Peek-a-boo

One Year Ago, Today

Happy Anniversary to the Blog!

It's really mind-bending, reflecting on where we were at this point last year, and how far we've come.  I won't bore you with my awed (odd?) reflections, but simply present to you "And Bean Makes Three: a Year in Pictures."

January:

February:

March:

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

And just last week:

What a year it's been!  We're so glad that you've all been here to share it with us.

Why the Bean doesn't wear Mittens

Almost from day one, Asa has preferred to sleep with his hands out of the covers.  He even managed to wriggle out of the swaddle wraps that we tried when he was a newborn.

Now, this wasn't a big issue in August, or even September.  But by mid-October and our first snowfall, it was sort of an issue: Asa's hands were often as cold as Mummy's (don't get Mommy started on that one, though). We put him in fleecy, long-sleeved sleep sacks and pulled the arms down over his hands, but inevitably, he got them free:

(this was after he went to bed but before I did - he'd only managed one hand at this point, but by morning, both were out.)

So Mommy and I went out and got some of those soft cotton mittens, meant to keep babies from scratching themselves with those razor-sharp talons masquerading as cute little fingernails.  Two problems, however, and those of you who have been following this blog will be able to answer the questions:

What is Asa's first-favorite thing to suck on?

What is Asa's second-favorite thing to suck on?

What is a mitten?  Riiiiiiight.  The ultimate combination of Asa's two favorite things.  So what happens?

Yeah.  Not so good for keeping little hands warm.  Oh, well.

Disclaimer: This is New England.  Yes, of course he wears mittens outside.  Wool ones that he doesn't like to chew on.  Even he doesn't like fuzzies in the mouth.  Cold hands in a heated house are one thing... 

A New Take on Tummy Time

Mummy's new perspective on Tummy Time:

Why so close?  A new trick to try to get him to enjoy being on his belly:

Mummy-Tummy Time!

Cousins

Videos of the cousins at Christmas.  Every time Asa was on the floor on his quilt, Eva came over with his blankie and covered them both.



"Baby Paci" was a favorite object, as well.  If only his older cousin could have actually convinced Asa to nap!

New Year, New Adventure

Our pediatrician told us, at Asa's last appointment, that we could start solid food anytime now.  He suggested that it would become particularly necessary when Asa actually stops sleeping through the night, as that will mean that he isn't getting enough calories during the day to carry him over.  Now, he has had a couple of rough nights recently, probably more due to traveling than caloric intake, and he did sleep 11 hours last night (!), but he hasn't been napping.  He'll eat, then he'll be happy and active, and by the time he falls asleep, he's close to being hungry again.  Makes for short naps and a cranky baby.

So tonight, we started our foray into rice cereal.

He's not wearing a dress - we double-layered bib and burp cloth.  The first time was bound to be messy!

The verdict?  Well, our drool monster was an understandably spitty eater, and he didn't eat a whole lot, but he seemed to enjoy what he did eat.  He opened his mouth pretty well for the spoon, if that's any indication, and swallowed a fair amount of each bite.

We'll do cereal for a while, but we're already planning the next little adventure - sweet peas, courtesy of Santa Claus in Asa's stocking!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wishing you all peace, joy, and love in the coming year.

Happy 2010, from our family to yours.