7 Weeks

Dear Oliver,

Today you turned 7 weeks old. It's amazing how fast time is flying by! I can't believe how much you are growing each day. You continue to amaze me on a daily basis– your coos have gotten louder and stronger, and you always seem to be on the verge of giggling. You love to lay on your back on the ottoman in the living room, and every once in awhile if you're in the right spot you're able to turn onto your side. I won't be surprised if someday soon you're suddenly on your belly! You are really good at holding your head up, too, which you will only do when we hold you upright over our shoulder. You aren't interested in trying that during tummy time but I'm sure soon enough you will be. You absolutely love your daddy, and you kick your legs and flail your arms in excitement when you see him. You love listening to him play guitar, and you seem to pay attention when he reads you books. You now love the pacifier, but only the Winnie the Pooh brand from Target. I've tried several other brands, but you spit them out immediately (you're very good at telling us what you do and don't like!) I'm so glad you take it now because sometimes it's all you need to calm down and fall asleep.

Most days you take 20-45 minute naps, and you sleep great at night. After you eat around 9 or 10pm, we wrap you in a swaddle blanket and put you in your crib. You are drowsy and usually lie awake for 20 minutes, and then you fall asleep on your own (with the help of the womb sounds on the iPod). Some nights you'll sleep 5 or even 6 hours, only waking for 45 minutes to nurse, then back to sleep for another 3 hours. There have been a few nights where you wake up more often, but you always go back to sleep after nursing or being rocked or swayed in our arms. You are quite the cuddler, and sometimes that's all you need. I love it.

We've been feeding you breast milk from a bottle the past week since you're still not a terrific breastfeeder, and I wasn't sure you were getting enough food. At first we did it to make sure you were gaining weight, but now I'm finding I enjoy it more than nursing you. When I breastfeed, you have to lay sideways and you stare at the wall. But with the bottle I can prop you up and cuddle you, and you're able to look right into my eyes. Sometimes you stop eating just to smile at me. You have no idea how incredible it feels to be so loved by you.

Thank you for blessing our world, Oliver. You are the light of our lives and we love watching you grow day by day. There is so much ahead of us and we can't wait for all that is to come. Your dad and I love you more than you will ever know.

Love,
Your Mama