The Latest

Jalen is growing and changing so fast! I'm going to have to start putting away some of his clothes already that he has grown out of. No more newborns :( Just in the past few days his personality has changed noticeably. He is smiling so much more now! It is heart-melting. He is such a good little boy. Of course, it may be that I've had two good nights of sleep in a row that makes me say that! We started a bath, story, feed, bed routine on Thursday night and it seems to be going well. It also helps that I made myself quit nursing him in front of the tv and falling asleep on the couch. Our couch is unbelievably comfy in the middle of the night, but you just don't get the quality sleep you get from being in bed. (a separate bed from the baby) We are trying desperately to get these gummy grins on video, but being his father's son, when the camera is out he stops smiling!

PawPaw Mike came to visit Jalen earlier this week and J enjoyed his time with him. They matched in their Fighting Illini gear. Then we spent a couple days father-less as Daddy had to go up to Indy for a training session. Not sure that J noticed, but Mace sure did. He watches for Dad to get home every night out the kitchen window.

Jalen wants to thank everyone for the mail he has been getting. He got a Valentine's card from D-Dad & Doris and from Aunt B, and a St. Patrick's Day card and two onesies from Uncle Phil & Aunt April. He goes to his 2 month check-up on March 13th, and I can't wait to see how big he is. A few weeks ago, we took J for some one month pictures with the photographer who did my maternity photos. We are waiting to get those pictures, and I'll post them as soon as I do. For those in Knoxville, this is Derek Wilson http://www.wilsonphotograph.com/

Our computer is on the fritz, so I'm not uploading any new pictures right now, but I will post some new-to-you pictures. One of these days I will post a video, but I'm too afraid of crashing the computer right now.

First trip to McLeansboro

As most of you who read this know, Jalen made his first trip back home to McLeansboro to visit family and friends, so I won't spend much time writing about that. He did a great job traveling - put him in his carseat and start driving and it's like Nyquil for the little guy. (For now, I'm sure that will change!) He attended his first Foxes basketball game and spent all weekend with grandmas, grandpas and cousins. On the ride home, some crazy cop pulled us over, and without elaborating on that, we told Jalen to yell at him...AND HE DID! The whole time we were stopped he screamed bloody murder, and when we took off again he went back to sleep. Now you could say he wanted us to put the car back in gear and take off again, but I choose to think he likes to obey his parents' wishes. What a good little boy.

Jalen is 6 weeks old today and weighs a hefty 12 lbs 4 oz. I know this because on our trip to IL he caught a cold, and being new, cautious parents we took him to the doctor. (We now all have it.) I can tell he's gotten a lot bigger in 6 weeks, and is getting stronger. He likes to be carried around the house to look at things. Mostly ceiling fans and lights, but also the bathroom mirror and whatever's on the counter. I'm thinking (hoping) that he is in his 6 week growth spurt. He is up at seemingly all hours of the night this week. He could have gotten his routine messed up from the trip home, but I think that would be ironed out by now. I just hope he starts sleeping longer in a few days because Mommy is getting a little koo-koo. Thank goodness for weekends and Daddy.

I tried a new setup with J's bathtub that he seemed to like. He sits up more than reclines and sits deeper in the water which keeps him warmer. He started kicking his legs and splashing and I'm sure will be destroying the bathroom in no time now.