12 weeks!

He has more control of his arms and hands now, more but not complete. He likes to stick his arms out in a saluting position, sometimes grabbing onto you. He's been pausing during nursing to smile up at me and touch my face. Melts my heart. He's added some new vocalizations to his vocabulary. And has started to complain and protest when he's had enough of something. And the grunting. Oh boy. His little personality is starting to show. He is so interested in everything, especially faces. He likes to talk to his burp cloths. And has started to notice Emma. We are really lucky that he is such a good baby.

Mom came up for 3 weeks, she was only going to be here for 2 weeks while Dave was in Barrow again but extended her stay for another week. We were thankful for that. Dave came back and was sick and couldn't help out with Leo. The 3 weeks went by too quickly and we miss A-ma so much. She helps us out so much, we're spoiled when she's here.

Parenting is hard. It's the most difficult thing I've ever done. And the most rewarding. I love my sleep. And I can't function well without good sleep. Considering that I've been seriously sleep deprived for the past 3 months, I've been a bit of a mess. Some people can function on 3-4 hours, I'm not one of those people. I've had some melt downs. There are times in the middle of the night that I feel like I'm going to die. My back hurts from carrying our gigantic baby - my stomach muscles are still non-existent from the C-section. I watch what I eat so I don't upset Leo's tummy. But it's all worth it. We can't imagine life without him.

I think I've mentioned that he's a night owl just like is Papa. It drives me nuts but there's nothing I can do it about it. And is reflux still acts up once in a while. He goes down for the night ~midnight, waking up 2-3x to eat. We don't start our day until ~ 11A! After 3 months, I've finally succumbed to his schedule. There's no point fighting it, I might as well try to sleep in the mornings while he's sleeping and start my day at 10/11, too!

On Wed we take take our first plane ride. Going to Colorado to visit my family while Dave is in Barrow again. I'm terrified to fly with him by myself but loads of people do it and survive.

Asleep in Dad's arms

With A-ma

We have a thumb sucker!

Sometimes he's clever and uses his other hand to prop up the other

With A-ma at the botanical gardens

Loves getting his hair washed and taking a bath now.

Getting better at holding his head up!

What chu talkin' about Willis?

Emma misses Mom terribly

Top of Ester Dome

Curtains that Mom made for Leo's room