One Month

While I sometimes feel like we've had Blake forever, I cannot believe four weeks have past since his birth. The entire month of October has literally flown by.

Today was his one month check up at the doctor & he is a healthy big boy!

Today's Weight: 10 lbs, 10.5 oz -- 90%

Today's Length: 21 7/8" -- 50-75%

Today's Head Circumference: 15" -- 50-75%

He showed off for the doctor when he was on his tummy, bringing his head fully upright to look at himself proudly in the mirror. At home he is showing interest in bright contrasts, including daddy's comic books & the painting above our bed (known in my family as the Night Village). He loves focusing on familiar faces, checking out lights & making all kinds of baby dinosaur snorts & squeaks. Now if he would only sleep through the night... 

 Also, a huge thank you to everyone who has celebrated & supported us with visits, gifts, meals & love -- we appreciate you so much!

Recent Favorites

My snuggle bunny.

Blake getting love from Lindsay & Olivia, our dear friends who we were able to visit Friday on our trip to Bellingham.

Father & son tummy time at home.

Sweet boy.

Blake got to meet Myles (his cousin) yesterday

Blake is 24 days older than my sister's son Myles.

Myles is pretty excited about meeting his cousin.

Grandma with all her Grandchildren

Grandpa with his two Grandsons

Keeping our sense of humor...

"Maybe your other boob is chocolate flavored."  
--Levi, in response to Blake's choosy breastfeeding habits.

Naptime

The last few nights have been a bit rough, we think because Blake has a little cold & is going through some major growth spurts. So, we take lots of naps...

3

Blake is three weeks old today!

Yesterday we met up with Jenn & her kiddos (Alana & Gavin) at the pumpkin "patch" in the Roosevelt Whole Foods. For a parking garage pumpkin patch, it's pretty cute & protected from the elements.

 

 

 

Hoping today that we might make it to a local pumpkin patch in Redmond for Blake's three-week outing.

Outings

These days I try not to be wedded to or have expectations for outings with Blake. This helps keep me flexible & better able to deal with the unexpected, as well as not be disappointed when things don't work out the way I might originally hope. It's a good thing to practice & really helps me to better enjoy whatever does happen, instead of being caught up in what I thought should have happened. It's still necessary though for me to mentally prepare for the outing. Sometimes that means thinking about what Blake might need, or adapting to an "on-the-go feeding", or simply mentally preparing for the event including the possibility of bailing (& listening to Blake wail all the way home).

With this all in my mind, we committed to our friends' extra Sounders tickets for Wednesday night, planning to take Blake to his first game. And wouldn't you know it, it went great! He sacked out fast asleep on the walk to the stadium & stayed warm & cozy in his wrap carrier well into the second half. He even got to meet Brandon & Janelle (& soon to be little Elijah) at halftime! We didn't press our luck & left 15 minutes early to avoid the crowds on the way out -- a wise decision since Blake was getting cranky by the time we got back to the car. It's exciting to think this is just the beginning of fun events with our son!

Go Hawks!

 Watching the win over the Patriots. And now Blake is properly outfitted, ready to watch the game on Thursday with the boys.

Hanging at Home

An agreeable arrangement.

Reading comics with dad.

One Week Check-Up

Blake had his first pediatrician appointment on Monday, October 8th. I took this photo at the appointment while we waited for the doctor. He's super healthy!

Weight: 7 lbs, 15 oz -- 50-75%

Length: 20.9 -- 75%

It's now more than a full week later & I swear he is growing right in front of us. He's definitely putting on some healthy baby fat -- he's getting a belly & an extra chin!

Outings

First brewery, 192 Brewing Co, 6 days old.

First bike race, Starcrossed Cyclocross at Marymoor, 7 days old.

First outing with the girls, Swanson's Nursery, 8 days old.

Walking with mom.

And yesterday was Blake's first visit to the Goodwill, on a Monday, of course. :)

Baths

He was a bit unsure at first, but Blake has decided he likes baths.

Blake's First Week

We take photos of Blake every day -- I need to get better about posting them here (anyone use the Blogger app to upload posts from your phone?). Our little guy is changing every day, so before I post more current photos here is a look back at his first week of life.

Within minutes of being born.

Proud papa.

First bath.

Ready to head home, almost exactly 24 hours after being born.

Napping on momma.

Quality time with daddy.

Birthing Story

It's been 12 days since I delivered Blake & I have finally begun to journal about my labor/his birth. My doula really encouraged me to do this & last week Levi wrote it on our fridge list of "things to do." I think I have hesitated because I knew I would write a lot -- indeed, I'm four full pages in & still going strong. I made the decision early on, with Levi's support, to have an unmedicated birth & am still somewhat surprised that I made it through. It was amazing & by far the hardest physical feat I have ever accomplished. My total labor was 12 hours & relentless -- from 8am until Blake was born at 5:15pm, there was never more than a 6 minute break between contractions. During varying times I was surprised at the intensity, feared the process, doubted myself, & felt a strong determination to see it through. I would not have been able to do it without the incredible, non-stop support of Levi, our doula Rebecca, & the nursing staff at Evergreen Hospital. I have found so much value in hearing the birthing stories of friends -- we learn from one another's experiences & find important insights & affirmations as we share our intimate & empowering stories. I am happy to share more of my story with those who would like to hear it.

Blake Winston

Little Man

Sounders-style leg warmers.