Happy 2 Months Marcus!

It's hard to believe that you are already two months old! You are starting to become so much fun to play with and you are certainly the sunshine that brightens my day!

Here are some of the main things that you are doing developmentally right now:
* Standing on mom and dad's laps
* Smiling when you see Dad or I after being gone for awhile
* Smiles, small coos and noises when you are happy
* Holding your head up on your own regularly
* Beginning to really like playing on your play mat
* Starting to grab and hold on to things like rattles
* Enjoying looking at your reflection in the mirror
* Kicking and moving your legs when excited
* Sleeping about 3 hours at a time at night

The things that I am currently loving about you:
* The cute dimples in each of your fingers
* Changing your diaper and seeing how excited you get
* Watching you stand and make your turtle like face as you lean forward
* The snuggles you give me when I get home from work


The pictures in this post were taken today on your "2 month birthday" and the hat is back by very popular demand. Everyone absolutely loves it.

Our First Family Hockey Game

We went to our first hockey game as a family tonight. We went with your godparents Tina and Matt. We had a great time and sat right behind the goal and you did great! We watched the Mighty Mights play and talked about how that would probably be you one day.

It was quite cute when we went up to the arena bar because your Dad and I are regulars up there and the waitresses were so excited to meet you. Right before you were born and we went to a game they were guessing as to whether or not you would be a boy or a girl. So when they saw you they went absolutely crazy. You got tons of compliments as to how cute you are. There will be many more games to come and lots of time for them to see you grow!

Your First Set of Shots

Yesterday you had your first set of shots at your 2 month doctor appointment. I was pretty worried about how you would do and how I would do. Especially because Dad was out of town for work, so I had to take care of you all on my own. You did really well though! Of course you did cry when you got the shots, and I wasn't able to hold you while you got them, but as soon as I picked you up from them you calmed down. The doctor told me not to give you tylenol unless you absolutely needed it in because it can minimize the effectiveness of the shot. Fortunately you didn't get a fever so we didn't need any tylenol. You have slept a lot for the past two days a result of the shots though. I think in total you have probably only been awake for about 4 hours in the last 36.

The doctor said that you are growing and progressing wonderfully. Currently you weigh 12 lbs 10 oz and are 22 1/2 inches long.  Your head circumference is 15 1/2 inches. So that puts you in the 75th percentile for weight 50th percentile for height and 20th percentile for head circumference. Since you put on almost 4 lbs the doctor did say you were gaining weight a little too quickly, but I think you are just perfect! Anyway, I guess that means no bigger bottles for you!

Pictures of You in Your Second Month of Life

So tomorrow you will be 8 weeks old. Aahh! You are already growing so fast! I can't believe you are going to be two months old this week. Here are some of the pictures that we took this last month leading up to your 2 month 'birthday.'

An important note for me... a lot of these pictures are taken in some of my favorite outfits of yours that you have outgrown. I went through all of your clothes and you have outgrown quite a few of your newborn clothes. So I took pictures of you in my favorites before retiring them. I love you growing boy!

I Love Changing Diapers

I never thought I would see the day where I would say that "I love changing diapers," but I do. Specifically yours Marcus. They don't stink yet and you have gotten over your newborn screaming when I change your diaper and now you actually like it. I look forward to changing you because you get so excited when you get your diaper changed. I think you have finally realized how nice it is to have a clean diaper. You clearly love being dressed down to your diaper too. In particular I love watching you kick your legs and wiggle your arms with excitement. You share smiles with me as I tickle your belly and talk to you.

Click for Video Of Marcus During Diaper Change Time

Bath Time

Bath time has really been quite pleasant since you were able to take full baths and not just 'sponge baths.' I know they will only get more fun as you get older and can play. I still cherish this time even now because you are so peaceful and calm as you have your bath.

Swing Time

You are finally starting to enjoy your swing. I was really worried in the beginning that you weren't going to like it because you cried a lot of the time that I put you in it. However with each day you enjoy it more and more. Today I caught a video of you quite enjoying yourself while in the swing. It was super cute.

Click for Link to Video of Marcus in Swing

You Make Me Smile

I started back to work part time this week. Today was my second day back. I miss you terribly and think about you constantly while I am at work. Fortunately your Aunt Megan is helping to ease the transition by watching you for the next few weeks while I work off and on. This gives me the opportunity to come home and feed you during lunch time.

Today was the best when I got home though. You were so happy to see me and you were in such a good mood. We played together and you did your standing and jumping routine as I talked to you. You were all smiles as I made faces at you and you are slowly starting to coo back at me. You made me smile and laugh so much that my face hurt from all of the joy you gave me. I can't remember the last time my face hurt from smiling so much. You are my sunshine!

Your First Bottle

Today Dad got to give you your first bottle. Since I am going back to work I have to start giving you bottles. Now Dad can start helping in feeding you at night! ;o)  You did well today, you didn't like the bottle at first but as soon as you realized there was milk coming out of it, you took right to it.

Your First Picture Smiling

We caught your smile on camera for the first time today. You were all smiles and fun this evening. It was so enjoyable playing with you and coaxing grins out of you. We love when you are such a happy boy!

A Visit From Your Nana and Great Grandma Linda

Your Nana (Grandma Merryfield) and Great Grandma Linda just left today. They drove down from Washington last week to see you. We had an excellent visit that was short but very sweet. They will miss you dearly I am told! Here is what we did when they visited:

They arrived on Friday after a delay from the snow storm and you and I met up with them for lunch at Applebees. They cried the moment they saw you. Both of them think you are just perfect. After lunch we went back to our house and visited. We were showered with wonderful gifts. You for just being you and me for my birthday. Later in the evening you, Nana and I went to your very first hockey game. I know - shocking your Dad didn't take you to your first hockey game but he was driving home from Twin Falls and so he didn't make it in time for the game. You did fabulous at the game. I fed you right when we got there and then you just slept the whole rest of the game. When we came home your Nana fell on the step going into our house as she was trying to take Bailey outside and hurt her hand.

On Saturday Nana's hand wasn't any better so Great Grandma wanted to take her to the Urgent Care to get it checked out. So we went off to the Urgent Care and spent the afternoon there. Turns out that Nana broke her middle finger. We had Aunt Megan and Uncle Chris over for dinner that evening. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone since Great Grandma and Nana haven't seen Uncle Chris or Aunt Megan since your Dad and I's wedding.

On Sunday we went out to breakfast at the Egg Factory with Great Grandma, Nana, and your Nana Kay and  Grandpa Harper. You were wonderful at breakfast and all the grandparents passed you around during the meal. The next part was my first proud mommy moment. Great Grandma Linda was holding you toward the end of the meal and you started to cry. Naturally you were passed off to me and the moment that I got you in my arms you stopped crying, looked up at me and just grinned. You knew who I was and you were so happy to see me. I teared up with emotion and love for you in that moment. What a wonderful feeling to know that you finally recognize me. I have been told from many people that you know my voice and perk up whenever you hear it, but to actually see you recognize my face was a magical moment for me.

The rest of the day was pretty low key. Great Grandma and Nana went shopping while your Dad you and me went to Target. I bought a breast pump to start pumping for you and I bought a MOBY wrap. It is like a sling for you to sit in next to me. We went home took a nap and then Nana came back for dinner. I made spaghetti and Aunt Megan came over for dinner again.

Today your grandmas left to go home. We ran to Walmart in order to get them pictures of you to take home. We said our goodbyes and then they were on their way.

I put you in the MOBY wrap at Walmart today and you loved it! You fell asleep after only a few minutes in it and I was able to shop for over an hour with you right next to me. We got home later on and you were an angel and slept while I made a dinner of shepherd's pie for Dad.