Plenty of Changes We Can Believe In

Updating the blog seems like a good way to pass the time... I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling a bit impatient (it's 8:38 pm ET as I start this). So, an update on how our guy is doing:
- he's rocking the feeding scene. We are both doing remarkably well at breastfeeding... he feeds 9-11 times per day, on average, and is gaining weight. As many of you may remember, he weighed in at 7 lbs, 10.6 ozs at birth, and was 7 lbs, 7 ozs when we left the hospital Thursday morning-- a 3% weight loss, which is typical. At our Friday pediatrician's appointment, he was at 7 lbs, 12 ozs and today at our weigh-in and class at the Breastfeeding Center downtown he was about 8 lbs 4 ozs (since he does not like being undressed, we estimated his clothing weight). In other words, the numbers say what our gut says-- he's doing really well and gaining weight. And, the milk producer (aka myself) is really enjoying the experience as a whole... I can feel those hormones kick in and get that high, and that real feeling of love/bonding, during our times together.
- he seems to really recognize our voices and faces. Even during the pregnancy, he'd respond dramatically to Chris' voice and that is also at times true now. And, he can find me and often keeps his eye on me as I move around a room.
- he likes "babywearing" and "skin-to-skin", not only right after birth (which we did) but ongoingly, especially around feeding. Part of our approach to baby care is that we are prioritizing lots of contact with Sean, including lots of cuddling and carrying him around in either a sling or Ergo carrier. It's been such a pleasure and I think he's really enjoyed it. See our Picasa pages for more pics (we've been uploading daily), including several of us "wearing" our new guy!
- Chris is absolutely an equal parent. While I get the privilege of doing all the feeding (and we don't plan to introduce a bottle until 4-6 weeks), Chris has done most of the diaper changes, clothing changes, and spends a lot of time cuddling with and interacting with Sean. It's amazing to see him in that role (though not surprising-- Chris is a caring guy), and even though we are both just beat from the sleeping schedule, I think the experience of parenting together is bringing us even closer together.

- of course, Sean is very political. Here he is helping his dad follow election returns as I type this.
From Second Week

Mom and Bub are back in MA, and we've enjoyed introducing Sean to friends here in town. And, we've gotten a chance to introduce Sean via webcam to his great grandmother, and "graunt and grunk" (great adaptation of great-aunt and -uncle) in Maine, some of the WCDs (West Coast Dodsons), my coworkers, etc. My Mom got us the webcam (so she can see her grandson even when not in DC) and, if you download the software and sign up for a Skype account, we should be able to show him off through a live video feed (and, for those with audio or a webcam either built into your own computers or as a stand-alone thing, it could be a two-way conversation). I love modern technology!

We are excited that Jeff and Pat are coming out from California to spend a week with their grandson starting on Saturday-- I know they will fall in love with our little guy, as we have.

Thanks to all of you for your love, support, food, calls, letters, emails and good vibes-- we feel very supported and so grateful for the fabulous network that Sean is now a part of.