UPDATE: I forgot to add. Alex now weighs 10lb 14oz and measures 22 1/2 inches long! today our little guy turned 8 weeks old. in many ways it's gone by incredibly fast and at the same time has taken forever. dina and i often remark how we can't believe it's already been, however long it's been.
but the changes in Alexander from when he was born to now are stunning. he's full of personality and interactive - giggling, cooing and beginning to track you with his eyes - well mostly mom, but he knows who i am (i think he's already planning...). it's this interactivity that's really changed his relationship with us and me especially. i've told a number of people that it's a bit hard for a dad to immediately bond with your baby. the whole miracle of life is amazing and holding your new child is amazing, but until he starts to recognize you and responds to your voice, he really doesn't care that much about you. now, if dad had breasts with milk (greg focker's assertions not withstanding) then that'd be different. but watching his face change because he recognizes your voice and face - that's something special.
he's outgrown all of his newborn clothes and fits comfortably in his next size - the infant version of 'husky' i figure - 0-3 months. although. we do have a sleeping outfit that fits 0-9 months - ok it's more of a baby bag with arms right now for him. and we're getting into the next layer of baby toys and accoutrements that are banned until he starts to assert his, for lack of a better phrase, human-ness.
so, to mark his 8 weeks we thought it best to ensure he visits the doctor for his first round of vaccinations and his regular checkup. the perfect gift for the baby who has everything!
the boy has been a champ at this doctor thing. in the hospital he barely fused through all his procedures - crying the most upon being delivered. when he received his very first vaccination he cried after the needle was removed. and through all his being handled and prodded, massaged and touched by doctors, he has never really freaked out. thankfully. today though, he was receiving three shots and an oral vaccination and figuring we were in for a good cry, i had the camera ready.
alexander while waiting for the nurse to 'assault' him
and the result (you'll notice a little red spot on his leg - he received a very colorful round band-aid to cover it up which i'm not looking forward to removing). the nurse though was so fast - i turned around to get dina a toy and she was nearly done - it was all i could do to snap a these two images.
and that was basically it. he quieted down almost immediately, whimpering a little and that was it. the kid's a trooper and made it a lot easier for his parents. he had a rough afternoon - we figure his legs were sore, and fussed a bit. but he's back baby! he's back!
these last 8 weeks have been amazing - and everyone says it only gets better from here. but i can honestly say they've been some of the most awesome, wonderful, tiring days either of us have ever experienced and we're looking forward to many, many more.
and if you haven't met Alex yet, he's looking forward to meeting you soon. but if not, he hopes you'll continue to check in here, now and again.