Baby Talk

I know I keep saying it but I am amazed at how quickly Riley changes. Now just over 6 weeks old, this week he has started making very cute little noises and mimicking sounds as if trying to talk which is most amusing to watch. He is happiest early in the morning so I've had to adjust - previously I was not a morning person at all - but he makes starting each day a real treat! He really loves being in his new vibrating bouncer which Jackie recommended.

Making friends

Last week Jackie visited us in Canberra to spend a few days with Riley and I. She brought her gorgeous daughter Mae along too! Mae is 2 1/2 months older than Riley and the difference is astounding. I cant believe how fast babies grow and it is scarey to think in just that short amount of time Riley should be doing all the things Mae does - in the three days they spent here she went from rolling onto her side to rolling all the way over onto her tummy in the blink of an eye. Here is a photo of Mae and Riley to show the size difference - Mae at 14 weeks, Riley at 5 weeks. It was lovely having them stay with us and we enjoyed walks and outings to the shops together.

Rileys first movie

Here's a short video clip of Riley - his first time on film. This was taken last week when he was four weeks old. After initially screaming at every nappy change for the first two weeks, he now loves it and it has really become play time now! He loves to kick around, especially nappy-free, and the little laughing bee toy he got as a gift from Aunty Mel.

Smiley Riley

After a few attempts I finally caught Riley's smiles on camera. Grandad Jeff and I spent some time tickling him which produced lots of smiles and cute gurgles as evidenced in these pics. It makes all the hard times well worthwhile!

Changing every day

So what's new with me and Riley? Things have changed a lot since my last post when Riley was just a week old. I can't believe how fast the time is going by, my little boy is a month old on Saturday. The days seem to blend into one as we are busy getting to know eachother and with me working out what Riley needs from day to day. At three weeks things changed, apparently it is very common for newborns to 'wake up' from there sleepy state, becoming much more aware of their surroundings, and as a consequence become more unsettled. There have been some very tough moments, and sleepless nights, but on the whole he hasnt been too bad and Im learning to take his cues much earlier which makes for a much happier baby...and mummy! We have reached a few milestones of late...Riley has now smiled a few times (although Im nowhere near quick enough to catch them on camera, the pic above is as close as I have come) and makes a very cute cooing noise much to everyone's delight. He has also started sleeping longer with a record six hours between feeds a few times. This is great as we are both catching up on much needed sleep. I have been enjoying introducing him to friends and family and are still receiving so many wonderful gifts. See the latest album for some updated pics.

The Hoola Doula

Since I was pregnant, and since having Riley, lots of friends and family have heard lots about my hired help, my Doula. Or as Mike calls her 'The Hoola Doola'. Having a Doula, a birth assistant, was the best thing I could have done to help educate myself about pregnancy, labour and birth and have a calming presence by my side throughout the labour. So many people have asked me what Vickie looks like, here is a picture of her with Riley...a wonderful woman who helped bring my little boy into the world. I can highly recommend a doula so if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant check out her services http://www.confidentbirth.com.au/