**
I just noticed on my posts that I had this one already done (just without all the photos added). It was originally to be publised 10.6.09, and I wanted to post it for memories' sake.**
"Baby Rah-ree" is what Raleigh is affectionately called by his big brother, so Tom and I find ourselves referring to Raleigh as "Rah-ree" as well. Haha! I can't believe I haven't done an update on our littlest guy! It's probably because I am constantly buried in more housework than I can keep up with, on top of not getting enough sleep, keeping kids, and tackling all the bookkeeping for my parents' bookstore. I am tired just typing all that!
Anyway, Raleigh is now 11 weeks old (as of yesterday), and he continues to thrive. I mean honestly, you would NEVER know he was almost 6 weeks early! He weighed 9 lbs. 14 oz. at his 2-month check-up and grew 4 inches since birth to 22 inches. I know every mom says this, but I really can't believe how quickly my baby is changing and growing. Also he slept the longest he ever has about 3 nights ago - 5 hours straight! I know plenty of you magically get your babies to sleep through the night at 6 weeks, but I'm not big on scheduling or timing his feedings. You'd think I would be, being the organizing, planning type of person but I'm not that uptight about it.
That's probably because I am home with him full-time. But the real reason is this, I secretly love the time just Raleigh and I share when he's nursing. I do! I really do! Yes, I am tired. But someday I know that I'll wish I could do just one more mid-night feeding. Or stay up to watch "The Tonight Show" with Conan. Or have a quiet house, while Tom and Tennyson are asleep upstairs, and all I hear is the sound of my baby boy breathing. It really is a special time for us and I just know someday I'll wish myself back to these days of having babies and raising kids.
I have to admit that I have surprised myself this second time around. I am not as tired as I was when Tennyson was little, but of course, he was up at lot more at night at this age. (I think Tom is way more tired now though! Haha!) However, Raleigh decided a few days ago that 1AM is now his new bedtime. For a week or so there, I thought we were getting in to a 10:00 bedtime, but now he has an I-want-to-be-wide-awake-stage between 10 and 1. So hopefully this will pass quickly.
And I am really enjoying breastfeeding this time, whereas with Tennyson I felt like it was a chore. But God answered my prayers in that department and it's been going great! I also love having Raleigh sleep by me in bed. I know! I know! You're not supposed to that, SIDS and blah blah blah. But I don't pay much heed to statistics and it just feels so natural to sleep that way. (Raleigh does still sleep in his bassinet or playpen or swing during the day, which is where he is now.)
But all in all we have settled in quite nicely, and smoothly, into a family of four. Raleigh is smiling now and cooing, which takes my breath away every time. I can't believe I love him just as much as Tennyson. I didn't understand how it was possible, to love your husband and children with ALL your heart. It's just amazing!
21 Days old
4 weeks old
Six weeks
I love that his hair gets curly when it's wet.
Eight weeks
He look so excited to be getting a bath. Haha!
