Cuddling with Debra

Debra came to visit from Philadelphia this weekend, and Lucy determined that she had an awfully nice shoulder to snuggle on. Here they are bonding on the couch yesterday...

A Bubbly Smile

I was trying to catch Lucy's bubble-blowing practice to share (she's all about it today), and got this photo.

Only to be rewarded with this fabulous smile! Forget the bubbles...

A Tummy Time Pro

I've talked to a lot of parents at Explo who claim their child is the best, brightest, nicest, most talented, etc., and I am really trying to be a realist about the gifts of my own child now that I'm a mom. On the other hand, if Elliot and I don't sing her praises, who will? (OK, I can think of a few of you who would...)

So, it is with great pride that I announce that Lucy is a tummy time pro. She had her two-month doctor's appointment yesterday, and Dr. James declared that Lucy has the neck and arm strength of a three- or four-month-old. In fact, she can lift up high enough that if she leaned a bit, she could roll over. Yikes! Here she is showing off her skills.

And giving me a smile while she rests between sets.


In other news, Lucy is now 12.5 pounds and 23.5 inches long - 90th percentile for both weight and height. She's graduated into 3-6 month clothing, the lucky thing.

An Evolving Face

Lucy's face sure is changing a lot these days, and I thought many of you would like more of a close-up than you've gotten in a couple of weeks.

Doesn't she look calm? Most of the time, she is, with occasional, (usually) short-lived, flare-ups of fussiness when we don't anticipate how hungry she is, how dirty her diaper is, how gassy she is, or (quite often) how much she just wants to be held by us. When all she wants is a little human contact, she'll fall asleep, mouth open after just a few minutes of being held and bounced.

In other news, we've had lots of gorgeous weather in Boston lately, so Lucy has been getting outside most days. Elliot and I took her on a walk through nearby Danehy Park this afternoon - when Lucy's Uncle Henry starts playing frisbee games there again this spring, we're planning to walk over and cheer him on.

First Passover Seder

Lucy had her first seder last night. It had its highs and lows for her - she wasn't quite ready to ask the four questions herself, so her Aunt Melissa did the honors for one more year with a promise to show Lucy the ropes when she's ready. And rather than tasting bitter herbs, Lucy experienced the tears of slavery (or being a baby) more literally.

In the end, though, she found freedom (aka sleep)... at least for a little while.

Last Mom's Group Class

Today was our sixth and final mom's group class. It's hard to believe so much time has passed, though it's also exciting to think of how much Lucy has changed since we first met all the other moms and babies. Two of the moms couldn't make it today, but here's a photo of most of us and our little ones.

Back to the Gym

Having warmed up with yoga and walks for several weeks, I've now started going back to some of my pre-pregnancy classes at the gym. Healthworks has a nursery so that Lucy can be looked after while I work out, and today was Lucy's second visit. The first time was a breeze - she slept the whole time. This trip was a bit less successful. All in all, I did manage to attend most of a spinning class and even shower afterwards. But, just as I was finishing getting dressed and packing up my things, there was an intercom throughout the gym: [Lucy wailing in the background] "Attention, mothers. Could baby Lucy's mother please come to the nursery? Baby Lucy's mother, please come to the nursery." Lucy had woken up and was hungry... I was actually quite appreciative of her having waited for me to get out of the shower.

No picture of me dashing through the lobby in bare feet to claim my daughter, unfortunately. I'll work on that for next time.

A Nice Cuddle

It's been a busy day today! Following a brief spell at home after our walk this morning, Lucy and I headed out to Wellesley to visit Granny B in her new nursing home. It was a lovely visit (Lucy is always a hit with the elder crowd), and Lucy and her Great-Granny B even had a nice cuddle in bed together. It seems that Lucy is not too picky about who she snuggles with.

Walking on the Bike Trail

Lucy and I went for a walk on the bike trail this morning with three other moms and their babies. It was great to get some outdoor exercise and be able to chat with some adults! Here's Lucy in a park at the halfway point (aka the feeding spot for all four hungry babies). From left to right are Chloe, Ben, Elle, and Lucy. Yes, Lucy's the one baby who's wailing...

The Good Life

Lucy is spending a lot of time snuggling with her parents in the Baby Bjorn these days. Here's a typical view from our perspective when she's in there.

Smiling!

Lucy spent almost all of her awake time today smiling! When Elliot went to get her out of her crib this morning, she greeted him with a gummy smile instead of the standard "I'm awake?!" grimace. Here's a beautiful photo that Jacy snapped of her (and the beginning of her smile) this afternoon.

A New Friend

Lucy has a new toy, and, by extension, a new friend: a mirror! She has a lot of fun cooing in her crib while she listens to her mobile and smiles at herself in the mirror.