2 months

Ok, if that first month flew by fast, then month two went into hyper-drive because I cannot believe that I'm sitting here four weeks later, looking at the same boy. While people debate whether he looks more like me or Andy, I'm certain that he looks like no one other than August. He's come into his own and let me tell you, he's beautiful. Sometimes it's so overwhelming I think I might just about lose it. Neither Andy or I were the most cherubic of babies and we both had ackward stages growing up, so where Auggie got his good looks is beyond me.

Here's the latest:

• He smiles with his whole body; thrusting his head forward and then moving it in one big arc, left to right, as if he needs the momentum to open his mouth into a huge gummy smile.
• He's taken to shadow boxing. Preparing, I suspect, for his next bare knuckle match with the other (invisible) handlebar mustachioed dude.

• At his latest doctor's visit he had gained 2lbs, most of which is concentrated in his face; his cheeks and double chin to be exact. He also grew nearly 3 inches, which his daddy was pumped about because his chances of doing any other sport besides running are now looking good. 
• We call him starfish, on account of his new favorite sleeping position.
• He's grown what we call duck fluff on his head. It's coming in nice and full, but it makes for goofy bed-head.
• The peace and quiet of our little house is quite regularly disrupted with his man-like belches.  Each times he lets one roar, I'm practically dumbfounded but manage to ask Andy incredulously, "Did you hear that?" Of course he did, it all but shook the house.

1 Month

Yesterday marked August's first month in the world. Like most new moms I wonder where time went and tearfully look at my baby boy, thinking how fast he's grown. At the same time though,  the days have been full with frequent feedings, constant diaper changes, and night wakings. It's that last event, in particular - the one that has robbed me of sleep and subsequently, normal cognitive function - that validates the last 29 days. And then I acknowledge, "Yup, one month, that's about right."

The space between those full days, though, are what keep me going beyond the physical and psychological limits people should have no business surpassing. It's because embedded in those nurturing & hygienic obligations are hundreds of little moments overlooked by all but babies who are experiencing them for the first time. I see a new movement or a concentration in his face that didn't exist the day before and there it is: yet another reason I feel so lucky to be the mother of this boy. Through him, I get to be a kid again - which is especially fortunate since I have a horrible memory.

Here's what we've learned in the first month:

• Auggie doesn't know it yet, but he loves turtles. And bears. And owls. We've decided it.
• Staying true to form (after impressive consistency for his nine months of gestation), 9pm is hiccup hour
• He makes the sweetest dinosaur noises. Or maybe it's more Gremlin. Sometimes it's reminiscent of a bicycle left in the rain, badly in need of WD-40.
• He sneezes multiple times a day. In Spanish the saying goes "Salud, Dinero, Amor" (translation: "Health, Wealth, Love"). One for each sneeze. Usually he only does two but sommmme times we get a hat trick and his dad celebrates with a "Salud, Dinero, Sombrero!"    *forehead slap*
• He loves bubble baths but HATES the transition from water to hooded towel.
• When taking walks with Mama in the Moby wrap, he's fascinated with the sky and trees, craning his neck so unnervingly back his grandma would faint (I promise I support it with my hand, Laura, he just wants to see it all)!
• He's grown out of several new born sized onesies, as is evident by the stitches being pulled apart around the barrel of his chest. When your child resembles a cased sausage, you know it's time to retire the outfit. Case in point:

  

I challenge you to see through the eyes of a child - you'll be fascinated with the view.