Joseph Stephen - One Month Old

My step-sister Jodi McCauley has two adorable little girls and for the first year of their lives she takes monthly photographs of her daughters and writes them a letter. I think this is such a wonderful way to document milestones and provide a keepsake for children to read in the future. I plan to use Jodi's idea and write letters to Joseph each month. I only wish I came across this idea earlier so I could have written letters to each of the boys!

Dear Joseph,

It is difficult to believe that one month has already gone by since you came into our lives. Time flies by too quickly and I wish it would slow down! During the past month, we have settled into a new "normal" at our house. The transition to having a newborn again has been easy because you are such a good baby. We have been blessed with good babies, and you are no exception. You rarely cry; instead, you constantly look around and take in your surroundings. I am amazed at how alert you are. It seems as if you are always trying to look at someone or something - lights and ceiling fans always catch your eye. Speaking of eyes, you have the most beautiful, dark blue eyes. I could just stare into them all day! You are also very strong and will raise your head and push yourself up with your arms when being held on my shoulder to look at your brothers. 

During the past month, you have settled into regular sleeping and eating patterns. It is common for you to sleep for two or three hours at at time. Usually in the evening you begin sleeping in the bassinet. When you wake up in the night to eat, you and I move to the recliner and usually we both fall asleep until morning. Although it is not the most comfortable place to sleep, I love the time you and I have together during the night. When you were born, you would eat about two ounces of formula every two or three hours. You have gradually worked up to eating three to five ounces at each feeding. As a result, you have grown to a whopping 10 pounds 4 ounces and 21.5 inches tall!

Even though you share many similarities with your brothers, you are constantly showing your individuality. For example, you are our first baby to use a pacifier. From the day you were born, you were sucking on your hands. Although you do not use it all of the time, your pacifier soothes you and makes you happy. Even though you are growing quickly, you are also our first baby that has been able to fit into newborn diapers and clothes! You have been able to wear many clothes that were brand new simply because your brothers could not fit into them. Currently, you are still wearing some newborn clothes but I have recently started to dress you in some three month outfits.

You are not only adored by your Daddy and I; your brothers think you are very special also. Matthew and Peter are constantly checking on you. They are also amazed by your alertness and spend much of the day talking to you. Matthew and Peter have also commented on how when you cry it does not even sound like a baby. Instead, they think that your cry resembles that of a baby lamb! 

William has also adjusted well to becoming a big brother. When you were about 10 days old he had a very rough day with numerous meltdowns. I believe that he finally realized that you were actually staying and were part of the family! Since that day, William has been a wonderful big brother (he almost helps too much)! When you cry, he runs to the bassinet and tries to give you the pacifier. William has to be watched closely because he will even try to give you the pacifier when you are sound asleep! If he is not trying to shove a pacifier in your mouth when you cry, William will try to soothe you by saying "I know bebe, I know." It is so adorable.

We are so happy that you finally arrived Joseph! You have made our family complete and bring so much joy to our lives each day. You are truly a blessing!

Love, 

Mommy and Daddy