Month Two

Dear Gabriel,

Wow, you're two months old already! I am really not looking forward to going back to work next week instead of staying home with you all day. I am sad that I won't get the chance to spend every minute possible with you, but I know you will be well taken care of when I can't be around.

You have learned so much in this past month, and had a few firsts. You started sleeping through the night (5-6 straight hours) while mommy and daddy were away. I can say that it doesn't bother me to have missed that. It was a wonderful thing to come home to. There are still some times you wake up when you hear me come to bed, but they are definitely less frequent and you go back to sleep more easily and quickly now. Because you have been sleeping better at night, you stay more awake during the day. My favorite time is when we first wake up and you come back to bed with me for some cuddle time while you have your breakfast. I hope this can continue as we grow older together. You have also been able to stay awake more while in your carseat. I know this was a place that meant naptime to you in the past. I love watching you take in the world with such awe and wonder.

We started taking walks in your stroller without having to put you in your carseat. That is still going slowly. You're still a little small for the "big" stroller, but it does work. You cry sometimes, but I think that is because you are used to being able to see who is pushing you. You must feel a little lonely in that big seat by yourself. I promise it will get better. You still unsuccessfully try to crawl and turn over on your own - this frustrates you to no end. You have gotten better about sitting propped up - you don't fall over as easily now, but still can't sit on your own. When we hold you in a standing position, you'll bounce up and down, and try "stepping", and you climb all over us when we let you. Sometimes it seems you can't get high enough!

In the past couple weeks you have also become fussier about things. You've learned to voice your opinion when you need a new diaper, or your tummy feels empty (even if you just ate!). That said, you have been drinking more formula and more often. Just the other night, your grandmother and I decided to try feeding you cereal - from a bowl! The box said if your baby can sit with support, he is probably ready to try cereal and first stages foods. While you did only get half of it in your mouth, most of it that didn't make it, didn't get all over either. I am very proud of the success we had with the cereal. One problem we need to work on is your lack of patience. You still don't understand that the spoon must leave your mouth in order for more food to get in! We tried to tell you that it was okay, but you didn't care. I have to laugh about it now, but it was frustrating hearing you complain about it. In the end, we got through it alright and with little mess, and you slept very well afterwards.

Everything is so exciting and interesting, I know you are in a big hurry to experience it all. All I ask is that you slow down and enjoy every moment. I know that is what I have been trying to do. While I can't wait for you to reach all of your milestones, I don't want to rush it. I want to enjoy these days as long as possible. In your first two months, you have already grown up so much it's unbelievable. As I will constantly remind you, your daddy and I are very proud of you and love you very much.

Love, Mommy