3 months today

Mitchell is officially 3 months old today. Yes, Scott just blogged yesterday and I don't have much more to add. Yesterday was Mitchell's first day without his mom, however since I do work at home, I was home for half the day and was able to still nurse him during that time. Today he is home with his father, Nate and 2 other boys. Since I am again home for part of this day it sounds like it is going well. It is challenging for me to be hands off, but I am only allowing myself to take time to nurse. This is probably good for both of us, but it doesn't make it any easier. I think this time spent with Scott will be helpful for their relationship, since Mitchell is a happier camper during the day, and Scott hasn't been around him much during that time. Mitchell is much more flexible and has less mommyitis during that time. Mitchell is drooling a lot, wanting to put a lot in his mouth and grabbing on to a lot of toys. I believe he is in the beginnings of teething. It seems early, but if I remember correctly, Nate's first tooth came in at about 4-5 months. Mitchell loves to stand up, he is starting to like the peek-a-boo game, and laughs [Scott: He gives big smiles. I wouldn't say he laughs. ;-)] when tickled. Ceiling fans and his brother are favorite viewing activities.

Four years old and baby giggles

So the last few weeks have been an assortment for us. Last week Angie, Nate, and Mitchell spent the week in Ohio without Dad (Scott). Nate had an awesome time (points of conflict sprinkled throughout) getting along with his cousins. A chunk of the Wyse clan (Grandma, Grandpa, cousins Connor & Quinn) came out this past weekend for Nate's 4th birthday, as well as a Reeser contingent (Grandma, Grandpa, cousin Katie). It was a little sad when the last of them left Monday morning. Nate carried out his car seat to the sidewalk (in his PJs), sat it on the sidewalk, sat himself in the chair, and waived goodbye. He overcame it quickly, I think, as he was soon off playing by himself again (happily). Later on that day as I started preparing dinner the conversation went something like this.

Dad: "Nate, sit at the table if you're going to eat that apple."

Nate sits down at table, continuing to eat an apple.

Dad: "Do you want a cheeseburger for dinner?"

Nate: "Sure!"

Dad starts getting burgers out -- a minute (literally) passes and he turns around to find the following.


I guess the events of the last week finally caught up with out hapless hero. [Iron Man rocks by the way...] Bonus points if you can be the first one to note in the comments what he's sleeping on. He slept that way for an hour, I think. I couldn't bring myself to wake him up.

Since Angie/Nate/Mitchell were in Ohio they also came back with the Wyse clan. After being by myself for most of the week, it was great to see Mitchell again. While I was holding him I could swear he'd gotten bigger. And he laughed! While I was holding him Grandma Reeeser and I were able to get him to cackle like crazy. Since then I've been trying to figure out the mix of actions to repeat the event, all in vain (so far).

Mitchell regularly during fits of unhappiness is very entranced by his older brother. He regularly just likes watching Nate play. Today was the first day in a while that Nate, Micah & Reuben (the other boys we help watch) were over in a while. Mitchell was often taken by just watching the kids play often turning his head to follow the action.

If you give him a toy he pretty regularly is able to absent mindedly grab it and bring it to his mouth. He has times too where he just likes to be on the floor by himself.

He still has times where things can be rather frustrating. He definitely prefers Mommy over Daddy. ... I wonder why ... MilkMachine, er, Mommy will hand Mitchell off to Daddy...a few semi-tense moments pass as Mitchell realizes that his comfort zone has been altered. Which eventually erupts into some unhappiness, that are quickly silenced if given back to Mommy. Thankfully these times are pretty predictable. During the day, Mitchell's fine and happy. Eat/poop/sleep/repeat ... is the easy pattern. But usually there's a short time period of unhappiness around dinner time (he resists a nap often), afterwhich shortly before going down for the night he usually has a bigger fit if Mom's not around. Here's my little screwball.


All around I think the kid is a moose. People often confuse him for a 6 month old (he's only 3 months old at this point), which is understandible -- we've already moved onto the 6 month old clothing for the most part. I mentioned to Angie that its possible that he might be as tall as my youngest brother (who I think is 6'1") and as stocky a guy as his Grandpa Wyse.

Future football player maybe? ....or hockey player?!? We shall see. ;-)

back in the saddle

Yesterday I jumped head first into trying to get fit again. I went on a bike ride that was 15 plus miles. Yes, it was challenging since it has been almost 2 years since I did any regular riding. It was windy and on a few occasions, I wanted to quit, but afterwards I felt great and hope to keep it up. While biking, Scott took Mitchell and Nate to the park to play. I think they had a nice time.

Mitchell and Nate are doing great. Mitchell is starting to bat at things and can lay by himself and play for longer periods of time. He seems to have noticed his feet and really enjoys sucking on his hands. He hasn't found his thumb, but it does seem that he almost prefers the flavor of his hand over his binky at times. Nate is doing a great job of entertaining Mitchell. Mitchell seems to enjoy watching his brother be silly. Last night Mitchell made it through potluck after church. This is big since it was from around 7-8:30pm. This is his usual fussy time. He was a bit fussier but seemed to be much calmer when held by his mother. This seemed like a feat.

I am sad that I have only 3 weeks left of my leave. Only two of them are here at home. The last week we will be spending in Ohio with my family. Time flies so quickly. It seems like just yesterday that Mitchell was born. I shouldn't be surprised since it seemed like Nate was just born the day before that.