Dear Ethan: Eight Weeks Old

You are growing so much! Not only physically but mentally as well. You are starting to grab at things, not quite being able to grab to hold them yet. Instead of sucking on your wrist you can get your fist in your mouth instead. You hold your head up with almost no assistance when we hold you upright. And you're starting to want to face forward when we hold you so that you can see everything.

You're creating your own schedule. Your first nap is about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours after you wake up and sleep for 1-2 hours. You than eat a bit and play on your activity mat. You're lasting a lot longer on the mat than you once did. And you are doing tummy time for longer as well. We try to get in a walk before you go down for your second nap and than you nap for another 1-2 hours! We then go out back and play with the dogs for a bit and do some cleaning together. And than another nap! You like your sleep! You usually take your first two naps in your swing but your afternoon nap is usually spent in Mommy's arms. You won't go to sleep otherwise. I'm going to try and see if you'll sleep in your pack-n-play next week!

By the time Daddy gets home you're either still sleeping or just finishing eating. He takes you and you guys go and play together in your room. You than go on a walk around the neighborhood. The dogs and I sometimes go with you if I already finished preparing dinner. I than nurse you for a bit until you fall asleep for the night. You're getting up quite frequently through the night still. You sleep from 7:30-8 until 11-11:30 and than stir around to nurse. Than you get up at 1:30, 3:30, 4:30-5:30 and than are up for the day at about 7:30. Hopefully you'll need to nurse less often soon!

This week was a busy one (as all of our weeks are in April). We had to prepare for your baptism! We cleaned the house and Daddy finished the final touches on the guest bathroom. He painted it and put the pictures and accessories up. We even cleaned the back porch so people could hang out there. Too bad it was sooo hot that everyone crowded into the house for the a/c.

We're having such a fun time together. I can't believe I only have 4 more weeks alone with you before I have to go back to work... I really wish I didn't have to :( Love you, baby!