Oops, I tooted!

I being Hayden in this case! He was resting peaceably in his bouncy chair when he suddenly passed gas and woke himself up! Normally this would be considered gross and uncouth, but being a baby it's hilarious!

Hayden is more attentive in recent days. He really likes to look around the house, especially at lights. He will track a toy or rattle briefly and will have a look of complete surprise on his face when you bring it close and touch his nose.

He seems to be filling out a little more as well. He has chubby cheeks, and just feels heavier when you hold him (yes, even after a clean diaper).

Back to work

I went back to work yesterday (Monday) after taking 2 weeks off to spend with Crystal and Hayden.

I hate to admit it, but going back to work seems easier than taking care of Hayden all day. I already have more respect for Crystal after having birthed our son. I predict I will have more knowing that she will be taking care of him during the day on her own. It's definitely not an easy task!

I've noticed I have a different outlook on my job now that I have both a wife and son at home depending on me. Being responsible for my family definitely instills a little more maturity in you. It's something that I actually feel comforted by.

Grunting, etc....

Hayden constantly grunts in his sleep, and contorts his body as if straining to make a bowel movement. It often appears he wakes himself while doing this making his sleeping patterns a little weird. From what we've read, we should expect some of this up to 4 weeks as his disgestive system gets used to working independently from the former food source...the placenta.

I fret about every little thing that seems weird and want to call the doctor. Crystal is a little more relaxed and is better at dealing with things as they come up.

According to a handout from Hayden's pediatrician, he should be eating every 3 to 4 hours and consuming 2.5 to 3 ounces of milk at each feeding. We've found he usually prefers to eat every 2 hours, and occasionally will go 3 hours before feedings.

He looka lika man!

That's a Mad TV reference for those not in the know!

Everyday Hayden looks more like a little boy. Crystal and I are becoming used to handling him and determining what he wants. His sleeping schedule is starting to shift day by day. He sleeps a little more a night, and a little less during the day now

He smiles occasionally, although we are aware that's mostly due to gas. But we'll take smiles however we can get them. You can tell when he does smile he'll be a cute kid (not that he isn't already!).

The dogs are getting used to him too. For the first time, Louie actually sat next to Crystal while she held the baby and didn't shy away. Up until that point, he would always look away and not come too close. We're working on making sure the dogs do not view Hayden as a competitor for our attention (though we secretly admit he is!).

Lastly, if you'd like to save the full scale version of photos in the gallery to your computer for printing, etc. you can view the slide show in "Full Screen" mode by clicking the link above the slide show. Then, you can right-click on a picture and select "Save As". Alternatively, you can right-click on a picture and select "Print" to print it immediately.