Team Moran: Mr. Matt is 2 months old!

My sweet little baby is growing like a weed. We love him more and more each day and find that he is constantly making us laugh, even if we can only make him laugh sometimes! He went to the Dr. today for his two month check up and first round of immunizations. He now weighs 12lb 6oz (75th), is 22.5 in long (50th) and has a head circumference of 15in (25th). He checks out healthy as a horse. In fact, the pediatrician even called him perfect today.

So how has this month been... well it is a tale of two halves. The first half of this month Matthew was a very uncomfortable and cranky baby. He had really bad gas pains, was only happy for a few minutes following feeds and then he would cry unless daddy or I did some major magic. He slept well at least, but usually only if we did something tricky to get him to fall asleep... like take a walk in the stroller or carry him in the baby bjorn or drive somewhere.

But in the last two weeks we have a whole new baby. First we discovered Gripe Water which is like a magic herbal remedy in a bottle. Matthew was able to sleep at night without constantly grunting and pulling up his legs in pain. He is happier when awake and doesn't require such trickery to keep happy. Also his digestive system is maturing and he is taking less gripe water each day. He sleeps in longer stretches at night and in the last 3 days has began taking real naps in a real crib without props to fall asleep. We just lay him down at the first sight of tiredness and he may complain a little bit but quickly settles in and falls asleep. We are better able to keep our 3 hour feed, play, sleep schedule. Matthew also has learned to take a bottle from his daddy which is rewarding for Alex and gives me a feeling of relief that-- when ready-- I'll be able to leave him with people. He also will take the pacifier at times which helps settle him down when he is getting fussy. Matthew has been content when we leave the house. We have been on several playdates, trips to the mall and other stores, out to eat, and to the ultimate frisbee field. Matthew is getting strong. He holds his head up, does baby sit-ups and little push-ups, and tracks interesting things around the room with his eyes. He has even started smiling and cooing, something I was desperately waiting for so that I would know my baby is gaining a sense of comfort about himself and his world. His smiles are the highlight of my mornings!