1 Month!

Happy 1 month birthday, Brayden!

Brayden, how is it possible that you are 1 month old today? Where has the time gone? It has been a blur of feedings, diaper changes, baths, laundry, crying, soothing, waking up in the middle of the night, and doctor's appointments. I can't believe my time at home with you is already 1/3 of the way over. I am trying to cherish every moment with you, even when I'm exhausted or frustrated that you're crying and can't be soothed, or won't go to sleep so I can get some stuff done around the house (or take a shower...or a nap...). Hence, why I have been lacking in the blogging department. Some things just take priority, and you, little man, are the biggest priority of all these days.

Here is a glimpse into Brayden's life at 1 month old:

• Weighs 10 lbs, 0.5 oz (supposedly...he had just finished a 5 oz bottle when he got weighed, so I'm not convinced that's his actual weight)
• Wears size 1 diapers, although they're still a little big on him
  
• Wears 0-3 months clothing (except Gerbers onesies, which he's wearing 3-6 months in)
• Eats 4-5 oz of formula every 4 hours, after being nursed
  
• Sleeps like a champ at night - 4 hours, wakes for a feeding, sleeps another 3-4 hours
  
• Has already been on his first round of antibiotics (topical AND oral) for a staff infection in his diaper area :(
  
• Lost his umbilical cord at 5 days old
• Was circumcised at 8 days old

• LOVES bath time - is so content and happy sitting in the warm water in his little tub
• Gets the hiccups at least 5 times a day...after almost every feeding. Thank God for gripe water!
  
• Detests tummy time
  
• Is a sucker for the 5 "S's" from the Happiest Baby on the Block - swaddling, sucking, side-lying, shushing, and shaking. The boy will quiet down almost immediately when you swaddle his arms down, shush him in his ear and lightly jiggle him back and forth every time!
• Stares at all overhead lighting like it's the coolest thing he has ever seen
• Loves watching/listening to his monkey mobile during diaper changes
  
• The two things that everyone says about him and have been saying since birth: "Look at all that hair!" or "He's so alert!"
• Is ambivalent about pacis...will take them sometimes, and hates them at other times. But has just discovered his fingers and will suck on them while waiting for me to get his bottle ready!
• Loves holding onto his burp cloth at feeding time like it's a blankie. Now when we're soothing him, he has to have his paci in, his burp cloth near his right cheek, and his hands wrapped around the burp cloth. So cute!
• Loves being in my Baby K'Tan sling - He can be screaming his head off, and I tuck him inside, give him his paci and a burp cloth "blankie", walk around for a couple of minutes shushing him, and he's out!
• During feedings or while dozing afterwards, always has his right hand up near his cheek or chin, just like in his u/s photo at 18 weeks. :)

• While laying on his back, rolls to his side. Has done this since he was a week old
• Lifts his head briefly while laying on his tummy
• Grasps objects when placed into his hand
• Bats accidentally at overhead objects