Changes...

Today, David is 3 weeks old and changing by the minute. I simply cannot believe how fast the days seem to go by and how happy I manage to be despite having achieved no more than 3 straight hours of sleep at a time since the little man was born. I wish that I could make time stand still so I could continue to enjoy these leisurely days with him until I've had my fill. Since that's not likely to happen, I guess I'll continue to make the most of the time while I can.

Mom came down from Lafayette today to accompany David and me on our first official outing (doctor visits prior did not count). The weather was gorgeous, sunny and warm, and the three of us had an incredibly enjoyable and relaxing time. We ate at Paradise bakery, picked up a few cute bargains at Children's Place, and enjoyed strolling shop to shop aimlessly. Yes, our additional cargo made the excursion a bit more challenging, but the extra effort was worth it. After our experience today, I feel confident enough to venture out on my own soon, which I plan on doing Friday. Watch out world, here we come!

Now that I have adapted to the sleep deprivation, the hormone lability, and the feelings of inadequacy typical of a first-time mom, I am less self-absorbed and more free to observe and appreciate David's daily changes. I love how his little gaze follows me as I move about the room. He adores the wooden mobile above his changing table, a find I made at an antique store years ago, long before he was even on the radar. (I am so delighted that something I put up for my own aesthetic reasons has given him such practical enjoyment.) His growing strength amazes me; he already packs a powerful kick. And those adorable swaddling blankets that wrapped him so easily and completely just a few short weeks ago are now way too tiny to do the job. He busts out of them easily with a few enthusiastic wiggles.

David's latest discovery is his Baby Einstein activity gym, a shower gift from Eva and Mike. He loves staring at the colorful toys and watching the flashing lights of the attached music box. It is so fun to see him absorbed in the sights and sounds of his surroundings, of which he takes more of an interest in every day. I knew he was cute, but the pictures below of him hanging out on his little play mat really prove the point.

Happy day to you all!