ONE Month Old.

Graham is ONE month old today. I feel like he's been here forever, and I feel like it was yesterday that we headed to the hospital to welcome him to the world. It's been a crazy month, and that's pretty evident by my lack of blogging. I've thought about it often, but I either clean, sleep, read, or just sit when I have free moments instead. I have started a TWO year old post for Reese that I should have published soon. However, I told myself that I wouldn't let October 10th go by without sharing some pictures of my sweet little guy and recording what he's up to right now. 

Like I said, it's been a crazy month. I just don't know how great of a new newborn mom I am. I mean, I take care of this guy like nobody's business, but my mental state has been in constant anxiety, analysis, stress, and need for control. Those things don't really mesh well with an unpredictable newborn. However, by the grace of God, He is mellowing out my anxiousness and stress and gently revealing how much more freeing and relaxing it is to rely on Him and not worry about every little detail of Graham's behavior and what that may mean for his sleep routines, etc. down the road. My stress level has consistently gone down every day this past week, and my enjoyment of my little boy has increased each day. I'm a huge fan of my son. (I wanted to make sure I wrote the not so positive emotions down because of how helpful they have been to me when I read other friends' blogs.) I still have high hopes of sleep training early and getting into a good routine, but I'm not overanalyzing every time Graham wakes up early, cries inconsolably, or fusses after eating. I know he will nap and sleep at night on his own in the future. I know he will play and not fuss the majority of the time when he's awake. He's still extra sleepy right now. These things just take time, and I guess it has taken me some time to remember and recognize that. 

Okay, so here is what he's up to at ONE month...

*GCW eats about every 3 hours. Just in the past two days has he really made it to 3 hours all day long. Before, he would nurse anywhere from every 2-3 hours during the day.

*Graham usually has a 4ish hour stretch at night. He's done 5 1/2 hours, and some nights he only makes it 3. 

*G-Man hates the adorning of the swaddle but loves it once he's in.

*I think he has smiled a couple of times at me. Oh My Goodness. 

*He makes a few "Ah" sounds, and they are fabulous.

*He weighed 10 pounds at his 2 week appointment, and I would expect him to be around 11 or a little over at this point. 

*He nurses in about 10-15 minutes.

*He likes to be held upright and has a few other reflux symptoms.

*GCW goes to the chiropractor twice a week.

*Graham sleeps in his Rock n Play sleeper.

*Umbilical cord fell off at church a day before he turned 3 weeks old. 

*He seems to be sensitive and possibly easily overstimulated.

*His inconsolable periods of crying have decreased in the past few days, but we still aren't to the 6 week crying peak, so I'm not celebrating yet.

*He looks like his sister's newborn pictures, but many say they see lots of Wes in him, too. I can't wait to watch him grow.

*Two dimples just like Daddy!

*Some of his dark hair is starting to fall out which is totally expected. Reese lost lots of her hair as well before getting a full head of curly hair a year and a half later!

*I've cut out dairy and most caffeine to see if any improvements in the gassy/congestion area are made. 

*He wakes himself up with gas pains and grunting most mornings between 3 and 6am. Reese grunted a lot but was able to sleep through it. Little Graham cries.

Graham, You really have stolen my heart. I feel like I learn to love you better every day, and my love for you is so, so strong. I already can't imagine what our family would be like without you. You are such an incredible blessing and miracle, and I'm so honored to be your Momma.

Graham at ONE month.

And for comparison...here is Reese at ONE month.