Becoming Gramma...

I did not journal the rest of my trip, because I spent the better part of it holding Ethan, trying to memorize every single sound he makes, the softness of his newborn skin, and the way he smells so very sweet...
On Friday, Mary and I took Ethan to his one month check-up in that sweet college town of Davis.  The doctor was amazed at Ethan's growth and development!  We had all taken bets on how much he weighed, and we were all wrong!  He was born at 9 lbs 10 ox..at one month old he was 12 lbs 13 oz. He was born at 21 1/2 inches long...at one month he was 24 inches!  In fact, the doctor said she could not chart his height at that point, because he was off the chart!  

When she turned him on his belly, he raised up his head and chest, and just looked around, with complete head control.  The doctor was quite surprise, and wondered when he started holding his head up...answer?  at birth!  He is "stronger than the average (little) bear!"  We are just so grateful for his health and strength.  The doctor said to keep up the good work, and sent him on his way!  Mary and I headed downtown again, this time to the Black Bear diner, which seemed appropriate for our sweet 'little bear', as I had started calling Ethan.

Davis, CA

We headed to Peet's coffee after the diner, and then home for a quiet evening of Ethan absorption!  

            

Saturday, Craig, Mary, Ethan and I headed back to Davis for the Farmer's Market, and Peet's coffee....again!

 

 

That night, when Christopher came home, we headed to a hibachi restaurant to celebrate Mary's 25th birthday.  I had never been, so it was such a fun experience!!

 Poor baby was sleeping peacefully, but the sound of the cooking and the knives clashing, and the yelling and cheering, woke him up and scared him, so for the rest of the time we ended up holding him in the foyer. A little too much fun for a one month old!  Nonetheless, we have a wonderful time!

Sunday, Christopher had army training, so Craig, Mary. Ethan and I took Takoda to the dog park for some fun, at a county park.  What a beautiful area!

We hung out for the rest of the afternoon, had a nice dinner, and just enjoyed our last evening together quietly.  Sunday night was precious, but hard.

Monday, Mary and Ethan drove us to the airport.    Seeing them drive away following our drop-off was torturous!  Ethan had started crying in his carseat, so that made goodbye extra hard. It was a very painful goodbye, but just knowing they are coming for Christmas helps a lot. I had a hard couple of days after Monday, and Mary said Ethan cried a lot for a couple days (we held him a LOT), but suddenly on Thursday I felt much better.  It was definitely harder after he was born, but before we met him.  Now we KNOW him! We know his cry, his cooing, his  sweet smell, the way he likes to be held.  The connection and bonding has been made, and that makes all the difference!  I miss him, but I don't feel frantic like before...and now the next countdown begins!  Many many Christmas plans to make!  Lots of preparation!!!  Christmas magic to plan for!  And a little baby boy to make it extra special!! (and his parents, of course!)