His first "laugh"

Yesterday I made a quick stop by Grandma's for a visit. During the visit I think Grandma taught Xander how to laugh! :-) She was playing with him and he gave a pretty good sustained "talk and squeal." Which seemed to be a collection of the sounds he has been making.




Today at the end of one of my meetings I was about ready to go and I looked down at him and he had a funny grin on his face. I asked him what was so funny and he started to "laugh." I couldn't believe it! It was something he had never done before. A sustained sound of laughter. It was adorable. I realized that what I saw yesterday at Grandma's was the beginning of a new phase for the little guy. Oh it was so cute. (The quality on this one might not be as great due to its loss on my cell phone and then hours upon hours of using recovery programs to finally get it back. I'm thrilled with the results)

2 months old

I hope my posts become more frequent than monthly but for now these will have to suffice. On Saturday Xander turned 2 months old! What a journey this has been and an exciting adventure to have. The joy of his 1 month birthday, smiling and laughing, has increased ten-fold. His smiles and laughs are now predictable and invokable. He smiles when he sees me or Brandon nearly every time now. What a joy that is!

So what is new this month?



He is now beginning to enjoy baths (somewhat) - which is a nice treat. Although he is still a little weirded out by the experience. Warming the water a bit more and adding to the depth (covering more of his cute nakedness) seems to do the trick (thanks for the advice, fam!). He can entertain himself for periods of time playing on his floor gym, or in his bassinet just having a great time all by himself.



This has been great for freeing up some time to clean bottles, do dishes, switch laundry, or work bits on the numerous little house projects we still have to do. He is SO aware - it is so much fun to see his growing interest in the world around him. I hope he gets a little more aware of/capable with his hands this month so toys will become a tool of engagement.

One of our favorite activities we have discovered is reading! When I first read that reading to the little guy at this young age is important I said, "I can't even hold up his head...what is the point in reading to him?" I quickly learned how wrong I was. Laying next to him on the bed or propping him up on my lap is a great way to read to him - and he LOVES it. He'll laugh, coo, stretch and smile at the book. His favorite book is Hooray for Diffindoofer Day by Dr. Seuss. I think the bright colors and rhythmic nature of the book helps. :-) What a fine time that is with my little guy. Grandma also gave us a few good ones like A Fly Flew By - which I like. :-)



Poor guy still has to get dragged to ALL my meetings and events. The entirety of the Democratic community in Salt Lake County knows him and loves him. We have received so many gifts, congratulations, and well wishes. What a loving and generous place we live. The great thing is there are always a million people wanting to hold him and give me a break! Such a young guy to be hanging out with County Councilmen and candidates for public office!


Right on his birthday we had a great event at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was a BBQ shower to introduce Xander to all the family who hadn't seen the little guy yet. Most notably among those, the Roarks who missed his birth this summer by just a few days! It was so nice of them to drive 12 hours to come and see him. He loves his cousin Tanner, Kali, and Kaden and his Aunt Mim and Uncle Kev. We also had the pleasure of his Poppi coming out to stay with us. Thanks to Grandma for hosting the event with endless help from Amy, Kim, and Chelsea to make it a great evening. LOVE YOU ALL. It was also so great to introduce the little guy to his extended family.




Sad news for the month is that he had his first round of vaccinations at the Dr.'s office on Monday. Poor little guy. However, he handled it very well and seems to have no ill effects.



Finally, a historical note (yes, I am an advocate of the "a" historical vs the "an" historical) - four days before Xander was born 33 miners were trapped in a mine in Chile and 4 days after his 2 month b-day they were rescued. Kind of brings an interesting perspective and historical intrigue to the first couple months of the little guys life.



nicknames of note for this month: boobie, z-bub, dude, bubby, baby