One Month

Rye is four weeks old!!

We tried to get some handprints and footprints, but it turns out there's a reason you are supposed do this the day he is born— *before* the baby learns how to keep a fist and pull away from things he doesn't like. Let's just say the results will not be suitable for framing.

He is getting darkish eyebrows to go with his dark eyelashes, and his hair is getting darker. His full belly is beginning to challenge some of his newborn-sized clothes. He is gaining dexterity, and has occasionally pushed the pacifier back into his mouth on his own. He's also getting more momentum on rolling over.

Rye still is feeding frequently and enjoys lots of comfort and soothing from Mommy and Daddy. Sometimes he will accept a pacifier, to soothe himself, but mostly he prefers mama's milk. Daddy spends a lot of time bouncing Rye on the blue therapy ball and rocking him in the rocking chair. Sometimes Rye likes to soothe himself by hanging out on a really soft, fuzzy blanket.

The Santa Anas have brought hot, dry, dusty weather, and we are hiding out in the A/C again. Rye does not seem to enjoy the hot weather. He is starting to like riding around in the sling, but with the weather he gets kind of roasted so we haven't had very long rides.

He has nearly outgrown his 0-3 kimono t-shirts (the ones that are easy to put on--really, show me the genius who thinks pullover t-shirts for a newborn with a floppy head are a good idea, and I'll show you a guy with NO KIDS). Rye has some great footie PJs and LS tees that hopefully will get any wear at all, but considering half of the last month has sported temps in the high 80s and above, Rye's been 'clothing optional' most of the day.

We want to thank everyone for the love and support you've sent in celebrating Rye's arrival...we all appreciated the sacred time of our 'babymoon' right after he was born, and the support you gave us to bond as a family. Rye is lucky to be surrounded by so much love!

Three weeks

Rye aced his two-week checkup. He's weighing in at a hefty 8 lbs 12 oz and may have grown an inch (babies squirm; the length isn't always spot-on). He eats like crazy, sometimes more than 16x per day, and we've increased the amount of diapers that the service brings each week in response! We are working on blocks of nighttime sleep that are longer than an hour--which happens sometimes, but not every night. Tight swaddling seems to help when the weather isn't too warm.

He is growing eyelashes, and it looks like his belly button might be an "in-y," although it also looks like a smiley face. He makes all kinds of meep sounds, squeaks and noises, the most entertaining of which is a randomly generated Elmer-Fudd-style giggle. Rye likes a lot of attention and soothing from mommy and daddy, sucking on daddy's fingers when mommy is tired. Daddy is an ace rocker, swinger and bouncer, using the therapy ball to sit on and bounce.

He is reaching out for things occasionally, and is starting to think about rolling over is nearly rolling over on his own, depending on the surface (while writing this update!). He likes to sleep with his hand curled around Mommy or Daddy's finger.

He's had several rides in the Moby sling at home and in the neighborhood, and seems to enjoy the view from up high. We enjoy having "hands free" time with him. Once, some thoughtful neighbors we hadn't met before allowed us to nurse on their shady patio when we couldn't get home soon enough.

Squirmy wormy

Here's a quick video of low level fussing.

Growth Spurt

Twenty-five feedings, 24 hours.

Don't even ask about the diapers.

Today is all about the naps.

One week

Rye eats voraciously and is filling out in his cheeks and thighs. He's learning a deeper latch with help from our lactation coach that will help him eat more efficiently in the long run (and spare Mom a bit). He sleeps securely and sometimes takes long naps.

He loves spending time with his Daddy, being rocked and sung to, and hearing Daddy's voice. Mommy has "value added features" in the Lunch Dept., and he likes to snuggle and sleep close with both of us, and study our faces up close.

We're all enjoying this sacred family time together.

First bath

Rye had his first bath today. Mama and Daddy couldn't figure out how to safely use the new fancy tub, so we ended up using a salad bowl instead. He was happy in the warm water.

Day 4

The nocturnal feeding / sleep deprivation cycle has begun. Rye is not yet the model of efficiency in his meals, clustering in two-to-five-hour sessions without real breaks for us. As Greg said, well into Hour Four of feeding this morning (or was it last night?), "At the rate he's going he'd better be six feet tall tomorrow." Greg and I are taking turns keeping Rye calm so the other can power nap. Rye is channeling his inner Dragon via roar and attack on meals.

Needless to say all this is producing more frequent diaper changes, and Rye is definitely heavier today than he was yesterday.

The beef jerky part of Rye's umbilical cord fell off yesterday; it dried quickly with frequent application of goldenseal and comfrey powders.

Rye definitely likes the wool knitted caps that Mama made him better than the tight, stretchy one from the midwives. We're finding Rye likes to sleep on his side better than his back, and he likes to sleep on us most of all.

The pediatrician gave Rye a clear bill of health yesterday when he came by the house, and we'll go back for another well-baby visit in a couple of weeks.

I'm still healing and sore and not all that comfortable, but Greg has been taking good care of me.

Our little pun'kin head