Dear Zealand,
Yesterday you turned one month old. We can't believe a month has already passed since we left the hospital teary eyed that we were bringing you home and with shaky steps wondering how in the world to care for someone so tiny. One of the first songs we sang to you was "old mcdonald." You had started to cry and it was all we knew to do in that moment. Since that time we have learned a little more about you and know now that "old mcdonald" sung off key is usually not what you need.
Some of your favorite things so far:
- Sitting in your bouncy seat on the kitchen table with a direct view of the trees outside.
- Looking out just about any window.
- Taking walks chest to chest with mom and dad.
- Sleeping on chests of mom and dad
- The "daddy bounce" - daddy holds you on your back against his arm with your head in his hands and bounces you while moving in a circle.
- Your new mobiles from Grandma and Auntie Michelle.
- Your "suck-a-roo" - aka pacifier
-Being held, rocked, and swadled
-Bathtime
I suppose none of these things are terribly unique favorites of newborns. But, caring for you 24/7 makes us feel that you are our unique little guy. Hints of your personality and temperment shine through. You are a pretty mellow guy. For the most part you save your crys for when you are wet, hungry, or gassy. By the way, you are often very gassy and will grunt and poop frequently throughout the day. Suprisingly, though. the gas is not usually accomapanied by crys - just grunts and groans of discomfort. We hate to see you like this and will try whatever we can to ease your pains - rubbing your tummy, sleeping with you on our chests, or trying whatever position seems to help.
You are a vocal little guy and have earned the nickname "buttermilk goat" for your cascading grunts that come close together. We also call you "butter," "buddy," and "butters." We have no idea how you will ever learn your legal name.
Another notable characteristic is your strenth. Your neck strength is impressive. Often when sleeping, out of the blue, you will rear your head up and look around the room. We call this the "dragon." Your grip and leg kicks are also impressive.
There is a lot about you that we can sense already but that is difficult to put into words. A certain essence of who you might become. This is caught in little grins that come now and again and certain expressions that at this point are only fleeting. You have an intense stare and even when breastfeeding (your most favorite activity by far) you will pause between vigourous sucks to stare at something that catches your eye.
Although it has been difficult at times to adjust to the lack of sleep and constant caretaking of someone who cannot vocalize what they need, both of us wouldn't trade it for a minute. Already our lives are the richer for your presence in them. Already I know that you are the most important thing to have happened to the both of us. We feel so blessed that you are our son.
I love you Zealand and look forward to the many months ahead.
Love,
Mama
Yesterday you turned one month old. We can't believe a month has already passed since we left the hospital teary eyed that we were bringing you home and with shaky steps wondering how in the world to care for someone so tiny. One of the first songs we sang to you was "old mcdonald." You had started to cry and it was all we knew to do in that moment. Since that time we have learned a little more about you and know now that "old mcdonald" sung off key is usually not what you need.
Some of your favorite things so far:
- Sitting in your bouncy seat on the kitchen table with a direct view of the trees outside.
- Looking out just about any window.
- Taking walks chest to chest with mom and dad.
- Sleeping on chests of mom and dad
- The "daddy bounce" - daddy holds you on your back against his arm with your head in his hands and bounces you while moving in a circle.
- Your new mobiles from Grandma and Auntie Michelle.
- Your "suck-a-roo" - aka pacifier
-Being held, rocked, and swadled
-Bathtime
I suppose none of these things are terribly unique favorites of newborns. But, caring for you 24/7 makes us feel that you are our unique little guy. Hints of your personality and temperment shine through. You are a pretty mellow guy. For the most part you save your crys for when you are wet, hungry, or gassy. By the way, you are often very gassy and will grunt and poop frequently throughout the day. Suprisingly, though. the gas is not usually accomapanied by crys - just grunts and groans of discomfort. We hate to see you like this and will try whatever we can to ease your pains - rubbing your tummy, sleeping with you on our chests, or trying whatever position seems to help.
You are a vocal little guy and have earned the nickname "buttermilk goat" for your cascading grunts that come close together. We also call you "butter," "buddy," and "butters." We have no idea how you will ever learn your legal name.
Another notable characteristic is your strenth. Your neck strength is impressive. Often when sleeping, out of the blue, you will rear your head up and look around the room. We call this the "dragon." Your grip and leg kicks are also impressive.
There is a lot about you that we can sense already but that is difficult to put into words. A certain essence of who you might become. This is caught in little grins that come now and again and certain expressions that at this point are only fleeting. You have an intense stare and even when breastfeeding (your most favorite activity by far) you will pause between vigourous sucks to stare at something that catches your eye.
Although it has been difficult at times to adjust to the lack of sleep and constant caretaking of someone who cannot vocalize what they need, both of us wouldn't trade it for a minute. Already our lives are the richer for your presence in them. Already I know that you are the most important thing to have happened to the both of us. We feel so blessed that you are our son.
I love you Zealand and look forward to the many months ahead.
Love,
Mama
Beautiful! What a picture you've painted. I can't wait to meet little Butters.
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