One month old

Some of you might remember Jeff the Giraffe. He took lots of photos with Ashlyn when she was a baby.

This monkey quilt was a gift from his soon-to-be childcare provider.

Zachary is still sleeping a lot of the day. When he's not sleeping, he likes to nurse. When he's awake, he sits contently like this and bats around and kicks his feet. He has a lot of reflux now and so when he's awake like this, he'll squirm in discomfort and spit up. He also has a lot of baby acne. I'm looking up information about food sensitivities, but the symptoms they list don't generally suit him.

Oh Zachary, why are you crying? Mommy tried to do tummy time with you but it made you angry. You saw your fist and when you started to suck on it, it reminded you of how much you'd rather nurse. Sorry about that.

How about a paci in the meantime? You are the first of my babies to take a pacifier. It is helpful until you spit it out or it falls out and I have to replace it, over and over and over again ;-) It does seem to help you calm down.

You are a chilly baby. You like to be wrapped up in a blanket at all times and get cold easily. When I change your diaper, your little bottom jaw chatters. I keep the house at 75 and you are still cold. Unfortunately, it's Fall now and soon it will be cold.

Nighttime- last night you were doing many cluster feedings and still acting hungry. I gave you 2 oz of formula and then you still acted uncomfortable with your belly. We do lots of burping and use Mylicon. I nursed you yet again and you fell asleep and slept for 4.5 hours. When you got up, it was 5 and we nursed again and you went back to sleep. You usually sleep in the co-sleeper and at times sleep next to me in bed, snuggled right against me. You seem to really like that. It's hard for me though b/c I like to toss and turn so I have to stay in one position for you to sleep next to me. Then I end up with aches and pains and a stiff shoulder. It's so snuggly though, and you are toasty warm with me, how you like to be.

You also like to sleep on our chests, on your belly, and covered up. I tried you in the sling a few times and you like that as well. I have a Maya wrap I use with you.

Activity - you swing your arms when it seems you want to touch something. I have been hit in the nose many times ;-) You haven't really coo'd or ahh'd yet. You're mostly quiet unless your tummy bothers you. You seem to be easy going and content. Since you were born you've had a strong neck and upper body. The first time I tried to burp you, you threw yourself backwards in my arms, so I can't do anything one handed when you are up on my shoulder ;-) You like to push up with your arms and did a full push up on me the other day. You really want to look around when you are on my shoulder. Sometimes you fold your hands under your chin so that your head is more upright. You can also hold your pacifier with your hand. One day you didn't let go and the pacifier went flying across the room, lol.

You've only been here for a month and I can't imagine life without you.