week he has gone four or five hours between night feedings. (Knowing the night feedings will hopefully slow down a little when I return to work is such a relief!) We had a little stint of fussy night wakings and discovered the small amount of caffeine I was consuming was bothering Isaac. Since cutting out all caffeine, we are back to our wonderful routine of Isaac rustling awake, me turning over so he can nurse, and then both of us falling back to sleep. No fussing, fidgeting or crying (for either of us).

As you can see in the photos, Isaac's latest and greatest achievement is sucking on his fists--he thinks it's all the rage.

Happy two month birthday little babe. Mama and Daddy love you!