Dear Zayde,
This week I learned how to pick up my head while lying on my tummy. I've been practicing this neat little trick for weeks, but only recently did my accomplishment warrant the applause of my parents. Since my second week I've been politely but firmly pushing myself slightly away from the chest of whoever is holding me, but that wasn't nearly as difficult as lifting my head directly off the ground. Gravity is a serious force, indeed! So far, I can get my head two or three inches up, making a 45 degree angle. (Apparently I know some geometry, too.) My neck muscles are about as strong as Mommy's abdominal muscles right now, so I can't keep my head at that height for very long, but I know this is just the first step in a long process. I look forward to something called "rolling over," as well as the grand adventure referred to as "sitting up." (Which is clearly different than spitting up, something I conquered weeks ago.)
I am also beginning to learn how to use my hands to swat at the brightly colored objects hanging over my play mat. One of them makes a delightful tinkling noise when punched. I have figured out that waving my arms around makes these objects move, but I feel that I haven't quite put together the whole process. Mommy says I'm working on "cause and effect." Little does she know that I'm also working on something in my diaper.
This is also the first week that I saw Mommy run. Well, run probably isn't quite the word I should use. It was something more like rapid lumbering. We were out on one of our lovely daily walks around the neighborhood. The sun was shining; the wind was gently caressing my plump but precious cheeks. We were strolling at a leisurely pace...and then Mommy got the strangest look in her eyes. The next thing I knew, we were hustling down the street. Mommy was breathing heavily and hitting the pavement with rhythmic thuds. There was some jiggling going on; I was most concerned for my lunch. I wasn't in the mood for a milkshake. If I knew how to laugh, I would have giggled all the way home. I hope Mommy tries this running thing again soon. It was the most entertaining thing I've seen since my naming ceremony when the rabbi got my whole family to sing.
On a more serious note, this week I learned that the doctor's office is an increasingly dangerous place. On the day I turned 9 weeks old, I knew something was amiss when both Mommy AND Daddy strapped me into my car seat and drove me to see my doctor. I was weighed and measured as usual and learned that I've gained 4 1/2 pounds and over two inches since birth. Thinking that perhaps this was the extent of the day's ordeal, I let down my guard. Then the nurse arrived with four syringes. I've blocked out the rest of the visit. It was just too traumatic. I advise you to be extremely wary of health care professionals in general; they simply cannot be trusted.
All this writing has made me sleepy. If you need me, I'll be in my rocker taking a much deserved nap.
Above the 50th percentile,
Zelda
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Week 8
Dear Zayde,
This week I learned how to be itchy. After surviving the tongue tie predicament and the epic battle with thrush, I thought I was out of the woods for a while. Apparently I was wrong. A few days ago, I woke up to find my delicate baby skin covered in tiny red bumps. Mommy was very concerned and took me (again) to that place with the people who poke and prod me after I am forced to lay naked upon a scale. The good news is that I've put on over four pounds since my stint in the maternity ward. The bad news is that I most likely have eczema, which means I am daily doused with thick moisturizing cream and not allowed to wear my adorable outfits if they're anything but 100% cotton. I know you said that knowledge is power, but now I understand that sometimes knowledge can be really uncomfortable. For instance, I'd rather that I didn't know what it's like to have eczema.
This week I also learned how to dress for cold weather. On a brisk and overcast morning, Mommy took me on a long walk around our neighborhood. It was cold enough that she was wearing long pants and a sweatshirt, and I was wearing a pink onesie, pink footed sweatpants, a pink cardigan, a pink fleece sleep sack, and a hot pink fuzzy hat with superfluous but adorable flaps on top that look like little cat ears. I learned that the cool air and all that warm clothing makes for the perfect napping scenario. I hope this weather lasts.
Most importantly, this week I learned how to scream so loud and so long that Mommy begins to wonder if the neighbors will call the police. I am now able to clench my fists, throw back my head, and yell with a piercing and/or howling sound so intense that my entire body shakes. Sometimes I have a good reason to make such a tremendous noise, like when I'm wet or hungry or tired or hot or cold or bored, but other times I'm just doing it to hear the glorious sound of my own voice. I am most proud of this new ability and hope to put it to good use as often as possible. The next time I see you, I'll be sure to show you my new trick.
Your growing granddaughter,
Zelly
This week I learned how to be itchy. After surviving the tongue tie predicament and the epic battle with thrush, I thought I was out of the woods for a while. Apparently I was wrong. A few days ago, I woke up to find my delicate baby skin covered in tiny red bumps. Mommy was very concerned and took me (again) to that place with the people who poke and prod me after I am forced to lay naked upon a scale. The good news is that I've put on over four pounds since my stint in the maternity ward. The bad news is that I most likely have eczema, which means I am daily doused with thick moisturizing cream and not allowed to wear my adorable outfits if they're anything but 100% cotton. I know you said that knowledge is power, but now I understand that sometimes knowledge can be really uncomfortable. For instance, I'd rather that I didn't know what it's like to have eczema.
This week I also learned how to dress for cold weather. On a brisk and overcast morning, Mommy took me on a long walk around our neighborhood. It was cold enough that she was wearing long pants and a sweatshirt, and I was wearing a pink onesie, pink footed sweatpants, a pink cardigan, a pink fleece sleep sack, and a hot pink fuzzy hat with superfluous but adorable flaps on top that look like little cat ears. I learned that the cool air and all that warm clothing makes for the perfect napping scenario. I hope this weather lasts.
Most importantly, this week I learned how to scream so loud and so long that Mommy begins to wonder if the neighbors will call the police. I am now able to clench my fists, throw back my head, and yell with a piercing and/or howling sound so intense that my entire body shakes. Sometimes I have a good reason to make such a tremendous noise, like when I'm wet or hungry or tired or hot or cold or bored, but other times I'm just doing it to hear the glorious sound of my own voice. I am most proud of this new ability and hope to put it to good use as often as possible. The next time I see you, I'll be sure to show you my new trick.
Your growing granddaughter,
Zelly
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Week 7
Dear Zayde,
This week I learned how to live out of a suitcase. (I'll get back to that in a minute.)
First, I learned that we have a machine in our house that keeps the inside cool even when it's sweltering outside. That machine is called an air conditioner, not to be confused with a hair conditioner, which is what Mommy uses to keep her tresses silky smooth. The air conditioner in our house had a little problem and leaked, just like I do when I've had too much milk. (I can leak from either end, but I think the air conditioner only leaks downward.) Daddy realized the leak had occurred one night when he was walking me up and down the hallway to help me remove a certain pesky gas bubble. He stepped on one of the floor boards, and it squished. He thought he was so sleep deprived that he was hallucinating, so he called over Mommy, who confirmed the squish and then said some words I really don't think I'm supposed to say. Ever.
The next thing I knew, there were giant fans everywhere, and our floors were missing. That's when Mommy packed my clothes (and my boppy, my rocker, my stroller, my burp cloths, my blankets, my diapers, my wipes...you get the idea), and we headed slightly south to Savtah's house. I learned that morning that my "stuff" can fill up Mommy's entire car, and we didn't even bring my swing, bassinet, crib, changing table...you get the idea.
For two nights and three days, Mommy and I slept in the room where Daddy grew up. (Because there was only a small bed for Mommy, Daddy had to sleep in his brothers' old room next door.) Daddy's room still has some of his stuffed animals and model airplanes, which Mommy thinks is hilarious. I got to see baby pictures of Daddy (he was quite the chunky monkey) and his high school yearbook (he had shoulder-length hair and was really skinny). This week I learned that my Daddy was kind of a nerd growing up, which Mommy says is an excellent trait to have in a Daddy and a husband (whatever that is). Mommy said she was a nerd, too, and that I probably will be. I'm hoping this has something to do with getting more milk.
It was nice to see my uncle and to be held by my Savtah late at night, but when the fans were finally removed from our house, it was wonderful to return to my own home. I guess that's what I learned better than anything else this week: there's no place like home. Mommy says you take your home with you wherever you go, and I think that's brilliant. Maybe I will get to do that someday, too.
Back home and sweet,
Zelda
This week I learned how to live out of a suitcase. (I'll get back to that in a minute.)
First, I learned that we have a machine in our house that keeps the inside cool even when it's sweltering outside. That machine is called an air conditioner, not to be confused with a hair conditioner, which is what Mommy uses to keep her tresses silky smooth. The air conditioner in our house had a little problem and leaked, just like I do when I've had too much milk. (I can leak from either end, but I think the air conditioner only leaks downward.) Daddy realized the leak had occurred one night when he was walking me up and down the hallway to help me remove a certain pesky gas bubble. He stepped on one of the floor boards, and it squished. He thought he was so sleep deprived that he was hallucinating, so he called over Mommy, who confirmed the squish and then said some words I really don't think I'm supposed to say. Ever.
The next thing I knew, there were giant fans everywhere, and our floors were missing. That's when Mommy packed my clothes (and my boppy, my rocker, my stroller, my burp cloths, my blankets, my diapers, my wipes...you get the idea), and we headed slightly south to Savtah's house. I learned that morning that my "stuff" can fill up Mommy's entire car, and we didn't even bring my swing, bassinet, crib, changing table...you get the idea.
For two nights and three days, Mommy and I slept in the room where Daddy grew up. (Because there was only a small bed for Mommy, Daddy had to sleep in his brothers' old room next door.) Daddy's room still has some of his stuffed animals and model airplanes, which Mommy thinks is hilarious. I got to see baby pictures of Daddy (he was quite the chunky monkey) and his high school yearbook (he had shoulder-length hair and was really skinny). This week I learned that my Daddy was kind of a nerd growing up, which Mommy says is an excellent trait to have in a Daddy and a husband (whatever that is). Mommy said she was a nerd, too, and that I probably will be. I'm hoping this has something to do with getting more milk.
It was nice to see my uncle and to be held by my Savtah late at night, but when the fans were finally removed from our house, it was wonderful to return to my own home. I guess that's what I learned better than anything else this week: there's no place like home. Mommy says you take your home with you wherever you go, and I think that's brilliant. Maybe I will get to do that someday, too.
Back home and sweet,
Zelda
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Week 6
Dear Zayde,
As you've already observed, this week I learned that I like highways, boats, and parties.
Highways are long, wide roads filled with lots of cars that are probably also bringing babies to their grandparents. Daddy drove really fast on the highway, which allowed for a thrilling ride for those of us in the back seat. The world flew by from my vantage; it was a green and blue blur of excitement.
Boats are floating houses full of loud cousins and grown-ups who want to pass me around and tell me I'm beautiful. What could be better? I enjoyed a meal in something called a pilot house, which must be where the pilot lives. We had a wonderful view of the bay and other boats. Mommy said that these boats can travel from one port to another and that I rode on a boat before I was born. I look forward to experiencing that particular thrill here on the outside so I can actually see what's happening.
Parties are boisterous gatherings of family and friends. People eat food (not milk!) and drink beverages that seem to make them even louder and happier than usual. Best of all, parties offer me the opportunity to be the center of attention for an entire room full of people and not just my parents. The whole ordeal makes me sleepy, but it's a joyous slumber. I slept so well and so long that when I woke up, it was a new year. Mommy says it's 2013 now, which doesn't mean much to someone who's only 6 weeks old.
Daddy pointed out that the last two weeks have been particularly special because I was held by all of my grandparents - you, Bubbi, Grandma, Savtah, and Saba. I can say with all certainty that I thoroughly enjoyed being in the arms of each of you, but I must admit a preference for Bubbi, Grandma, and Savtah, all of whom have wonderfully ample bosoms.
I'm going through a "growth spurt" this week, so I need to get back to eating and sleeping. I've gained almost three pounds since the day I was born, but I have big plans for even more growing in the coming months. It's hard work, but someone has to do it.
Your favorite baby,
Zelda
As you've already observed, this week I learned that I like highways, boats, and parties.
Highways are long, wide roads filled with lots of cars that are probably also bringing babies to their grandparents. Daddy drove really fast on the highway, which allowed for a thrilling ride for those of us in the back seat. The world flew by from my vantage; it was a green and blue blur of excitement.
Boats are floating houses full of loud cousins and grown-ups who want to pass me around and tell me I'm beautiful. What could be better? I enjoyed a meal in something called a pilot house, which must be where the pilot lives. We had a wonderful view of the bay and other boats. Mommy said that these boats can travel from one port to another and that I rode on a boat before I was born. I look forward to experiencing that particular thrill here on the outside so I can actually see what's happening.
Parties are boisterous gatherings of family and friends. People eat food (not milk!) and drink beverages that seem to make them even louder and happier than usual. Best of all, parties offer me the opportunity to be the center of attention for an entire room full of people and not just my parents. The whole ordeal makes me sleepy, but it's a joyous slumber. I slept so well and so long that when I woke up, it was a new year. Mommy says it's 2013 now, which doesn't mean much to someone who's only 6 weeks old.
Daddy pointed out that the last two weeks have been particularly special because I was held by all of my grandparents - you, Bubbi, Grandma, Savtah, and Saba. I can say with all certainty that I thoroughly enjoyed being in the arms of each of you, but I must admit a preference for Bubbi, Grandma, and Savtah, all of whom have wonderfully ample bosoms.
I'm going through a "growth spurt" this week, so I need to get back to eating and sleeping. I've gained almost three pounds since the day I was born, but I have big plans for even more growing in the coming months. It's hard work, but someone has to do it.
Your favorite baby,
Zelda
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