Birthdays and Milestones

Today, TJ is two months old. But bigger news yet, his sister, Samantha turned 10 today. Yep, double digits. What a contrast in age. Rich and I were talking last night about how much happens between 2 months and 120 months of life. So much to be proud of with Samantha and so much to look forward to with TJ. Life and growing up is truly an amazing process.

I can say that because in the past two months TJ continues to amaze me with his growth and development. Just the other day Rich and I realized just how long he has gotten in the past few days. By long we mean thin and tall, I guess. His legs stretched overnight. He is going to be one tall dude. Maybe even a basketball player!? His face is filling out, his smiles are getting better and more consistent and he even uttered his first "oooooh" on Sunday.

I am enjoying this time with my son. I am enjoying getting to know him and watching him change and grow right under my eyes. Yes, he has got months and months to go to reach the 120 month milestone. So instead we will just marvel and Samantha's growth and development as a 10 year old and make sure to celebrate her accomplishments too. Right now she is at summer camp learning how to sail, kayak and even water ski. We have loved getting her letters home that tell of her progress and all the fun that she is having at camp. In her letters we see that her spelling and penmanship is getting better. We will see Samantha in a few days when we pick her up from camp. I do not think we will notice that her legs have stretched like TJ's but I do know that we will discover some amazing changes in Samantha as well.

I guess it never stops. Happy Birthday, Sam!

Bait

TJ is eight weeks old today.

He is smiling more, although still more for daddy than for mommy. We are working on nap patterns to get him down for longer than 30 minutes during the day. As Lisa said, we are still learning about one another. I must say this - he is one handsome baby! I think he could be a baby model. When he smiles or frowns each is worthy of some kind of diaper ad.

Last weekend the three of us went to Syracuse just to get out, stay cool, and look for a baby jogger. We wound up at the mall where I discovered an amazing thing. My little boy made women stop what they are doing and run over to see him. For example, Lisa went into Macy's for makeup and I had TJ. Suddenly I am surrounded by all of the "modelesque" women from the perfume/makeup department. The women are cooing and squeezing his little toes. They absolutely melted. I've never been surrounded by this many women in my life - and since TJ can't talk they are all talking to me. "Why of course he's cute - look at his dad." Giggles and smiles. All this to the bemusement of Lisa who is no more than 15 feet away.

I have heard of this working working with taking puppies to the park. No one told me about womens' responses to babies. Cool!

Next stop - Victoria Secret.