12 weeks tomorrow

Joaquin will turn 12 weeks and I go back to school tomorrow. I can not believe how fast time is going...I thought he was turning 11 weeks until I did the math with my maternity leave. I know most women have to go back to work around 12 weeks and I feel so blessed that I get 16-22 weeks. We are still figuring out the daycare thing (home based vs. a center), but I am already having nightmares about 'forgetting' him somewhere...the connection isn't that hard to make.

On to happier things...here are the fun milestones Joaquin is reaching at 12 weeks...

• His favorite activity is still practicing standing. As soon as you sit him on your lap, he gets those little legs going and can hold himself up for some time with only help on the balancing part.
• He favors his left leg. It is stronger and he uses it to kick the ball attached to his play mat.
• He has gotten quite vocal and is a good mimic when we try and get him to 'repeat after me'. He has the intonations down for 'hi', 'uncle', and (my favorite) 'I love you'. I know that sounds unbelievable, but he really can make sounds that sound just like 'I love you'.
• He has been teething for about a month now. Again, I know that sounds unbelievable, but he started drooling, got the runs, and is now trying to get his whole fist in his mouth instead of just his thumb...sounds like teething to me.
• We like to read gardening magazines together. We're reading quite a bit during the day. When he is tired, I read him out of my textbooks...so he is learning all about leadership and diversity in education. When he is awake though, nothing beats the pictures in Better Homes and Gardens.
• He is finally showing interest in some of his toys, particularly his mobile and the kicking ball on his play mat.
• He is still very observant. The newest way this is manifesting itself is in our walks...he wants to be out and looking at things.

Speaking of which, he has outgrown his sling and his first set of infant cloth diapers. We have officially moved him to his 'forever' carrier and are currently awaiting his new stash of 'forever' diapers.

2 months (2 weeks ago)

I have been slacking on this since we've been back from Florida. Joaquin spent his 2 month birthday on a plane and we were happy to find out he is an excellent traveler! He hardly cried at all...even when a hurricane in Houston delayed us for over 4 hours! On one flight, the attendants didn't even realize we had a baby with us until we walked him out on our shoulder. We are so proud...he must know that his parents like to be jet setters.

We also had a great time in Florida. It was very slow paced and it was nice to spend some time with family with nothing to do but swing and ride around in the golf cart. We dipped Joaquin's feet in the pool a couple of times and he gasped and waved his arms around in the air. It was also nice to see my grandparents with him...my 90 year old grandfather got on the floor with him several times to play and my grandma watched him while we all played shuffleboard. The health benefits of a baby are truly amazing!

8 weeks/2 months!

His first smiley pictures! We haven't been able to get one and I was thinking it might have been because our big camera totally covers our faces...so, I picked up our little point and shoot and got it! Love those big smiles and laughs.

This past Thursday at 8 weeks, Joaquin had his 2 month shots. It was awful...he screamed like I have never heard him scream before and he looked at me like "make it stop." I teared up, it was hard on both of us. The rest of the day was spent cuddling very closely and eating. He is now measuring 12.1 lbs., 21.2 in. long, and 15 in. head circumference.

Tomorrow...Tuesday, his 2 month birthday...will hopefully be alot better. Joaquin will take his first plane ride! We'll be visiting my grandparents in Florida for my Grandpa's 90th birthday. Joaquin is also their first great grandchild, so it will be fun to introduce them.

FYI...July pics are upon our shutterfly. Just click on the pic to the right.