Second Month

Precious Mateo,

Now that we’ve had another month to get to know you and learn more about you, we are quickly able to discern what your cries mean. You are such a happy baby! You only cry, or fuss, when you are sleepy or hungry. Let me tell you . . . it is pretty easy to figure out the problem and get you fixed up right away.

When we put you down to sleep, you’ll cry for only a few minutes before falling asleep. Yes, we let you cry. It never lasts for very long and most of the time, you’ll go without your pacifier (aka “the pacification device”).

This has certainly been a month of “Firsts” for you and we’re positive there will be more of those to come. Let’s tell you all about it:

First Night in the Nursery (6wks) – We moved you out of our room (you were in a Pack-n-Play) and into your own room. You did very well and really enjoyed looking at the animals on the bumper pad in the crib. You just moved your head from side to side looking at the animals and vibrant colors. Your bedding is courtesy of Papa and Granny Lou.

First Noticeable Tears (6wks) – It was early morning and you were waking up, ready to eat. The monitor in our room had accidentally been turned down a bit too far and it took just a tad longer to get to you than usual. You were not a happy camper and neither was I. However, you settled right down once you started eating and all was well again. Lesson learned.

First Word (6 wks) – Dad and I were sitting on the couch. You were in Daddy’s lap and you were both chatting with one another. The next thing we heard was you saying, “okay”. We both looked at each other and said, “okay.” You had coincidentally put two sounds together pretty fast and it came out sounding just like “okay”.

First Road Trip (7wks) – We took you to Houston (3/13/2009 – 3/15/2009) to visit your Abuelo y Abuela Avila. It was a surprise visit for them and they were SO excited to see you! You slept for the whole drive down there and back w/o too much disruption to your normal routine. We were very impressed and plan to take you up to Missouri in April.

First Bottle (7wks) – Dad gave you your first bottle. You have been taking a pacifier really well (when necessary) and when the bottle came along you were pretty shocked that food came out of it. We did not record this look of yours, but got some video shortly afterwards. Of course, we have several pictures. Way to go, Mateo!! You’re on your way to establishing independence!

First Evening Alone w/ Dad (7wks) – A few girlfriends and I went to see a movie one evening and Daddy got to have some one-on-one time with you that night. You both did very well, as expected! On my way home I called to let your Dad know I was on my way home and he answered the phone with, “The baby’s fine.” (Btw, I have always called to let him know when I am on my way home if it is a late night. You’ll be learning to do this as well.)

First “Slept Through the Night” (6-8 wks) – You’ve been sleeping anywhere from 5-6 hrs a night, but last night (3/23/2009) you slept for 7.5 hrs. You’ve always been a good sleeper though!!

What a joy you are to us and the family! We are filled with anticipation of what the next month will bring. Stay tuned . . .

We love you, baby!!
Mommy and Daddy

First Month

Ready For My Close-Ups

Play Time (1)

Mateo's First Bottle

This was quite a moment for us. We had returned from a trip to Houston to see Irv's parents and decided it was time to try out the bottle. Mateo's been taking a pacifier every now and then and was a tad shocked when the bottle reached his lips. It was kind of like, "Hey, there's food here!" He wasn't expecting that AT ALL!!

We've been giving him a bottle once or twice a day and he's taking to it very well. Mateo's on his way to becoming independent.

Swaddle Me, Please

He certainly enjoys being free and able to kick his legs and swing his arms, but when it comes to sleep time he definitely prefers to be tighly swaddled.

Our Little Slugger

Mateo's first trip to the softball fields (3/7/09). Irv and I were out with some friends for batting practice before the season started this year. He slept the whole time while hanging out in the dugout. He'll be running around the fields soon enough.

Gig 'Em!

It's never to early too start looking for colleges. By the time he's ready to attend university, he'll either love Texas A&M or really hate it.

Waking Up Is Hard To Do

Does this picture make us bad parents?? Even like this he's still cute as can be.

How do I sleep? Let me count the ways.

Mateo is quite the little sleeper, but then again isn't that what babies do? Such a sweet and peaceful look! Of course, he looks just as sweet when he's awake showing off his big. brown eyes. It really caught me off guard how quickly his eyes changed from a deep, dark blue. It was only a few days after his birthday.

"Hmm, let me see...Am I sleeping? Yep!"

First Month Stats

Mateo is five weeks today and had his one month checkup yesterday.

He is growing well!! His little sweet cheeks are getting chubby and are too irresistible to kisses.

Height: 21 3/4"
Weight: 9lbs 10.5 oz





Mateo got his first shot (Hep B) as well, and was not nearly as fussy about it as we had anticipated.

Random Pics (1)

Just a few random pics over the last month.

I can't believe how much his features have changed in this short period of time. It is really amazing to see. He's slept five hours the last two nights and we're hoping this will last. We'll see how much longer it takes for him to sleep through the night.

Mateo is such a bundle of fun!!