Winter Break Bliss

I cannot even express how thankful I am to have a break from the optometry school madness- and spend time only being a mother and wife. And by being a mother and wife I don't mean the typical cooking, cleaning, etc. things most think of. I have barely done chores since finals weeks. I mean the loving, cuddling, adventuring quality time I get to spend with my hubby and brand new baby boy. We have been busy busy- driving 13 hours each way to visit my family in Minnesota (Keaton was and AMAZING traveler), packing for a trip to Palm Springs (we're leaving Thursday), and planning to accompany Dan on a few more interviews before I return to school (a little nervous about a hotel with a 6 week old).
Keaton is getting cuter and sweeter by the day. He is a source of constant joy for us! Being a mommy is so much fun! He has started "talking" and cooing more and more. He smiles as a reaction to funny noises and faces Dan and I make at him. He is able to track our faces when we move. He is so content and happy almost all day long. He is even stretching out times between feedings to average closer to 3 hours (which seems like an eternity to me after 6 weeks of 2 hour increments). He has started sleeping better in the wee night hours and chosen a new fussy time- around dinner. He is becoming interested in the toys hanging on his bouncer. Our favorite thing to do is have "conversations"- he loves listening to voices and making silly sounds in response.
Now if I could only get the hang of this "sleep when he sleeps" thing. I better be off to bed. I just finished feeding him at 2. Is it too hopeful to wish for the next wakeup to be after sunrise?

Keaton's First Month

Wow! I cannot believe it has already been a month! Between the hospital stay, family and friends visiting, my finals, Dan leaving for interviews, and traveling for Christmas I have not had a chance to update this blog much. So, as my parents and sisters all beg for time with the baby I decided to take the chance to post some pictures.
Keaton is a sweet sweet baby. He only cries when he's hungry (or sometimes if he has a tummy ache). We went in for his 1 month appointment last week and he is now 10 lbs, 2 oz, 50th percentile. He has already started smiling at 5 1/2 weeks. We're now entertained by talking to him in funny voices and waiting for his reaction. He seems to love his photoshoots and sits for many many minutes in front of my big lens posing. He loves to lay on the couch and do "tummy time" on mommy or daddy's chest. His constant kicking proves challenging when changing and diapering. He LOVES the bath. He loves laying in his crib and cooing at his mobile. He is just so happy and content and is such a joy to us!
Dan and I already can't imagine what our life was like before he came around. We must have had so much time on our hands!!! We are loving every single minute of him. Even though I desperately want time to slow down, every stage seems to be even better than the last! Below is a month in review of pictures:


Weighing in at 8 ilbs, 11 oz, 0 days.



Grandma sharing her birthday with Keaton! 0 days.



Grandpa and Dan wheeling Keaton from the NICU, 1 day



Knit hat from Grandma Teresa (a hit at the hospital) and "paddle hand," 1 day.



Ride home in the cow seat :) 2 days.



First photo shoot. He's a keeper. 5 days.



0 Month Picture. 2 weeks.



Thanksgiving. 2 weeks.



Mommy and Keaton cuddling... 3.5 weeks.



"Ok, Mom. Enough pictures." 5 weeks.



Bathtime. 5 weeks.