Peach Picking and Updates

I know that I’ve neglected posting anything for an entire week, even though I’ve had plenty to post. Unfortunately, Tate has taken up most of my days – who would’ve guessed that the many feedings, diaper changes, and just general attention would take up so much of my time? Fortunately, Ed has been really helpful (ie taking Tate when he’s fussy and helping around the house because I have no energy whatsoever to clean or do the dishes).

Last Thursday, Tate received his graduation gift from Ed’s parents. It’s a small Harvard rocker that he can sit in – kind of like Daddy’s West Point chair. It’s so cute and I hope that Tate and Daddy will be able to spend lots of reading time in each other’s respective chairs. There’s nothing like bonding over a good bookJ

Saturday, Ed and I took Tate on his first adventure outside. We decided to take him peach picking in Delaplane, Virginia. We were able to put him in our front carrier even though he’s not supposed to fit into the front carrier until he’s ten pounds. Don’t worry, his neck was supported and Ed kept a good eye on him to make sure that everything was okay. We also coated his little arms and legs with sunscreen and he wore a hat for more sun protection. I definitely don’t want him to have any skin issues so early in life (I remember a time when some of my friends used to use tanning accelerants and there were times I didn’t use sunscreen at all – I know…that wasn’t the smartest thing to do). Peach picking was a ton of fun. We went early in the morning so that we could avoid the 90 degree day (even though at 9AM in the morning it was well over 80 degrees). We were able to pick about 22 pounds of peaches. I know that sounds like a lot, but it was only two small bags.

As for Tate, he seems to be progressing well. These past two days, he has been a ferocious eater (I think that he's getting a double chin and his cheeks are so chubby now!). I’m hoping that it’s another growth spurt (it’s my understanding that babies have a growth spurt at around three weeks). If he’s having a growth spurt, Ed will be happy to hear it – Ed doesn’t want Tate to be small like my family. He’s concerned that Tate will be shorter than 5’10’’. So…if he keeps having growth spurts, then Ed will be pleased.

Lately, Tate has started smiling more. I’m not sure if he’s able to associate smiling with an emotion yet. He’s also started staring at Ed and I more. I think that his vision is starting to mature. Even though his eyesight is getting better, I’m afraid that he’ll be destined to wear glasses/contacts. Ed and I both wear glasses/contacts. So…we will need to invest in corrective lenses for Tate at some point. Talking about his senses – Tate had his hearing test last week. He passed the test with flying colors.

Also, Ed has been busy putting together Tate's room. We have decided to go with an Alaska themed room. We purchased stuffed animal heads, which are adorable and Ed put together a toy plane (even though as times, I think that the plane may be more for Ed's benefit than Tate's, but I'll play along with his story -- haha!). I've included a couple of pictures -- don't worry we're not done yet. We also purchased some pieces of art from Nathalie Parenteau. Once we frame the pictures, we'll put them in Tate's room and post them on the blog.

On a non-Tate note, the cats seem to be doing okay. I think that Whiskers is getting a little jealous. As I was writing this blog, she tried to lie on my right arm and begged for attention in her own little way. She only seems to come around the baby when he’s asleep – yeah, I know, Whiskers isn’t the bravest cat alive. Tiger on the other hand, seems to be getting along just fine. He’ll actually come around when the baby is awake as well as when he’s asleep. They do, however, agree upon not coming around the baby when he’s throwing a fit/is in a crying rage. Go figure!