One Month

Dear Sam,

You are one month old!  We can't believe a month has gone by since you joined our family.  You've had a big job adjusting to the world and our crazy life, and we think you've done a fantastic job.

At your one-month check you were 8 pounds 1 ounce and 21 1/4 inches long.  Your weight had dropped in percentage, and that could be Mama's fault.  Because of your reflux symptoms, I was trying to be careful not to over-feed you, as you definitely would have eaten all day like some reflux babies.  Based on your weight though, you could have been eating a little more.  Too much makes you spit up, so it is a fine line to walk!  We're hoping a week or two with the extra ounces will help you put on some weight.

Speaking of reflux, we had been watching signs since you were born and in the hospital.  You seemed happier than your sister through it all but had more symptoms.  At home we keep you upright after feedings and have elevated the pack-n-play.  I could still tell you were gulping down something rising in your throat and you also had a little cough.  Dr. Applewhite did feel it would be good to start you on Zantac before things got bad.  You don't spit up much, so that isn't contributing to your slow weight gain.  Hopefully the medicine was the right choice since you can't tell us if those symptoms are bothering you.  We just don't want the pain building up over time.

You are still mostly eating and sleeping.  You can stay awake for long periods of time, but it's not a good idea and tends to result in crying that takes awhile to soothe.  You can easily go back to sleep within an hour of waking, although it takes awhile sometimes to get you to sleep after we swaddle you.  Your eyes will close then pop right back open like you're afraid to miss something!  You sleep best swaddled unless someone is holding you.  The Miracle Blanket is best for containing your arms, and we need to order another one.  At night you sleep in your pack-n-play in our room.  In the last 2 weeks you've started consistently sleeping until at least your next bottle, and sometimes you'll go 4+ hours.  You nap in the Rock and Play and will nap for hours at a time.  Your naps were very short in the pack-n-play and you would wake up upset.  You'll move to your crib soon at night and then we'll work on naps.  We're just thrilled you nap.  You typically eat 2.5 ounces every three hours, and we usually try to stick to that during the day.  At night I'm happy for you to go as long as you'd like.  I think you'd sleep longer and stretch your feedings if you were elevated in the Rock and Play, but since you will sleep in your bed, I haven't tried it. 

You're starting to have some likes and dislikes.  You like to be held, and sometimes only Mama will do.  You like your pacifier unless you are hoping for a bottle.  You like to hold your head up and move it all around when we hold you on our shoulder.  Sometimes you are too strong for your own good.  You usually don't like diaper changes, baths, the swing for long periods, and the car seat.  You are not a big fan of tummy time, but we're usually doing it before you eat.  I need to do it more often, but you're neck is still very strong.  You rolled from front to back at about 2 weeks, but since it hasn't happened again I'm thinking it was a fluke.  I was a little nervous about your skills so early!  You don't have set fussy times, and I really think your fussing/crying usually relates to being tired or maybe some reflux/stomach discomfort.  Like your sister, you aren't a fan of being put down between dinnertime and bedtime.  You will sleep as long as someone is holding you, but you do get upset if we put you down.  Sometimes it takes a little while for you to calm down after we do that, but I think it's more of an overtired issue.

Your little life has been busy so far.  We moved to our new house the day you turned one month old.  You now have your very own room and will be using it soon.  You've been shopping with Mama, been to church twice, eaten at Lolli and Poppa's, celebrated Easter, and visited at Jen-Jen's.

Sam, we are so thrilled that you are part of our family.  We are all working hard to learn what you like and don't like, and we're adjusting as a family of four.  We promise that life will soon start to settle down, but you've fallen in with the craziness very well.  Your big sister loves you bunches and shows that by squealing "Baby Sammy" and shaking your arms and legs.  We're working on the shaking part.  We are beyond thankful that you're here safely and that we were chosen to be your parents.  Our love for you grows each day, and we can't wait to see the little person inside of you.

Love,
Mama and Daddy