Keeping an Eye on You

Dayton's eyes seem to change on a daily basis. They seem to be getting even more alert. Plus, at first, it seemed he did not have any eye lashes at all. Then, they started to grow but were blond...now they are longer and dark. Yesterday, as part of my entertainment, I decided to use the macro-setting on my camera to see if I could capture Dayton's eyes. Here is the result.

Yes, you may think this is strange - - - I guess it kind of is. But, I'm constantly looking into my son's eyes and couldn't help but share them with you. Or at least, his right eye. Ha!

Geez louise, the things you do when on maternity leave. Ah veh!

Big Sis Mikki

I love this picture of Mikki keeping an eye on Dayton while he was on the playmat yesterday. A moment later she leaned down and gave Dayton a kiss on his head. It was super cute.

Nan returned home yesterday. She definitely had some good bonding time with Dayton and I think both Dayton and Nan will miss one another until they are reunited again.

Nan is Here!

Mike's Mom, Nan, arrived the day before yesterday. Grandson and Grandma had a relaxing day to bond.

Nan and Mike kept an eye on Dayton while I met friends out for lunch. It was great to get out into the "real world" and have some adult stimulating conversation away from a newborn. I came home refreshed, just in time for Dayton to fall asleep. Apparently, he had been awake the entire time I was gone. Hehe. I put myself down for a nap too and the next thing I knew it was almost 5 PM! It's great to have family around to keep an extra eye or two on Dayton!

Thanks to Aimee, Morgan and Kendall for bringing dinner to us yesterday. Morgan and Kendall looked SO adorable in their matching dresses and hairstyles. They thought Dayton was "very cute"...so glad they approve!

Here are some pics from the past 24 hours.

Almost 3 Weeks Old!

We've had more visitors as the week progressed and more fun too! Seen in these pictures are Kathryn, Keely and Kirk who all dropped by to spend some quality time with "Little D".

Dayton has 'burrito time' with his Dad every night. It's called burrito time because typically he's swaddled in a blanket as he lays on his Daddy's chest. In this case, he is unswaddled and leaning against Mike's legs. Shortly after this pleasant picture was taken, Dayton had some projectile spitup that Mike was actually quite proud of. I think I'm going to have to get used to Father and Son bonding over bodily functions. So proud.

The picture with the phone is Dayton talking to his Namie (my Mom) one morning.

We are preparing for Mike's Mom's arrival today. Dayton can't wait to meet his Grandma for the first time! For those anxiously awaiting for pictures of Nan and Dayton's first meeting - - - they will be posted as soon as we have them! Nan will be meeting her Grandson just as he turns 3 weeks old.

Me and Mr. Lamb

Dayton is 17 days today. We decided to take another picture of him and Mr. Lamb for scale. He's definitely gotten bigger since the last time he sat next to Mr. Lamb (see previous entry). We're simply amazed.

We Made It to the Mucky Duck!!

It only took us 15 days after the birth of Dayton to make our way back to McGonigel's Mucky Duck - - - our favorite pub and Saturday afternoon hang-out. Dayton had a great time and even got to go on stage and behind the bar to get his photo taken. What a star!

Happy Birthday - - - Two Weeks Old!

How could Dayton already be two weeks old? On one hand, it's like we never had a life before him...but on the other hand, how could he already be two weeks old? Ah veh! Now we understand what people mean when they say that children grow up so fast!

It's been pretty surreal being at home all day with Dayton rather then entering the rat race of the world each day. My life revolves around this little guy - - change diaper, feed, entertain, evaluate and implement the next strategy to distract him from crying.

I'm sharing this video with you to get your opinion on whether you think Dayton is intentionally reaching for this toy on the play mat or not. He seems to reach with his right hand very consistently. I have two different play mats. The one in this video and then another that has a toy that spins when you hit it. I noticed two days ago that he repeatedly was hitting AND spinning the toy. At first I thought it was by accident but after several times and Dayton's resulting pleasure after he did it....I just couldn't help but question my first conclusion. What do you think?

Also, I love this picture of the Piper and Mikki watching over around Dayton as he plays on the play mat. He is definitely the center of ALL our attention.

Sleepy Hubby and Sling Pics

I got up this morning at 6:30 AM and came downstairs to find my husband passed out on the couch. Yes, that's him under the couch cushions and our cat, Tiger, with his winter slippers sticking out. I think I may be feeling more rested then he is.

Also, here are some cute pictures of Dayton in his sling. We're still practicing to become experts with it but when we get it right he passes out pretty quickly. We went for a walk in the neighborhood last night with him in it rather than the stroller.

I can't believe he's 13 days old!

Me & Mr. D

It's our first day on our own. All relatives have returned home and Mike is at work. Is it really already 4 PM? Where did the day go?

I'm proud to say that I was showered by 9 AM...WITH make-up on. For those of you that do not have children, this is actually quite an accomplishment. We were off to Dayton's second doctor's appointment scheduled at 11:30 AM....and we go there ON-TIME! Thank gosh for the new sling I bought at A Women's Work yesterday. I can't imagine having to walk with Dayton in a car seat from the parking lot -> doctor's office -> lab one building over and then visa versa. Thanks again to my doula, Amanda, who is a great teacher in the fine art of using a sling. Dayton and I both love it. I even had him in there when I was drying my hair this morning. Ahh, the ability to use both hands at the same time!

More details on the doctor's appointment - - - Dayton was born at 7 lb 13 oz and two days later had dropped down to 7 lb 1 oz which is quite normal for a newborn. Two days later at our first doctor's appointment, Dayton was back up to 7 lb 9 oz which everyone was quite amazed about. Now, one week and one day after his last weigh in....Dayton now weighs (drum roll please)...8 lb 10 oz! Damn good breast milk, I tell you...and Dayton with an amazing sucker. =-) The doctor has approved Dayton to wait more than 4 hours between feedings at night which means more sleep for me. The little guy continues to sleep great at night already with only one middle of the night feeding.

I can't stop knocking on wood...on our first day on our own - - -Me and Mr. D are doing great!

We're On Our Own! - - & Bris Recap

Well, my parents just left and Mike and I are now officially on our own with Dayton. It has been wonderful having the support of my parents but we're excited to begin riding this wave on our own. Wow...we're really parents. This kid is ours....

Dayton's Bris was held last night (for more information on a bris see: http://www.torahview.com/bris/html/the_bris.html).

Dayton was surrounded by his Texas family for this Jewish rite of passage. While the evening started with some nervous anxiety, it was a wonderful ceremony performed by mohel, Dr. Max Mintz. Dayton could not have been in better hands as Dr. Mintz has done 1000s of circumcisions and is a retired pediatrician. My Dad acted as the Sandak who holds the baby during the circumcision. As a result, Dayton was literally in the hands of two pediatricians for his circumcision...the best possible scenario. It was a beautiful ceremony - - - Mike and I are very proud of our son.

As everyone let out a sigh of relief after the circumcision was completed...the wine and food quickly began to flow. Dayton went down for a long nap while his Mom enjoyed her first beer post pregnancy. For those of you who may be concerned about Dayton's condition today - - - he is doing absolutely fine and is sleeping in his bouncy seat as I write this.

The pictures today are from the Bris. We are glad it's over but it truly was an evening we will never forget....on the other hand, it's one that we hope Dayton will NOT remember (hehe...).

Newborn Pics and First Restaurant Outing!

Another exciting day for Dayton. Our good friend, Shaniece (and professional photographer - - - http://www.shaniecephotographer.com/) came over in the morning to take newborn pics of our little boy. Poor guy - - he had signed up for a nap and instead we kept poking and prodding him for various cute poses. I don't think he was entertained by the idea. The couple of pictures you see here from the shoot are taken by my Dad while he looked on.

Dayton and family walked to our favorite neighborhood Italian joint, Raia's, last night for dinner. He did great! He stayed awake for about 30 minutes in the restaurant looking around and then decided to sleep thru the event. In the picture, Dayton in the stroller behind the white mosquito net...he's in there, promise.

Dayton really has his night schedule down - - - down at 10 PM, up at 1:45 AM for a feeding and then sleeps to between 6 and 7 AM. WE ARE SO LUCKY!

Today is Dayton's last day with his foreskin. Tonight is the Bris...Ah veh!

BeeBop's Arrival!

BeeBop arrived yesterday! Dayton was mesmerized by his BeeBop immediately...he even gave his Grandpa some smiles! You can see the look on Dayton's face staring up at his BeeBop as my Dad talked to him in his melodic low voice. I think I'm going to need to record my Dad's voice to play to Dayton when he is not here...particularly in desperate moments. It works like a charm!

We even put Dayton in his stroller for the first time and went for our first family walk yesterday evening. Dayton was napping so I'm not sure if he realized where he was going but we all had a good time. We were just thankful to get outside after the 100 degree weather during the day!

Dayton is enjoying his Grandparent's visit...we all are. They are spoiling us with wonderful dinners and endless support as we adjust to this new addition to our family. Once again, Dayton is making it easy for us...knock on wood!

Sleep and Slings

Another fun day yesterday. We stayed close to home and kept the adventures limited to our own four walls. Amanda came over to teach Mom and Dad to use the Bjorn and a sling. Dayton was so good while we put him in and out in and out and in and out again of the sling. By the time we were ready to practice with the Bjorn, it was meal time so Mr. Lamb was called in to stand-in for Dayton while he took his snack break.

BeeBop (Jill's Dad), is coming in today and we're so excited for him to meet Dayton. We'll post pictures of Beebop's first meeting with his Grandson soon.

One Week Old Today!

Wow! How surreal that Dayton is one-week old today. Mike and I can barely grasp that this baby has not always been in our lives. We are so thankful for him. He continues to require one middle of the night feeding but otherwise sleeps thru the night. He is also happy entertaining himself in his boppy on the play mat. This can last up to 30 minutes without any interaction from others. Amazing.

Dayton has had several visitors since coming into the world. Ginger came to visit in the hospital on July 4th when Dayton was one-day old. It was also Ginger's birthday. Mary Ann and Laura came to visit yesterday. Dayton warmed up to both of them immediately. Thanks to Mary Ann for babysitting Dayton for 15 minutes while Mom and Dad went for a walk around the block with the dogs. It was Jill's first outing in the 'hood and it was nice to see the neighbors.

As you can see, our animal tribe is completely comfortable and gentle with Dayton. It continues to astound me how peaceful they are with him. It's like they were expecting him. In this picture, Tiger shared time on Mike's lap with Dayton.

One week old....time is already flying by.

Dayton & His Girls

We took a roadtrip yesterday to visit our friend Denise and her identical twin girls, Sophia and Brianna. The picture you see was taken after a morning of hard partying by these 7lbs and change kiddos. They may be small but they really know how to throw a party! Personally, I think someone spiked the breastmilk. Things got so crazy they eventually needed to be restrained...as you can tell by these hard swaddles.

Dayton had a wonderful night last night. He only got up at 2 AM for a night feeding and then continued to sleep until 6:15 AM. Geez louise, I feel so lucky. Let's see what today has in store! Dayton is now 6 days old.