Updated
Thursday,
October 21, 1999
Gosh,
it's been almost two weeks since I've gotten to put 'pen to paper'
so to speak! Lots has happened -- Katie went to her six week check
up, we had a big party for Jackson's baptism
and we went on our first 'road trip' to see my mom and Row for her
birthday.
In all, it has
been really busy, but in a good way. Details on everything below
Katie's check
up went just fine -- she didn't get to see her normal doctor, but
his partner checked her out and gave her the OK to get back to normal
routines. Although, she's pretty much been doing that all along, in
my opinion. Over the past couple of weeks, she's gotten in a nice
routine of getting up in the morning with Jackson, going for long
walks around the neighborhood and just doing mom and son things.
Lately, she's
been using the 'baby bjorn' -- the kangaroo pouch thing -- and carrying
Jackson around pretty much all the time. It's really nice, because
you have your arms free to do just about anything. I've seen her sitting
at the computer doing some work, with Jackson just happy as can be.
I wanted to use it too, but the straps were just too small to get
around my ample frame -- so we ordered a second set of straps for
me! In fact, they came in today, so I'll tell you next time how they
are.
And, since Jackson's
starting his 8th week, it's time for Katie to start getting ready
to go back to work. Since I'm
so busy out of the home / office this week, she's waiting until next
Monday to really get back, but she's been getting all her things in
order for jumping right back in.
He gets bigger
every time I pick him up -- but that's his job! He's been doing really
well in his sleeping and eating schedules lately. It's gotten to where
he'll sleep a good four hours in a row at night, then get up in shorter
intervals. It's not sleeping through the night, but hey -- you take
what you can get! Besides, it's really way to early to expect any
more.
But I can say,
when he gets fussy, he's a bundle! In fact, we forgot to bring his
pacifier to the baptism, and it was just fine -- until right at the
end. Boy, did he let us and all the other families know how he felt.
You've heard the term 'beet red' -- that's it when he gets squealing.
Check out what
they have to say from the BabyCenter:
The diaper
changes and feedings that have overwhelmed your life have subsided
-- at least somewhat. Your baby may also have started napping at
fairly predictable points during the day, freeing up a few hours
for other things (and don't spend that time cleaning the house!).
In short, you're probably starting to enjoy your time with your
baby more, particularly as he takes increasing notice of the world
around him. You may see him leaning into new sounds, looking at
his surroundings more intently, and smiling when you speak to him.
His head is fairly steady now and he's able to exercise more motor
control over his feet and hands. Some eight-week-olds can even bring
together both hands -- as if they're clapping (though many babies
won't be able to do this for another month or so). Applaud him in
turn. You just may get a chuckle.
The Baptism
We were truly
honored by the presence of friends and family at Jackson's baptism.
Being catholic, it was really an important day for our family and
being surrounded with people who know how important it was to us was
a gift in itself. My aunt Jeanne Lee stepped in as Jackson's Godmother
and our friend Eric Laruitzen is his Godfather. Both of them did us
proud in the ceremony. Another honor: Monsignor Jamail made a point
to be the officiating priest, just like he told us he would.
All in all, it
was a very special day.
Who came? Well,
my grandmother came in from Tallulah
Louisiana and Jeanne and my dad (Papa?) came in from Baton Rouge
(but not together). Carolyn (Nana) was there of course, as were Tom
and Laura, Taylor and Spencer; Tim, Christina, Trevor and Kyle; my
mom and Row (MiMi and Papaw); Myra; Sara, Eric and Kiara Lauritzen;
Wayne
and Ruth Ann Lauritzen; did I miss anyone?
After the ceremony
we all came home for a party -- we brought in food from Eatzi's
and enjoyed Orange Tea, Lemonade and a hand crafted 'honey pale ale',
courtesy of yours truly.
It's been a busy
two weeks. Getting all the things squared away with the baptism was
nice, and having everyone in town for the weekend was fun, too. And
we really needed the time we spent at the lake with mom and Row. Myra
even came in for a while on Sunday, so we all had a chance to celebrate
mom's birthday with her.
As for work,
I had some things I just had to get out of the way before Katie goes
back to work, and really the past two weeks were the only time to
fit it in. But, as of tomorrow, the hectic schedule is behind me!
The past couple of days, I've been in a seminar on 'Lawyers and the
Internet' at South
Texas College of Law that has just been about the most BASIC level
course I could imagine. But it's definitely a good place to do a little
one-on-one propaganda, er, I mean marketing. Hey, they trust me: I
speak the language.
It will be interesting
getting the full dad duty going in the next couple of days, though.
I'm looking forward to it, but I'm not sure Katie is.
As for dad duty
now, I'm taking more and more on -- normally it's my job to get him
to sleep at night, and keep him asleep (when he's not waking up to
be fed). I'll let you know how my first week goes, though.
