Mush

This morning as Milo and Daddy were about ready to head out the door, I asked Milo for a hug. I didn't actual expect him to comply, as he typically says "no" or ignores me altogether. But not today. Today he promptly came over and practically attacked me with a great big hug.

And then? Milo said, "I love you." Completely unprompted. That was the first time he straight up told me he loved me. I hugged him so tight and told him that I loved him. And then he was on his way out the door, leaving me smiling in his wake.

Happy early Mother's Day to me.

All Smiles

There is nothing in the world like a smiling baby. And with those dimples, my Olive is about the most adorable baby in the world.

Two-Month Stats

Milo had his two-month check-up yesterday. Here's how he measured up:

• Weight: 12 lbs., 1 oz. (60th percentile)
• Length: 24 in. (80th percentile)
• Head Circumference: 16 in. (75th percentile)

At two months, Milo is getting more hair. It might be brown. Or reddish brown. Maybe.

At two months, Milo smiles. He especially likes it when you tickle his lips with a burp cloth and when you use silly voices, but sometimes he smiles for no reason at all. He also likes being bounced up and down (while facing you, holding him under his arms—if those variables change, then not so much).

At two months, Milo tolerates bathtime and sometimes even enjoys it.

At two months, Milo has outgrown all his newborn-size clothing, due to his healthy appetite. I think he eats about five or five and a half ounces per sitting.

At two months, Milo fights falling asleep sometimes, but is often soothed with swaddling, a pacifier, and white noise. Swaying and a steady pat on the back also helps.

At two months, Milo makes more and more sounds. He still squeaks when he eats. A couple weeks ago I thought I'd feed him in the cafe at a Barnes & Noble, but it was so quiet in there, it felt like a library. I chickened out because I just knew Milo's squeaking would attract attention. Nursing in public is just not my favorite thing to do, and the less attention I get the better.

At two months, Milo drools and makes little spit bubbles all the time (except when he's sleeping).

At two months, Andrew and I are occasionally exhausted. We're very ready for this boy to sleep through the night.

At two months, Milo is not ready to sleep through the night, but sometimes only needs to get up once. He has gone as long as nine hours after his last feeding before bedtime. Unfortunately, that feeding was around 6:30pm, so it didn't equal sleeping through the night. We're working on getting him on a more regular schedule.

At two months, Milo favors his right side. He moves his right arm more than the left, and he prefers to look to the right.

At two months, Milo loves to suck on his hands (especially his right hand). Sometimes little bits of fuzz get stuck to the skin between his fingers because they're so damp.

At two months, Milo loves to be outside, and he really enjoys going for walks in the stroller.

At two months, Milo often clenches his fists in tiny balls and looks like he's about to punch someone.

At two months, I sometimes want to punch someone, and that someone is Gary, our cat. She's a real pain. I think she might be just a tad bit jealous of the baby. Sometimes she tries to lay down on him. I do not approve.

At two months, I have started exercising regularly, which feels really good. Twice a week sessions with a trainer, once a week yoga.

At two months, in spite of the exercise, my pre-pregnancy clothes still don't fit.

Because You're Never Fully Dressed...

I did it.

I caught some of Milo's very first smiles on camera.

Couldn't you just eat him up?

Seriously. This much cute should be illegal.

I've been reduced to a big pile of mush.

Milo smiled at me! His first real smile!

It happened on Wednesday. He had been dozing in his swing, but it was time for me to change his diaper and get him ready to go (we had a big lunch date with my dear friend Melynda). So I unsnapped his safety harness and scooped my sleeping baby up. As I did, he opened his eyes, looked right at me, and gave me a big, toothless grin.

And 30 seconds later he frowned and briefly even considered crying.

But I know what I saw, and I saw a little boy who recognized his momma and was happy to see her. And a little piece of my heart just melted away.