That's Tasty

Little Charlie is already growing up and showing a little independence (much to Mama's sadness). We decided to introduce a bottle once a day to get Charlie (and Mark) practice for when I return to work. :( With all that I have read I thought there might be some difficulty...see video below for Charlie's first bottle (and for those of you who are wondering, yes it's breastmilk). I am so glad for Mark and Charlie that the bottle does not seem to be a big deal - but it was a little sad for me!

Grandma and Grandpa B Visit

The weather has gotten (a little) better...and so the Beauchamp grandparents jumped in the car and drove north to see their new grandson!  We were excited to see Charlie meet the Beauchamp grandparents (Charlie is named after his Grandpa B)!  And we're all looking forward to more first meetings with family!

Finding (Today's) Rhythm

Charlie is four weeks old and I can hardly believe it!  He is sleeping like a champ (we've had several nights in a row of 4 or 5 hour stretches - I know it could all change in an instant!), nursing well, and having more engaged 'awake' times.  The  photo is of his first nap in his crib (today).  He sleeps in a bassinet but I thought we'd give the crib a try today as I've heard it can be difficult to transition.  Obviously, he couldn't care less
 

The days have flown by...and (after some words of encouragement from Mark) I'm working to find a rhythm for each day.  Last week, I took my first solo trip and got my hair cut.  Today, I ventured out grocery shopping.  Mark is an amazing dad and has so much fun with Charlie.  Many mornings Charlie goes to work with his dad.  Mark sits at the computer with Charlie in the Baby Bjorn.  It's a time when I can get ready for the day and get things done.  Wonderful!  I'm also getting the hang of doing things with Charlie (he's fast asleep right now in the sling pictured to the right).  It's nice to have two free hands.

All in all, we are having a blast!  We even went on a date the other afternoon - all three of us!  We went to see "Up in the Air" at a theater that has special showtimes for moms with kids.  It was awesome to get out and do something fun!

3 Weeks and Growing

We had a weight check appointment with our doctor yesterday...and Charlie is already up to 10 pounds 6 ounces and is 22 inches long.  He's gone from being in the 50th percentile for weight and height to above 75th in just a few short weeks!  The picture on the left shows just how tall he's getting (not quite the length of a pillow).  He's on his way out of the newborn clothing and diapers, too!  Hard to believe in just 3 short weeks he's grown and changed so much.  We are enjoying longer sleeps at night and longer awake periods during the day (well, at least the past couple have been like that).  This afternoon we bundled up and headed out for a walk in the sunshine.  Mark carried Charlie in the Baby Bjorn (front carrier) under his jacket and they kept each other warm in the 9*F weather!

Charlie is quite animated and is such a happy guy!  We are enjoying every day and are so glad for this special time we have together as a family.