Dear Jax.

Dear Jax -

You are 8 weeks old and are growing so fast. Every day it seems you can do something new. Recently you started smiling, and it's safe to say your mom and dad think this is the best skill ever. We do all sorts of ridiculous things to see that gummy smile.

Those muscles of yours are getting stronger. You can hold your head up pretty well, and can push up onto your forearms from your belly. When we hold you and touch your feet to the ground, you'll put weight on them like you want to stand. We're convinced you're going to start running around any day now.

You have changed so much since you were first born. You're awake most of the day now (and sometimes most of the night...) and you have a distinct cry for when you're hungry. You frequently "talk" to us and make adorable little cooing sounds instead of just crying. You really don't cry that often, but when you're really upset your lower lip quivers - just like it did when you were first born. It is adorable. You do have terrible sad cries when you're gassy, and little man, you are a gassy boy. I swear you are just as loud as your daddy when you pass gas and you often smile afterwards like you're proud of yourself (also like your daddy).

You have the most beautiful, soft skin and big dark blue eyes. We're curious to see if your eyes lighten or if they stay this dark blue. We expected you to be born with lots of dark hair, and you surprised us by having light brown locks that were a little sparse at the top. It's slowly growing in. You are also growing about 10 new eyelashes everyday - you're going to be a heartbreaker with those lashes.

Your eyesight is improving - you can focus on things around you, and love looking at lights. If a particularly bright light is nearby, your eyes get huge and you space out and stare at it. You're also getting very good at grabbing things. Mommy's hair and necklaces are popular choices, and a few times you got a good grip on dad's chest hair. I'm not sure I'll be wearing dangly earring for much longer either. The best part about your improved eyesight is that you'll lock eyes with your dad or I, and then break into a huge smile. We can tell that you recognize us. In the last week or so you've started to enjoy batting at your toys and can even spin a wheel on your little activity station.

Your dad is teaching you all about football. He found you your first Green Bay Packers onesie, and has had several talks with you about why you shouldn't be too sad about the recent losses because these are just preseason games. We've also been reading you lots of books before bedtime.

Since you were born we've had all sorts of discussions about the future. How many siblings you might like to have, where we should start a college fund for you and what types of family traditions and vacations we should start. We are also itching to move to a house with a yard and a garden and more space for you to play. I am already excited for your first Christmas.

Sleeping is not your forte. Mom's friends have babies who sleep for 6 or 7 hours at a time, but you don't snooze much longer than 2 or 3 hours at a time during the night. You also don't nap much, unless we're in the car. Mom is really hoping this will change sometime soon because baby, I am tired. You also love being held, and usually protest if we try to set you down. I know this stage won't last forever, so I'm trying to snuggle you lots while you're still small - which won't be for long. 

At 7 weeks old, you were almost 14 and a half pounds and you were exactly two feet long. You are fast outgrowing your clothes - you barely fit into 3 month outfits anymore, and you no longer need the "infant insert" in your car seat, Ergo or bathtub. Everyone comments on your chubby cheeks and your pudgy little legs. You are a growing boy!

Speaking of bath time...you like to tinkle in the tub. I'm sure it has to do with the temperature change, but it's kind of funny. You also have an uncanny ability to pee on mom immediately after your baths. These are going to be good stories to tell you as a high schooler.

Jax, we can't believe you've been here for two months already, it feels like just yesterday you were a tiny pink newborn and now you're an adorable little baby with opinions and bright eyes and a big personality. We are very in love with you, and feel so blessed to have you as our son. Love you.

XO,

Mama