7 week update

Levi is now 7 weeks old and around 14 lbs, he's growing up so fast! He's trying now to reach out and touch, he's reached out for both Eric and I. I've also seen him reach or try to reach for a book I was showing him about colors, he reached for multicolored bird. His legs are starting to not be so scrunched up to his body, womb-style but he still does it a little.

We left the kids on Sat night so we could go out to dinner just the two of us. I think Levi was excited about being with the grandparents even though he was tired he'd only catnap so he could be part of the action. It's interesting that with my first leaving the baby was such a big deal I was so nervous about but now I just don't feel that, I was mostly worried Kaylee might hurt him - she can climb atop him trying to hold and hug and needs to be watched carefully and policed away from him. Another thing that helps is that he's been taking a bottle no problem, he's been doing it about 3 weeks when I am not around. This allows me to run an errand, go out with just 1 child or get some shuteye at night. I love it. Of course the main (95%) way of feeding him is still breastfeeding. It's so fulfilling for us both, so convenient but as any mom knows who's tried public breastfeeding is still slightly uncomfortable. I think the main thing to do is to find a private corner if possible. However, I believe public policy on this has helped but could still improve, I think design-wise especially in spaces where kids are welcomed, an environment more friendly to breastfeeding could be better pursued. Also I think it should be required that restaurants and stores have baby changing stations in the bathroom, female and male. I have recently come across so many restrooms without one, and as a parent or caregiver it leaves you in quite the awkward predicament. Eric tells me it's real hit or miss for men, he estimated that only 30% of restrooms for men have them.

I have been starting to feel like I can handle picking kaylee up earlier from daycare. I wanted to spend some of my maternity leave with her too so it feels good to be able to squeeze in a trip to the park with her or set up a play date for her.

Kaylee is now able to draw a couple of shapes and draws lines saying they are people. She also draws horizontal squiggling lines, which my mother in law, whose a teacher, says is pretend writing.