New pic of Simon

Simon's ten weeks old now. He is good at following me if I’m close but not all the time. He’s giving full face smiles and attempts at laughs too. I can usually get him to laugh by clapping his hands together while saying “clap, clap, clap” and getting faster and faster until I raise his hands above his head and say “stretch.” He will usually smile when I do “Round and Round the Garden” too. Simon’s neck is getting stronger but he doesn’t like tummy time. He has pretty bad cradle cap but the doctor recommended Selsun Blue for it. Go figure.

He had his two month check-up last week. He got three shots; he turned beet red when he got the first one. He was a little unsettled that night but he was over it quickly. He's gotten big. He weighs 12lbs. 14oz (90%) and measures 24.25 inches long (95%). He's only 25% for head circumference and he has a flat spot on one side of his head. We have to switch sides for changing diapers and sleeping to even him out.

Simon sleeps great. Two nights ago he slept through the night for the first time. Then he did it again last night. He goes to sleep easily. Sometimes I don’t have to rock him; I just swaddle him, give him his pacifier, hug him and lay him down. Nice.

Gratitude: Day 13

1. Tonight's sunset. It was blush pink and lavender seen through black silhouetted trees.

2. A fairly successful shopping trip. Today was a fat day but I was able to find a new pair of jeans to go out in tomorrow.

3. Amberly for extending this challenge; today I found myself thinking of lots of things I'm thankful for.

4. Our Primary program is on Sunday and it's going to be awesome. One little boy in our Primary sings with so much heart, a little louder than necessary, and just a touch off tune. And tonight at our practice, three separate women held Simon for me when he fussed.

5. Simon slept through through the night last night for the first time.

Extra 1: The glorious soundtrack from the Keira Knightley Pride & Prejudice
Extra 2: Piper cracked me up so much today while driving that I had to pull the car over to giggle and to write down what she was saying.

Today's Thanks

1. Piper had a good visit at the dentist today. They said that we're doing a good job keeping her teeth clean. They were so impressed with how well Piper behaved that they thought she was four years old.

2. With all of the points I earn shopping at the grocery store, today I filled my gas tank for only $15.00. I got $1.40 off per gallon.

3. I've tried to be more diligent lately about studying my scriptures. I can notice a difference already; I'm not losing my patience quite as much lately.

4. Rick and I watched some of our favorite shows on the DVR tonight: The Office, How I Met Your Mother. I enjoy Community a lot too.

5. I got two birthday packages today.

Gratitude: Day 12

1. Short naps. This afternoon Simon was sleeping and Piper was watching TV so I snoozed a bit on the couch.

2. Good books. I just started reading Richard Russo's Bridge of Sighs and we got a load of great kid's books for Piper at the library.

3. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks movies. Although Joe vs. the Volcano is still my favorite just for kitsch, I still want Meg's hair in Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail makes me miss the Upper West Side of NYC.

4. All those that have served or currently serve in the U.S. military. Rick's brother Ben is in the Army and we are extraordinarily proud of him and the sacrifices he and his family make to help preserve our freedoms.

5. Feeling the Christmas spirit start. Displays in stores remind me of my mom's magic touch in making everything look beautiful. I love snowflakes and candy cane motifs. I would buy so much more at Christmas from a decor standpoint if I had the money.

My Quick Five

1. The Eagle's Nest: The short-term babysitting at Giant Eagle (our grocery store). Piper loves going there and I can take my time and shop in peace.

2. Simon is so laid back. He rolls with the punches and is easily settled even after having been woken up mid-nap to go somewhere.

3. Rocky River Early Childhood PTA. They hosted Preschool Information Night tonight. We'll be studying up on where Piper goes to preschool next year.

4. Warm jammies straight from the dryer.

5. I started my Christmas shopping.

Gratitude: Day 9

1. Nap times, though not mine. Both kids slept for two hours this afternoon. I was able to get Family Home Evening planned, do stuff for our co-op preschool, and watch a bit of TV.

2. Free kid's meals on Mondays at Chick-Fil-A.

3. Buttered toast dipped in milk. Don't judge, it's a family thing. My mom understands.

4. My new Jim Brickman Christmas CD.

5. Feeling like I've made some progress on Simon's baby book.

Day 8 of Thanks

1. A complete roast beef dinner ready at home, and the awesome aroma that filled the house. I'm so glad that I had time to put it in the oven before jetting off to church this morning.

2. My mom. She (and my dad, for that matter) are such great examples of selfless service. Just this week my mom has donated blood, done a charity walk, and taught a cooking class at church.

3. A new episode of Brothers & Sisters tonight. I love Sally Field; she reminds me of my mom. Also, I want to have the house she has on the show.

4. Holding my baby boy close. I love his toothless smiles, his warmth, staring into his eyes. Falling in love with your children is the best.

5. Piper's excitement at getting to put away the clean silverware after we explained that she would get an allowance (a dime) once a week if she would do three chores. The three chores we all decided on are putting away the clean silverware, putting napkins on the table for dinner, and putting away her toys before bedtime.