Jude at 2 months old!

The days are flying by -- just like I knew that they would. I feel like we've blinked twice and Jude has already been a part of our family for two months, as if he's always been with us. I think one advantage of being a second-time mom is that I allow myself to enjoy Jude so much more than I did with James. I'm not consumed with worry, wondering if I'm making all the "right" decisions, because I've already experienced firsthand that things have a way of working themselves out. And, like it or not, Jude will grow up, just like his big brother. He will always be my baby but he'll only actually be a baby for such a short season. So, I just soak it all in and try to remember every little coo, smell, and smile. I don't want to forget all the tiny details of these sweet days. Sleeping baby in my arms will soon give way to a skinned-knee little boy that's running hard to keep up with his big brother as they fill our home with the sounds of life and laughter. There is no greater joy than being the Mama of these two little boys and I pray they always know my love for them. Here is a little about what's going on in Jude's world at 2 months old:

Growth: Jude weighed 11 pounds, 12 ounces (74th percentile) at 6 weeks old. There were no appointments available for his 2 month visit until closer to 3 months so we will not have an updated weight and length until then, but he's definitely growing very well. He is wearing 0-3 month clothing (maybe for another month) and wearing size 2 diapers. We'll start our cloth diapering in the next few weeks but will still keep some disposables on hand.

Appearance: He has lots of dark hair (which people comment on often!) and brown eyes. He definitely has his own little look and lately has not been looking as much like James as he did in the beginning. His hair and eyes look very much like my newborn pictures right now. 

Sleep: He is still sleeping often during the day with some wakeful periods in between. His daytime naps are frequent but pretty brief (45 minutes or so). He has been sleeping 5 to 7 hour stretches at night since he was about 6 weeks old which is so different than his brother that really didn't sleep for any lengthy stretch for the first two years. I've read that sleep has much more to do with temperament than parenting, and this is definitely true for my boys as I have done nothing different this time around. I know he may regress around the 4 month mark, but for now I'm just thankful for every hour of sleep that I can get.

Eating: He is eating closer to every two hours during the day and probably around 8 times in a 24 hour period.

Personality: Jude is extremely easy-going and content. He rarely ever cries and when he does I respond pretty quickly because I know he's very unhappy.

Voice: He "talks" to us often now. He also makes lots of "m" sounds and James constantly tells me "Mama, Jude is calling you." Of course, we know that he's not actually saying "Mama" yet. :)

Movement: His neck is getting stronger and he's lifting his head very well, he is reaching and grasping some hanging rings above his play mat, and he continues to be very observant and alert. Stephen says that he tries to turn his head around to try and find me when he hears my voice in the house.

Health: He hasn't had any problems this month. We praise God that our baby is healthy! I'm grateful also that it doesn't look like reflux will be an issue after what we experienced with James.

Likes: He loves being held/sleeping on Mama, loves the ergo carrier and is worn in it often (settles him quickly!),  loves baths and the pool (sleeps in the pool), his paci and his thumb, his play mat, the lion on his bouncy seat (he talks to the lion!), and seeing and talking to himself in the mirror in the car.

Dislikes: He does not enjoy being laid down for very long while he's awake unless we stay close and interact with him. He absolutely hates getting his nails being cut and his hands being held still. He doesn't like being hungry and away from his food source for very long. :)

Milestones/Other: Had his first train ride, carousel ride, zoo trip, movie experience, and pool experience this month. He's having these experiences much earlier as a second child. :) He also went to church for the first time this month.


Here are a few pictures of our growing boy this month:

Ready for church. :)

Found his thumb. :)

James asked to be a "pretend baby" :) I obliged him and let him wear a tie too!