second month

When we meet parents of older children they often say something like, “Enjoy this time – they grow up so fast!” Well, it’s true. It’s hard to believe how fast she changes; it seems like there’s something new everyday. And when I go back and look at recent pictures, she already looks different. In some ways this is awesome, since it’s exciting to watch her grow, but in other ways it’s a little sad because she’ll never be this way again. Susan, especially, is sometimes overwhelmed by this latter sentiment.

Here’s what she sounds like now (click the triangle below):

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Here’s some stuff that happened this month:

• 7/28: and in this corner we have Exie, weighing in at a whopping 8 lbs. 10.5 oz.


with Gramma & Pigah

• 7/29: met Gramma & Pigah (Grace’s parents) for the first time (they’re visiting from North Carolina – I’m not entirely sure, but I think Pigah originated from one of my sister’s kids not being able to say Grampa yet, and now all the grandkids use it)
• 8/1: She seems to have started making her first meaningful vocalization (not counting that weird sigh she makes after sneezing). We *think* it means, “Hey Poppa, come back here!” because she seems to say it after I put her down somewhere (changing table, pack’n'play) and go off to do something for a bit. It sounds kinda’ like a bird squawk. Of course, Susan figured this all out since she’s a lot more observant than I am. Susan also jokes that Exie has a vocalization for her, too; it’s “WAAAAHH!” meaning, “I’m hungry, Momma!”
• 8/4: Today she tagged a hanging toy on her playmat for the first time. Perhaps she is a lefty ’cause she clocked it with a roundhouse left hook.
• 8/6: Three feedings in a row out of the house! This may not seem like much of an accomplishment to some, but for new parents this is notable. First in the doctor’s office, then in the Target parking lot, then in Gombei restaurant. Pretty good.
• 8/6: Speaking of doctor’s offices, she weighed in at 9 lbs. 7 oz. today. Since she was born a bit early, she was only in the 10th percentile of weight at birth, and now she’s in the 50th. Our baby is *exactly* average. :)
• 8/8: Uh-oh… another growth spurt. Feedings have increased in frequency (poor Susan). Just about when she’s been burped, cleaned up, and had a 20 minute nap, she’s ready to eat again. Argh.
• 8/9: This is the last day we managed to use size N diapers. They just don’t fit anymore. It’s size 1 from now on!
• 8/13: She seems to have developed a second vocalization for her “friend” in the mirror. It’s shorter and higher in pitch. Coincidentally, her friend makes exactly the same vocalization.
• 8/15: The growth spurt feeding is over, but now she’s totally abandoned any previous schedule. She’s started to cluster feed in the morning and the night. It’s better than the growth spurt feeding, but it’s still difficult because it’s so unpredictable.
• 8/16: Met Aunt Melissa (Grace’s sister) and cousins Josh and Justin via iChat.

with JerHopemy

with Joyce Ayi

with Faisal

with Ama & Ting Ayi

• 8/17: Met Jeremy & Hope for the first time.
• 8/19: Let the mimicking begin! Exie will now sometimes stick her tongue out when we stick ours out at her. Excellent.
• 8/22: Met Ting Ayi (Susan’s godmother)
• 8/23: Her favorite hold now is definitely over the shoulder (it’s the most effective way to get her to stop crying). She’s getting pretty good at holding her head up and looking around for long periods of time. She’s also doing a lot more “talking,” but we don’t think the meanings are as defined as her first two vocalizations.
• 8/26: Held rattle for the first time, though I’m not really sure if that’s significant since she didn’t look at it ever. She still doesn’t really seem to acknowledge her hands.
• 8/26: Today we took our first family shower. This suggestion came from our pediatrician. I changed Exie’s diaper and got her undressed while Susan took a shower. Then I got in, and we both washed Exie (it’s definitely a two person job ’cause she’s a slippery wet noodle). Then Susan got out and dried off, and then I handed Exie out for drying and took my own shower. Everybody got clean in one fell swoop – very efficient.